Simple Homemade Dried Orange and Cinnamon Potpourri

Once upon a time back when potpourri was as popular as social media is today, everyone, and I mean everyone had a bowl or basket of potpourri in their home even way after it lost its scent and became completely blanketed with dust and cobwebs. Those of you who have been around a long time know what I’m talking about. In fall, you’d be reminded that it was time to change them up when the local craft stores would have bags of these orange medley potpourri infused with the season’s finest aromas. But being the DIY adventurer that I am, in lieu of buying these already made bags, I began making my own favorite variations. But over time, I eventually transitioned into my obsession with scented candles and fell out of the seasonal tradition of making my own simple pretty homemade dried orange and cinnamon potpourri. It wasn’t until a month ago when my IG feed started featuring a good number of my fellow Instagrammers creating their own variety of these dried orange medleys that re-awakened and re-inspired me of that good’ol forgotten tradition of mine – making my own blend. If you have not made them, I highly suggest giving it a try.

As a slow living and stress-less advocate, I look for every opportunity to embrace the little things that make happy moments, especially during the cold seasons. So, I decided to whip up my own batch to bring in the warm scent of this medley, a recipe made simply with oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. It’s the perfect way to slide into ‘coziness bliss’ as I wind down a year that’s been nothing short of a never-ending cycle of madness and melancholy.

Yes, it requires a little bit of time and patience to run to the oven every so often for several hours. However, I feel the process of making them now while we’re home alone on holiday vacation helps to slow you down and brings a balance into your life – the fragrant scent permeating the air triggering a moment of blissful joy and peace on these chilly days. Just Imagine having this amazing aroma diffusing through your home as you enjoy downtime with the family in cozy attire during this time of year. This pretty potpourri also adds a nice colorful touch to the bottom of my glass vase filled with dry branch clippings from our yard. Their use is endless and makes wonderful gifts as well.

Here’s how I made my personal variety. All you need is a baking sheet with a wire rack, oranges, lemons, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. Begin by slicing thin pieces of the citrus (of your choice). Place the fruit slices in a single layer on a wire rack. I opted for a wire rack instead of parchment paper to quicken the drying process and avoid the risk of burning my fruits. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, to the bottom of the baking sheet below the wire rack. Turn on the oven to 200 – 225 depending on your oven’s heat. Dry the fruits in the oven for about 4 – 6 hours. Be sure to put a timer on to remind you to check the citrus slices frequently and flip them so they dry evenly.

The amount of time it takes for your citrus to dry is determined by the temperature of your oven, as well as the thickness of the slices. Depending on the use you have in mind for your potpourri batch, you can also toss them with your favorite essential oil blends in a plastic bag afterward. This potpourri will add a very pretty natural touch and homeyness to any part of your home it is placed in.

Please don’t forget to tag me on Instagram and hashtag it #dosesofslowliving when you give this recipe a try for a chance to be featured.