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I don’t know about you, but I love the smell of Christmas. Give someone the gift of a Christmas scent (homemade holiday potpourri) this holiday season!
Fresh pine, cinnamon, vanilla, and orange. So fresh, yet so cozy. To me, there’s nothing better than a snow day and a pot of homemade potpourri simmering on the stove. It’s winter perfection.
Last Christmas, I made potpourri in a pot for us all to enjoy, but this year I thought, why not take those scents and turn them into a gift for all our friends and family to enjoy as well. I know, I know, I am just so nice…right. Seriously though, this is such a quick and simple gift, I cannot believe I never thought of it before!
I have customized these cute little bags to my liking, but feel free to use a little more of this and a little less of that so that your Christmas scent is just PERFECT for you.
I also used fresh cranberries and oranges in my bag. Since I will be gifting these bags to Asher teachers tomorrow, I stored them in the fridge. If you would prefer, you can make these using all dried fruits, and then you don’t have to worry about the fruit going bad. For me, the fresh cranberries and oranges make a huge difference both in appearance and in smell, just sayin.
OKAY, and now for a fun/sort of serious part of this post. In keeping with my goal to really try to give back this December, today I have partnered with ZWILLING J.A. Henckels (aka my bestest buddies) to gift THREE readers one of my FAVORITE Staub pots. I’m pretty excited about it, AND you get to choose your favorite color (my favorites are the matte black and grenadine)! I know, so fun!
Staub is hands down my all time favorite cookware. Their pots, skillets, and dishware are honestly the best. I know you guys will LOVE this Staub Cast Iron 4 Quart Cocotte. It’s the pot I use most in the kitchen!! Love it!
While I am so excited to be gifting you guys some of my favorite cookware, I am also really excited to share a little info about the charity I am giving to this week. My mom has always made a point to give back, especially around Christmas. This year, she has really inspired me to give back myself, and today I wanted to chat a little about a charity I think is pretty close to a lot of people’s hearts.
St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital works day and night to help save the lives of thousands of children battling cancer. Cancer is something that has probably affected most us in some way or another. I know it has greatly affected my family. This is one of the many reasons I feel so lucky to be able to give back and help support such an amazing organization like St. Jude’s.
I was laying in bed the other night finishing up some work, I think it was like 11:45 pm and I was so ready for bed, but me being me, I just couldn’t go to sleep without a little something fun. At least for a few minutes of a Christmas movie was a must. I told myself I would only watch ten minutes, but of course, I picked one of those sappy, tear-filled Hallmark Christmas movies. A huh, you know what I’m talking about.
Anyway, long story short, the movie was about a young boy with leukemia. His mother wrote a blog about their journey, staying at St. Jude’s, and the everyday ups and downs. To say that it was intense is an understatement. I totally cried my way through the ending, but even though the story was so sad, it was also very upbeat and positive at the same time. It’s hard to explain, and I am a horrible story-teller, but the point is that it really made you think and be grateful and so happy for what you have, you know?
I really could not think of a better organization to donate to this Christmas. Kids are everything, full of innocence, energy, and life. Knowing that by giving, even just a little, I can help to fund research that can potentially help save lives, is a great feeling.
So today I am encouraging you all to give a little back too, if it’s at all possible! Please check out the St. Jude’s Website, watch the videos, learn about the kids, and learn how you can help save a life.
Sorry if that all totally sounds like an ad, BUT it’s Christmas, and it’s a time for giving, not just receiving… of course that’s fun too!
To enter the Staub GIVEAWAY: tell me what is on your bucket list of things you MUST do before Christmas? Do you want to go ice skating? Bake pounds of Christmas Cookies? Decorate Gingerbread houses? Make Homemade Holiday Potpourri for gifting?
Leave your answer in the comments and I will pick THREE winners one week from today!! Oh, and if you do decide to give to St. Jude’s, please email me or let me know in the comments. I will send you a big internet hug! 🙂
Happy potpourri making friends!
Christmas Potpourri.
Servings: 1 BAG HOMEMADE CHRISTMAS POTPOURRI
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries OR 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks crushed
- 1-2 star ansie optional
- 1 tablespoon cardamom crushed
- 2 teaspoons whole cloves
- 1/4 cup candied ginger
- 1 vanilla bean halved lengthwise
- 1 fresh pine or 1 sprig rosemary
- 1 cup Satsuma or tangerine OR 1/3 candied orange peel
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients except the orange in a burlap bag or glass jar. If using a jar, add the orange and seal the jar. If using a burlap bag, tie the sack shut and then tie the orange onto the outside of the sack. You can also just place the orange inside the sack. Decorate as desired.
- If using fresh cranberries and oranges, gift the potpourri within 2-3 days of making and keep stored in the fridge. If you use all dried fruits, the potpourri can be stored at room temperature for up to a month.
- To make the Potpourri, add the contents of your bag (or jar) to a medium size pot. Add water until it comes 3/4 the way up the pot. Simmer on the stove over low heat, adding water every so often to keep it from drying up.
If only you could smell my potpourri simmering away. SO Christmasy!! And isn’t that Staub pot the most beautiful thing ever? It’s really a work of art! I know I have already said this, but it’s my favorite!
Lastly, if you make this Homemade Holiday Potpourri be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
I would love to take my nieces to see the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Centre. I always was in awe of it as a kid and it really got me in the “‘tis the season” mood. Nyc is not the same after this pandemic (what is?!) but the window displays along 5th ave. And the whole city decked out for the lights is that Christmas magic you see in those Hallmark holiday movies. There’s nothing like Christmas in NYC especially when you can share it with family.
Aw that would be really sweet, Kate! If you choose to do that, I hope you have an amazing time and stay safe! xTieghan
The holidays are going to be a bit different this year, less family, less entertaining. So I’ll have more time, so my goal is to cook and bake my way through my wonderful cookbooks, including Half baked Harvest. When possible I will share with my family and friends by delivering to their door. I just delivered your Apple Butter to several family and friends. I do plan on donating to St. Jude. I have in the past. Happy Holidays to you and your family. I love your instagram stories. Thank you!!
Thank you so much Kathy! I am so happy you are cooking your way through some books, including mine! I hope you have an amazing holiday season! xTieghan
Thank you for this idea! This is the perfect addition to homemade gifts of salsa, apple and apricot butter and homemade tea!!
My bucket list before the holidays includes getting tea made for my growing business, ski walkabouts in the woods in the quiet dreamy snow with hot beverages, apple pie baking, and mailing all the packages to arrive before Christmas this year!
Love that!! Thank you Nicole! xTieghan
This looks great !! I can not wait to try it , perhaps today!
Bucket list is definitely going to be decorating. This is our first year in our new house and I want to make it really special…go big or go home !!
Thanks for everything you do, cheers!
Thank you Carissa! I am really glad you are making this! xTieghan
Mmmm. The ingredients can’t help but smell delightful. ?? My bucket list is making some biodegradable/edible decorations and finding a Christmas tree on the piece of land we’re clearing for our first house. With all the transition in our lives, we won’t be able to have a tree in the apartment, so I decided to make one that wildlife and humans alike can enjoy while we’re moving dirt and removing stumps.
I love that you are making some edible decorations! Yes! Thank you so much Shelbie! xTieghan
This potpourri is a definite on my list of things to do for the holidays this year! I love how you can personalize it with your favorite items that smell so good and make a cute little bag too!
Normally we have a lot of company over the holiday season. Sadly this year, I am not sure how this will look. Not just for us, but for everyone. So to me, that means I need to step up my holiday cheer as I know this will be heavy on many hearts this year. So many people have lost loved ones and will not be able to travel to see family like they normally would. ?
BTW, I love you are giving to St Judes. This is a GREAT charity that I give to as well.
Happy Holidays to you and your family!!
Hi Kim! I hope you have an amazing holiday season despite not being able to celebrate like normal! Thank you so much for sharing! xTieghan
I Love all of your recipes Tieghan!! From the beautiful pictures you take to all the joy you put into everything!! You inspire me!!! This year with the pandemic I’m bringing a simpler Christmas back to the heart of my home with homemade gifts!! I love life, family and nature. It is very important to me! Since last year I had lost my father to Alzheimer’s and a part of my heart…I am reminded how it’s all about making “ memories!”
A captured moment that you hold unto even when a loved one can’t………
My father use to play Santa Claus for all kids in my small town. So it’s a special time of of year and also a dear one I hold to my heart! ❤️
This year I’m making Extra large Gingerbread men for all my grandchildren and kids I know!! My best friend taught me and gave me her recipe to pass on! So this year I’m putting a “red heart” ❤️ on all the cookies along with the piping, eyes, mouth etc!!
So spread the LOVE this season along with Joy!!
It has been a hard year!!!
Thank you Tieghan for the joy you bring to all of us looking at Half Baked Harvest!
Yummingly,
suedenny59
Thank you so much Susan! I am so happy you have been enjoying my recipes and I hope you continue to! Also, love that you are making your friends recipe for your grandchildren!! xTieghan
Every year I make or buy something to gift to our clients for Christmas. I was going to make a braided bread our family lives and I still may do this but your pot pouri is perfect! I love the idea of gifting these in burlap bags like you’ve done too. Especially this year people are appreciating more than ever a gesture to be thought of. We always add a tag with the recipe and give credit to the originator and will do that again. Thanks you! And Staub cookware is on my Christmas list this year!
That is so nice! I hope you have an amazing holiday season, Laura! Thank you! xTieghan
You are so inspiring..and to be so young is a double YAY <3! I would be so EXCITED to try Staub cookware!! I've always loved cooking in cast iron
..but Lodge is all I've ever tried.
Happy Holidays!
You are so kind! Thank you so much Wesley! xTieghan
Three things to do before Christmas:
1. Walk through a local botanical garden at see the most beautiful display of Christmas Lights!! (Safe and festive?)
2. Make Christmas ornaments with my kiddos (Maribel & Maverick) to use as gifts to grandparents- this is an tradition & I think I will tack on this potpourri too! Especially sweet since we might not travel to see anyone this year!
3. Cook Christmas dinner! Want to include a pecan pie (never made one, but I love), a great new appetizer to have out during the day & a fun and easy cocktail to keep the entire day festive and relaxing!
PS- we also donate to St. Judes! ❤️
Aw I love that you are making ornaments together! So special! Thank you so much Sami! xTieghan
My bucket list of MUST do before Christmas: finish crafting wine and beer glasses with Cricut as gifts! This potpourri recipe is a high choice for an additional gift.
I love that! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
What a unique gift idea!
My before-Christmas bucket list includes making homemade Christmas cards for family and friends, (& now thinking of attaching some homemade potpourri goodie bags), and baking up a storm of Christmas goodies!
Aw that is so special! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
I want to work on making some homemade candies like my grandmother used to make. I also have a cinnamon roll night with my nieces and nephew where we will make cinnamon rolls for Christmas gifts.
Aw that is so sweet! I love that you are keeping traditions alive! Thank you Kinsey! xTieghan
I would love a Staub pot! My bucket list before Christmas:
1. Make your Slice & bake Salted Chocolate Butter Pecan cookies (they were a huge hit last year & being requested as gifts again)
2. Another homemade gift or purchase locally sourced one of a kind gifts (there are so many of your recipes that I want to make as gifts, I keep changing my mind! ?)
3. Pack them all in diy Christmas Eve boxes. Idea from hallmark home & family. Check out the link https://youtu.be/UT0TZZLJMfo
Love all of these things! I hope you have an amazing holiday season, Princess! xTieghan
I will love to make some homemade holiday popurrí for gifting that’s for sure in my bucket list before Christmas. ?
Love that! I hope these turn out amazing for you, Dolores! xTieghan