Tips + Tricks

It may be warm outside but that doesn't keep South Florida from celebrating this festive time of the year. Whether you're in the process of staging your home to sell or simply looking for a natural way to captivate the senses this fall season, this potpourri recipe will most definitely create feelings of warmth and togetherness. West Palm Beach is gorgeous year round, so embrace the palm trees and enjoy creating little ways to bring fall feelings into your space. Warm scents make a room feel cozy and inviting. We've put together a simple list of household ingredients that combine to make a sweet and spicy fall aroma.

A great potpourri begins with quality ingredients. We sourced our fruit from a local, organic produce shop, Celis Produce. There is no right or wrong combination of ingredients, it’s all a matter of preference, however, we love this combination of fruit and spices for fall and winter. Their fragrance and beautiful color also makes them perfect for gift giving.

Ingredients:

• apples
• oranges
• whole nutmeg
• whole cloves
• cinnamon sticks
• dried sage
• bay leaves 

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 250°. Thinly slice apples & oranges. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, spread the apple & orange slices evenly so that they don't overlap. Bake for an hour and a half. Once dry, mix with the spices. 

Jar your mixture and let sit for 24 hours before gifting. For an extra warm aroma, simmer on the stovetop. Pour potpourri mix in a saucepan, add water and simmer on low. 

For a longer lasting potpourri, add a couple drops of essential oils. Thieves, cinnamon, pine and orange are seasonal favorites and do more than just smell lovely. These essential oils are great for the mind, body and home.

Glass jars filled with the colorful mix make beautiful gifts. Pick a fabric you love and lay a small square piece on top of the jar before tightening the lid. Fill clear glass containers with the potpourri for the top of a mantle or dining table centerpiece. Have fun choosing your ingredients, mix & match colors to fit the decor of your space. Staging your home this season? Clear off any coffee table clutter and fill a shallow white ceramic bowl with potpourri for a nice touch as possible buyers walk through. Let it simmer on low an hour prior to showing. The warm aroma will add an inviting touch to the buyers experience.

Relax and let your space fill with the comforting scents of baking spices, fresh citrus and earthy sage. Make the very most of this fall season right here in West Palm Beach.