I love using essential oils to fill my home with the smell of Christmas!
- The sweet peppermint scent of candy canes
- Orange that reminds me of my favorite childhood scratch-and-sniff Christmas book, The Sweet Smell of Christmas by Patricia Scarry
- Spruce and fir that evoke the feeling of finding the perfect Christmas tree
So many wonderful Christmas scents!
Ways to use essential oils at Christmas
I often use a traditional ultrasonic diffuser to spread peppermint, orange, and evergreen scents through my home. But diffusers aren’t always convenient—there isn’t always an outlet nearby, or I don’t want to run a diffuser in every room. That’s when a potpourri-style diffuser in a jar becomes a handy option.
I also make room sprays, reed diffusers, and other portable scent options so I can easily scent bathrooms, entryways, and small rooms without relying on an electric diffuser.
This Christmas potpourri diffuser is a favorite: it’s decorative, portable, and great for areas where an outlet isn’t available.
How to make an essential oil potpourri diffuser
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Step 1: Start with a mason jar that has air holes in its lid
Tip: You can make these diffusers in any jar size. Small jars are charming and work well grouped together or tucked into decorations. I prefer wide-mouth jars because their larger opening makes arranging the potpourri easier.
Tip: Mason jar lids with air holes or decorative cutouts are often available at craft stores or online. Make sure the lid matches your jar size.
Step 2: Gather potpourri and decorative elements
I used:
- Pinecones
- Evergreen sprigs
- Berries
- Ice crystal picks
- Wood slices
- Small decorative balls
Tip: Craft stores carry a wide selection of holiday picks and décor. Choose several items that will absorb oil—wood slices, natural pinecones, felt, or wool work well for holding and releasing scent.
Step 3: Add essential oil to absorbent pieces
Tip: Amounts depend on jar size. For a large jar I use about 20–25 drops of essential oil spread across wood slices and pinecones.
Tip: Refresh the potpourri with additional drops when the scent fades. Scent longevity varies by oil strength, jar size, and room size—expect anything from a day to a week or more.
Step 4: Layer the items in the jar
Tip: Start with larger items on the bottom, then fill in gaps with smaller pieces. Layering creates depth and helps distribute the scented pieces throughout the jar.
Step 5: Add more items and arrange for display
Tip: Check the jar from the side as you add pieces so it looks attractive on a tabletop or counter. Press the prettiest items against the glass to highlight them.
Finish: Close the lid and add a ribbon
Secure the lid and tie a ribbon around the jar neck for a polished, gift-ready look.
Christmas essential oils and blends to use
Single oils that smell like Christmas — add 20–25 drops
- Peppermint
- Spruce
- Sweet orange
- Cinnamon (use only about 10 drops; cinnamon is very strong)
Blend recipes
- 15 drops sweet orange + 3 drops cinnamon + 6 drops spruce
- 8 drops spruce + 8 drops sweet orange + 2 drops clove + 2 drops cinnamon
- 8 drops frankincense + 8 drops myrrh + 8 drops sweet orange
- 15 drops peppermint + 7 drops ylang ylang
- 14 drops eucalyptus + 8 drops juniper berry + 2 drops sage
- 6 drops cinnamon + 8 drops sweet orange + 10 drops fir
- 12 drops sweet orange + 12 drops peppermint
- 12 drops sweet orange + 7 drops cinnamon + 5 drops clove
- 12 drops fir + 12 drops cedarwood
- 12 drops fir + 6 drops grapefruit + 6 drops frankincense
How to use a potpourri diffuser
- Place the diffuser in a small, enclosed space such as a bathroom, bedroom, or small kitchen for best results.
- Refresh the scent by adding a few more drops to absorbent pieces as needed.
Where to get supplies
Wide-mouth mason jars, lids with air holes or decorative cutouts, wood slices, pinecones, and other craft picks are widely available at craft stores and online. Choose pieces that are natural or absorbent if you want longer-lasting scent.
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Please note: Products mentioned on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice—consult your healthcare provider for medical concerns.
Disclaimer: This site may contain affiliate links. If you click through certain links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
