The Best Natural Scents for Winter
The warmth and comfort of being inside as cold weather descends on us here in Southern Ontario conjures images of snowflakes falling while we sit by a crackling fireplace or watch yet another Hallmark movie. Even if you enjoy outdoor activities, a lot of your time may be spent indoors during our short, winter days.
One way to make your home feel more cozy and inviting is by bringing some favourite natural fragrances into your space. When you’re craving being in nature, here are some ways to enjoy the scents of nature and enhance your home’s atmosphere.
Woodsy Evergreens
Evergreen boughs are a great way to decorate your home during the holiday season and beyond. Make or buy a garland, a wreath, or just add a few sprigs in vases of water and place them throughout the house. The woodsy fragrance of cedar or pine adds a refreshing scent to any room.
Fragrant Indoor Plants
With a bit of care, houseplants add a pop of fresh green colour and some have a lovely scent. Fragrant plants that grow indoors include lavender, rosemary, citrus trees and miniature evergreens like lemon cypress.
Simmer Pots and Baking
Freshly baked cookies, pies or breads will instantly delight guests as they step in the door. Beware, they may never want to leave! That welcoming aroma can linger for hours.
If you’re not in a baking mood though, creating a simmer pot is a fast and easy way to fill the air with delicious scents. Simply use a slow cooker (crockpot) on the kitchen counter or a pot on the stove. Add lots of water and a few of your favourite aromatics. Cinnamon sticks, orange slices, apple, cloves, ginger, pumpkin pie spice, mint, rosemary and vanilla are just a few of our favourites. Once the water comes to a boil, turn the heat to Low and let it simmer for as long as you like, adding water as needed.
Dried Potpourri and Garlands
Whether you purchase or make dried garlands or potpourri, both bring beauty to your home while infusing the air with their soothing fragrance.
Drying orange slices in the oven to make a garland automatically fills the house with a warm, sweet scent. String any combination of dried orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, flowers, evergreens, eucalyptus and herbs to create a festive citrus garland for a mantel, doorway or window. This is something that the kids can do as well, with a little supervision, of course
Another way to add a delicious but subtle aroma is with potpourri. A bowl, vase, jar or sachet of of dried fruit, herbs and natural botanical features like seed pods and cones makes a rustic and charming feature. Mix up any combination of your favourites such as pinecones, pine needles, cedar sprigs, cloves, bay leaves, rosemary, sage, lavender, and dried roses for your own home, or as gifts.
So, while the snow may soon be falling, by bringing a touch of the sights and smells of the outdoors inside, you can create a cozy and freshly fragrant environment all winter long.
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