Practically speaking, an artificial tree is the best answer for many people. Not everyone has the money to pay for a new, fresh tree every year. Certainly, not everyone can go trudging through the snow at a tree farm, cut the tree, haul it to a vehicle, then carry it into the house. That is a wonderful adventure, especially when there are children who help decide which tree is ‘the perfect one’.
Smell of Nature
The manufacturers of artificial trees are quite clever now with the styles and the colours. Their trees come in every size, from two-footers to, well, it seems that the sky (or the ceiling) is the limit. There are trees to match every décor imaginable, but something is missing. Many people believe that to be fully enjoyable, a Christmas tree has to have the smell of nature about it and there are spray products available.
Here is a recipe that will enhance the atmosphere in the room where the Christmas tree stands in all its glory.
Christmas Potpourri
In a large jar (not plastic) mix:
- 2 cups small cones
- ½ cup dried berries and/or rose petals
- 2 cups small sprigs of real evergreen (any will do, but cedar holds the scent well)
- ½ cup eucalyptus leaves
- ½ cup coarse salt (fixative for fragrance)
- 3 drops essential oil – pine or eucalyptus
The types and quantities of ingredients can vary. Let your imagination determine the result. Collection and gathering of the cones and evergreen pieces could be a project for children.
It all depends upon what appeals to the individual how much oil to add. Some people like a stronger scent than others. It is definitely a personal choice.
Note: Be careful with the oil. Pure and very strong, it could irritate skin.
Cover the container for a few weeks. Shake it every day to blend the fragrances
Cut a 4-inch diameter piece of material. Place about ¼ cup of the mixture in the centre.
Tie tightly with a coloured ribbon and make a pretty bow.
Suggestion: Sheer material lets the colour of the mixture show through. Patterned material adds colour to the decoration. Either way, the lovely scent will come through. The sachet shown here in lace has a sheer liner to prevent loss of content.
Hang several of the sachets on the Christmas tree as decoration and rub them periodically to reactivate the scent.
Table Decoration
Put some of the mixture into a pretty glass bowl or candy dish that has a lid. Decorate with ribbon or greenery at the base. Remove the lid and stir the potpourri periodically to add the scent to the room.
The sachets are excellent as gifts and favorites at Christmas craft fairs.
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