Crafting Heartfelt Gifts: Homemade Potpourri

As the holiday season draws near, many of us are looking for meaningful ways to show our love and appreciation for the people who matter most. This year, I found myself on a delightful journey, making homemade potpourri with my grandson, Wolfie.

We started early, gathering little treasures from nature—acorns, seedpods, and buckeyes—all with the idea of crafting something special that Wolfie could help create. But as the days slipped away, life, as it does, got busy. Suddenly, I was running out of time.

In my rush, I scoured stores for pre-made potpourri, only to be met with bags full of artificial fillers that didn’t have the natural charm I’d imagined. That’s when inspiration struck. I called my dear friend Kathleen, hoping she might have something ready to use. While she didn’t, her suggestion to explore my own backyard rekindled my creativity.

With a basket in hand and Wolfie by my side, I stepped outside, letting the crisp air and winter greenery guide us. We gathered fragrant pine and hemlock branches adorned with tiny cones, along with iris pods, rose hips, and sprigs of sage, lavender, rosemary, winter savory, and thyme. In a moment of whimsy, I decided to include the last of my tonka beans from a long-ago trip to Paris, adding a rich, exotic warmth to our blend.

For a pop of color, we mixed in dried rose petals and delicate blue and purple hydrangea blooms that I’d lovingly carried home from my sister-in-law Karen’s garden in Pittsburgh. With a few drops of essential oils, a bit of Amber fragrance oil and, of course, a sprinkle of what Wolfie called “fairy dust,” our potpourri began to take shape.

As we worked, I couldn’t help but feel that this wasn’t just about creating something beautiful for others—it was about the love, memories, and intention we poured into each fragrant handful. The act of crafting this together became its own gift.

Now, I can hardly wait to package it all up with Wolfie, sharing our creation with the special people in his life. Every bundle tells a story—of nature’s bounty, of family, and of the joy in slowing down to create something meaningful by hand.

This little project reminded me of the magic that’s all around us if we just take the time to see it. With a bit of imagination, what starts as simple pinecones and petals can transform into something extraordinary.

As we embrace the season of giving, I encourage you to step outside, look around, and let nature inspire you. There’s no better way to share the beauty of the world—and your heart—with the people you love most.

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