52°
With the incredible power of smell in mind, MaidPro of Westchester offers easy and inexpensive techniques to fill the home with holiday and winter scent combinations.
Simmer pots. A scented simmer pot consists of nothing more than water, fruits, fresh herbs and spices, simmering on a back burner, in a crock pot, or atop a wood-burning stove. Most of the ingredients can be found at home or at a local grocery store. For a yummy smelling simmer pot, think cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, fresh ginger root, vanilla beans, baking extracts such as vanilla, almond or peppermint and fruits like lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits, apples, and cranberries.
Potpourri. The word translates as ‘rotten pot,’ following a 17th century French custom of collecting and layering fragrant herbs and plants and allowing them to ferment and mold, then mixing in aromatic spices. Contemporary potpourris favor drying over fermenting and molding of plant materials, which is easily accomplished in an oven on low heat with a baking sheet and parchment paper.
DIY scented candles. Many people spend upwards of thirty dollars on one great-smelling holiday candle. But to save some cash, try making your own winter scented candles to either keep or give as holiday gifts. DIY scented candles are a great way to use up mason or jelly jars and other beautiful containers that might be lying around the house.
Essential-oil combos. Used for thousands of years in spiritual, cosmetic and natural health practices, essential oils are thought to represent the purest essences of plants. They also happen to smell wonderful. Only a few drops will go a long way to scenting a room and there are countless combinations of essential oils that can evoke happy holiday and winter feelings.
To find out more information about MaidPro of Westchester, click here.
