A DIY project that’s equally as festive as it is fragrant…

In theory, all the roasting, sauteing, baking, and broiling around this time of the year should have your house or apartment smelling divine. But in reality, things don’t always turn out so well. Case in point: garlic. However much we love the kitchen staple, it leaves behind a pungent, cringe-worthy odor. And if we happen to cook our beloved brassicas for a tad too long, well, let’s just say things get surprisingly stinky. And don’t even get us started on fish.

Needless to say, things don’t always turn out smelling like an idyllic winter wonderland. But fear not, these DIY natural room scents are the perfect solution. Plus, they double as festive tabletop centerpieces guaranteed to wow your guests before they even take a bite of food. Talk about a win-win.

What you’ll need:

First things first, glass jars. Then come the aromatics.

• Scent 1: Orange, cinnamon sticks, and cloves
• Scent 2: Lemon, rosemary, and vanilla beans
• Scent 3: Orange, cranberries, and pine twigs

How to do it:

Combine the ingredients in glass jars before filling them up to the brim with warm water, and voila! The fresh and slightly sweet scent will linger pleasantly in the room.

Looking to amp up the aroma even more? Combine the ingredients with water in a pan rather than a glass jar. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer. But be careful! Once the water evaporates, the citrus can easily burn. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Time-saving tip:

Prep, prep, prep. We can’t say that enough – especially around the holidays when free time is in short supply. Add the aromatics and water to your glass jars, screw on the lids, and pop them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use, simply reheat.

Cost-saving tip:

Citrus rinds work just as well. So next time you snack on an orange or jazz up your water with lemon juice, keep the rinds and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.

If these scents don’t have you feelin’ merry, our holiday cookies definitely will.

For some festive (and edible!) tabletop inspiration, check out this video.