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A lovely aroma can stop you in your tracks — maybe the smell of lavender reminds you of your grandma’s garden or a whiff of cinnamon whisks you back to baking snickerdoodles in your childhood kitchen. But scent is not only nostalgic: Studies show it can also influence your mood and work performance. As restaurant critic Tejal Rao once told The New York Times, “Every time you notice a smell — fresh bread, your best friend’s house, a wet dog, garlic frying in butter — it means volatile particles in the air have entered your body and, just for a moment, become a part of you.”
Knowing how influential scents can be, it’s no wonder so many products have been created to make our homes smell better. Unfortunately, though, not all of them are great for the environment — or the pets and people breathing them in. Luckily, there are plenty of non-toxic ways to fill your space with a scent equivalent to a warm hug. From potpourri to pomander balls, we’re sharing simple ideas that will have your guests asking, “What smells so good in here?”
Homemade Dry Potpourri
Make potpourri at home by mixing dried flowers, herbs, and spices with a few drops of essential oil and a citrus peel or two. Place the mixture in satchet bags or decorative bowls — and that’s it! While it takes just a few minutes to make, it can create a cozy aroma in your home for months.
If you’d like a little more inspiration, check out this potpourri recipe from A Beautiful Mess that I can attest smells as good as it looks — my neighbor gives us a jar each year around the holidays and it’s become a gift I look forward to receiving as early as September. Prefer something ready-made? Check out the handmade potopurri collection from Andaluca, a small business based in California that notes it “strive[s] to use the most natural materials and ingredients.”
Simmering Pots
Much like homemade potpourri, simmering pots can transform simple ingredients into the world’s best room fragrance, and they’re great for throwing on the stove when a guest is stopping by on short notice. You’ll simply bring water to a boil in a small saucepan, add your ingredients — e.g., citrus slices, herbs, spices — and after a few minutes, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Then, add more water as necessary. You can also use a slow cooker for the same effect: Just add the ingredients with plenty of water, set it on low, and leave the lid off to maximize all the good smells.
For fall and winter vibes, try this five-ingredient simmer pot recipe made with pear, apple, and cinnamon sticks — or experiment with your own recipe using leftover herbs, fruits, and spices you already have in your kitchen. My go-to mixture includes orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary.
Pomander Balls
Whether you’re crafty or not, homemade pomander balls are nearly impossible to mess up. You’ll simply stick whole cloves into an orange and reap a subtle aroma that’s warm, spicy, and slightly citrusy. The ritual dates back to medieval times when pomander balls were used to mask unpleasant odors, according to The Los Angeles Arboretum. Pro tip: Use a toothpick to poke small holes (in fun designs) in the orange before inserting the cloves to avoid hurting your fingertips. Get more tips and ideas for using pomander balls.
Essential Oil Diffuser
Take the feel-good vibes to spa-worthy levels with an oil diffuser. All it takes are a few drops of your favorite essential oil, and you can set it and forget it — no worries of an open flame or constant monitoring. Added bonus? Certain essential oils are also associated with improved sleep quality, decreased anxiety, and elevated mood. Vitruvi’s stone diffuser comes in a variety of colors and boasts eight hours of run time and an automatic turn-off feature, making it ideal for anyone looking to stay centered all day with sandalwood — or fall asleep to soothing chamomile.
All-Natural Candles (in Reusable Vessels)
There’s been a lot of hubbub about certain synthetically scented, paraffin-wax candles being bad for health and the environment. While conclusive science is still lacking in this arena, if you want to be extra careful, consider opting for naturally scented options made with soy, coconut, or beeswax rather than paraffin. To go extra green, opt for reusable candle containers that can double as planters or storage jars and wax refills that come in eco-friendly packaging. Just be mindful to trim the wick to about ¼ inch after each time you burn the candle to control the smoke and help the candle last longer.
Baked Goods
Finally, is there anything better than the smell of freshly baked cookies (or muffins, bread, brownies — really anything warm out of the oven)? Plus, your home won’t only smell delicious, but you’ll also get a delicious treat out of the deal. A win-win. To whip up cozy aromas in a pinch, a few of Nice News’ favorite boxed mixes include: Sweet Loren’s Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Annie’s Organic Cinnamon Rolls, and King Arthur’s Gluten-Free Muffin Mix.
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