Holiday Potpourri Jar

[ysabetwordsmith]

I've had one of these things for years. Periodically I have to take it apart and rebuild it, when the potpourri loses its scent and/or the string of lights gives out.

This year I couldn't find a string of 20 so I wound up with a string of 50. Note that you need incandescent bulbs not LED bulbs, as it's the faint heat which releases more scent from the potpourri. I managed to cram them all in there, once I realized that I needed to skip my usual method of putting a toilet paper tube in the middle while packing to keep the lights on the outside. It's hard to find good potpourri nowadays, with small pieces -- it's mostly huge chunks meant for a large open display bowl. I did add a couple of cinnamon sticks and some cinnamon-scented larch cones.

Anyhow, I got it working again. :D

Comments

[buttonsbeadslace]

That is a delightful idea and now I want to make one.

Yes ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

Go for it! Check your local craft stores. They often have kits or classes for such things around this time of year.

Examine the potpourri options carefully. It's hard to find ones with pieces small enough for this type of project. Cinnamon-scented larch cones (which are tiny) will work. Honestly, I'd consider mulling spices, which are sometimes sold whole in a mixed bag -- cinnamon sticks, star anise, cardamon pods, cloves, allspice berries, peppercorns, a nutmeg, etc. Hmm, or juniper berries and rosemary needles if you prefer a resinous scent. Mine's cinnamon.

I love this thing. It's farmhouse kitsch, but it makes me smile every time I walk past the bathroom. Also, it's much less messy than a Christmas tree or wreath -- everything stays in the jar.