If you want your home to smell warm and welcoming, DIY potpourri is an easy and fun option. You can mix up your favorite scents to match any mood or season. Plus, homemade potpourri makes a thoughtful, budget-friendly gift.
The best part? You control everything that goes into it. There are no hidden chemicals or artificial scents, just natural ingredients you can feel good about using.
Check out these 10 fun DIY potpourri blends with easy ingredients and simple steps! I’ve also included some packaging ideas to make your creations gift-ready.
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1. DIY Cinnamon Orange Spice Potpourri
You know that cozy, warm smell that makes you think of fall? This potpourri blend nails it. Dried orange slices mix with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and just a pinch of nutmeg to bring those spicy, sweet vibes to your home. It’s like the holidays in a bowl. Star anise? Totally optional, but it adds that little something extra to impress your guests.
The best part? It’s super easy to make. Dry a few orange slices in the oven, grab your spices, and toss it all together. Throw it in a mason jar with some twine, and you’ve got a great gift—or just keep it for yourself! No judgment here.
Ingredients:
- 2 oranges, thinly sliced and dried
- 4 cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces
- 2 tablespoons whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 star anise (optional)
Instructions:
- Dry the orange slices by baking them on a lined tray at 200°F for about 2 hours. Flip halfway through. Let them cool completely.
- Combine the dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg in a bowl. Add star anise for an extra touch.
- Mix everything together gently.
Packaging Tip: Use a mason jar and tie a twine bow around the lid. Add a small handwritten tag that says “Cinnamon Orange Spice Potpourri”.
2. Lavender and Vanilla Dream
This one is like a spa day for your nose. Lavender buds, chamomile, and a little rosemary come together with a sweet vanilla bean to create a scent that’s equal parts calming and luxurious. It’s perfect for your bedroom, bathroom, or anywhere you need a little relaxation boost.
Making it is a breeze. Just mix up the ingredients, cut the vanilla bean into tiny pieces, and if you’re feeling fancy, add a couple of drops of vanilla oil. Scoop it into little muslin bags, and you’ve got the perfect drawer freshener or nightstand decor. Simple, pretty, and oh-so soothing.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried lavender buds
- 2 tablespoons dried chamomile flowers
- 1 vanilla bean, sliced lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 3 drops vanilla essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix the lavender, chamomile, and rosemary in a bowl.
- Cut the vanilla bean open and scrape a small amount into the mix. Slice the pod into tiny pieces and add it, too.
- Add a few drops of vanilla essential oil for a stronger scent.
Packaging Tip: Put the potpourri in small muslin bags. They’re perfect for tucking into drawers or placing on a nightstand.
3. Citrus Fresh DIY Potpourri
Need a pick-me up? This potpourri is sunshine in a bowl. Dried lemon, lime, and orange slices give you that zesty, clean scent that instantly brightens a room. Toss in a little eucalyptus and mint, and it’s like a burst of fresh air. Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, or anywhere you want things to smell light and happy.
And yes, it’s as simple to make as it sounds. Dry your citrus slices in the oven, mix in the mint and eucalyptus, and you’re done. Package it up in a clear bag with a ribbon, and it doubles as a cute, cheerful gift.
Ingredients:
- 1 lemon, sliced and dried
- 1 lime, sliced and dried
- 1 orange, sliced and dried
- 2 tablespoons dried eucalyptus leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried mint leaves
Instructions:
- Dry the citrus slices in the oven at 200°F for about 2 hours. Flip halfway through, then cool completely.
- Mix the dried citrus slices, eucalyptus leaves, and mint in a bowl.
Packaging Tip: Use a clear cellophane bag to showcase the pretty colors. Tie it closed with a green ribbon.
4. Cozy Apple Pie
If you want your home to smell like you’ve been baking all day (without the effort), this is your blend. Dried apple slices, cinnamon sticks, cranberries, and cloves give you that warm, baked-apple goodness everyone loves. A dash of nutmeg makes it perfect!
This one’s perfect for fall but honestly works anytime you want that sweet, comforting vibe. Dry the apples, mix in the spices, and display it in a pretty bowl. Or scoop it into kraft paper bags for an easy, homemade gift. It’s sweet, simple, and smells amazing.
Ingredients:
- 2 apples, thinly sliced and dried
- 3 cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces
- 1 tablespoon dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions:
- Dry the apple slices in the oven at 200°F for about 2 hours. Let them cool.
- Combine the dried apples, cinnamon sticks, cranberries, cloves, and nutmeg in a bowl.
Packaging Tip: Fill a kraft paper bag and seal it with a cute sticker or stamp that says “Cozy Apple Pie”.
5. Rose Petal Romance DIY Potpourri
This is for the flower lovers out there. Dried rose petals and hibiscus give this blend its soft, pretty scent, while a little lavender keeps things fresh and relaxing. It’s floral without being too much, making it perfect for bathrooms or anywhere you want a touch of elegance.
Throw it in a glass jar, tie a ribbon around it, and it’s gift-ready. You can even sprinkle a little in your bath if you’re feeling fancy. It’s easy to make, looks gorgeous, and brings that garden-fresh smell right inside.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried rose petals
- 1/4 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 1 teaspoon dried lavender
- 3 drops rose essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix the rose petals, hibiscus, and lavender in a bowl.
- Add a few drops of rose essential oil if you want a stronger scent.
Packaging Tip: Fill a glass jar and wrap a pink ribbon around it. Attach a small tag for an extra touch.
6. Woodsy Pine and Cedar
Love the smell of a fresh forest walk? This one’s for you. Dried pine needles, cedar chips, and a touch of rosemary give you that woodsy, clean scent that feels like being outside. Toss in a tiny pinecone for good measure, and it’s like the forest just moved into your living room.
It’s the perfect choice for fall, winter, or if you just love nature vibes year-round. Package it in a burlap bag, or display it in a bowl. Either way, it’ll add that outdoorsy charm to any space.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons dried pine needles
- 2 tablespoons dried cedar chips
- 1 small pinecone
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 drops pine essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine the dried pine needles, cedar chips, rosemary, and pinecone in a bowl.
- Add a couple drops of pine essential oil for an extra boost.
Packaging Tip: Use a burlap bag to give it a rustic feel. Tie it closed with twine.
7. Holiday Peppermint DIY Potpourri
If candy canes could magically freshen your whole house, this potpourri would be it. Crushed peppermint candy, dried mint, and eucalyptus leaves combine to give you that clean, minty holiday smell. Add a few drops of peppermint oil, and you’ll want to keep sniffing it all day long.
It’s perfect for the holidays but works anytime you want a little fresh energy in your space. Fill a mason jar, tie a red-and-white ribbon around it, and you’ve got an adorable, festive gift. It’s cute, easy, and smells so refreshing.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy
- 2 tablespoons dried mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon dried eucalyptus leaves
- 2 drops peppermint essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Crush the peppermint candy into small pieces.
- Combine the candy, dried mint, eucalyptus leaves, and peppermint oil in a bowl.
Packaging Tip: Place the mix in clear mason jars. Add a red-and-white striped ribbon.
8. Herbal Garden Mix
This one smells like your kitchen garden came to life. Dried basil, thyme, rosemary, and sage combine for a clean, earthy scent that’s subtle but lovely. Toss in a few dried lemon slices for a fresh pop, and it’s perfect for kitchens or dining spaces.
It’s simple and pretty enough to display in a bowl but practical, too. Keep a little tin of it near the stove or wrap it up in a rustic container as a thoughtful gift. It’s a fresh, no-fuss blend you’ll use again and again.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 dried lemon slices
Instructions:
- Mix the basil, thyme, sage, and rosemary in a bowl.
- Add the dried lemon slices for a fresh twist.
Packaging Tip: Use a small tin container. Add a handwritten tag that says “Herbal Garden”.
9. Ginger Spice Delight
This potpourri blend is the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. Dried ginger root, cinnamon sticks, orange peel, and nutmeg create a warm, zesty scent that feels like fall baking. It’s great for kitchens or anywhere you want that cozy, welcoming vibe.
The natural look of this mix is just as pretty as its smell. Display it in a mason jar, or sprinkle it in a bowl on your countertop. Add a gold ribbon, and it makes an elegant (and delicious-smelling) gift.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons dried ginger root pieces
- 3 cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces
- 1 tablespoon dried orange peel
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions:
- Combine the dried ginger, cinnamon sticks, orange peel, and nutmeg in a bowl.
Packaging Tip: Fill a mason jar with the potpourri and tie a gold ribbon around the lid for a classy look.
10. Sweet Vanilla Chai
This DIY potpourri is pure comfort. It’s inspired by everyone’s favorite chai tea, with cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom, and real vanilla bean. The mix of warm spices and sweet vanilla makes your home feel cozy and inviting.
It’s easy to whip up and looks beautiful in any room. Scoop your potpourri into a small jar, add a beige ribbon, and it’s the perfect handmade gift. Or keep it for yourself—because honestly, it smells that good.
Ingredients:
- 1 vanilla bean, sliced lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon cardamom pods
- 2 cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces
Instructions:
- Cut the vanilla bean open and scrape a little into the mix. Slice the pod into tiny pieces and add it.
- Combine the vanilla, cloves, cardamom pods, and cinnamon in a bowl.
Packaging Tip: Use a small jar with a warm beige ribbon. Add a tag that says “Sweet Vanilla Chai Potpourri”.
Tips for Making the Most of Your DIY Potpourri
- Drying Ingredients: Fresh items like fruit slices and flowers need to dry completely to avoid mold. The oven method works best.
- Storing Potpourri: Store your mixes in airtight containers when not in use. This helps preserve their scent.
- Refreshing Scents: Add a couple drops of essential oil when the smell starts to fade.
DIY potpourri is an easy way to bring natural, beautiful scents into your home. It’s fun to make, smells amazing, and doubles as a thoughtful gift for friends or family. With these 10 blends, you’ll have a potpourri for every season and occasion.
