Essentials oils are perfect for any occasion! If you’re looking for ways to use your essential oils around the homestead for the holidays, here are 7 tricks to get your homestead holiday-ready!
Essential Oils For A Scenterrific Homestead Holiday
It’s almost Christmas and the New Year! Every homemaker has the ultimate goal of making loved ones’ holiday as merry and jolly as possible. In the stressful rush of it all, you begin to doubt whether you’re delivering the full homestead experience. You’re beginning to wonder in what ways you can make improvements—like right now because guests are on their way! Don’t stress! There is a host of quick, simple ways to boost that Christmas feeling in your homestead—and they’re all totally last minute, using your stash of essential oils!
1. Last Minute Diffuser
This trick is so quick and effective, it can be saved for times when people just show up. Seriously.
All you do: Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Now add 8-12 drops of your favorite essential oil or essential oil blend. Ideally, turn on a fan to disperse the aroma.
If you have a few extra minutes, toss in some additions with essential oil for a stronger aroma.
For instance, if you want to use orange and cinnamon oils to make your homestead smell absolutely amazing, you can add cinnamon sticks or dried orange rindto the mix to amplify that effect. This mixture is not only heavenly to smell, it’s gorgeous to look at.
If you have a few hours before guests arrive, try making this in a crockpot and simmering throughout the day instead.
2. Homemade Air Freshener
Many essential oils, like tea tree and lavender, have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. These properties, as well as their aromas, are excellent reasons to make your own air freshener from essential oils. Plus, a homemade fragrance like this costs a fraction of what store-bought would—and it doesn’t contain any questionable chemicals.
All you do: First, you need a spray bottle, a teaspoon or so of baking soda, and your chosen essential oil. In a small bowl, mix or sift the baking soda to remove clumps. Next, add 20 drops of essential oil. Mix together. Now, slowly whisk in 2 cups of water. Pour into the spray bottle, add a label, and get misting.
I’d recommend this blend for the holidays!
*Be sure to play around with drop amounts here to get your perfect mix.
Homemade Christmas Spice Blend:
- Cinnamon (approx. 10 drops)
- Rosemary (approx. 5 drops)
- Clove (approx. 5 drops)
Remember to shake before use.
3. Homemade Potpourri Mix
This is by far the most beautiful trick on this list. Homemade potpourri adds such a fresh, natural touch to a space that it’s almost non-negotiable as decor during the winter months. Place it in an upcycled dish and leave in the bathroom, fill old wine bottles with it and disperse throughout the house, or simply fill sachets and place in key spots: closets, cupboards, under pillows.
Here’s a great Christmastime Blend:
- Cinnamon (approx. 3 drops)
- Fir Needle (approx. 7 drops)
- Spruce (approx. 7 drops)
- Cedarwood (approx. 6 drops)
- Juniper (approx. 6 drops)
4. Homemade Fresh Linen Mist
Chances are that sometime during this holiday season, you’ll have someone staying at your homestead. If you’re anything like me, you want to make sure their visit is as pleasant as possible. So, before they arrive, make sure to mist this mix on the bed sheets, pillowcases, comforter, towels and throws around the house.
Homemade Fresh Linen Mist Recipe:
*Please use the same method to mix as in #2.
- 2 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- Lavender oil (approx. 18 drops)
- Rosemary oil (approx. 2 drops)
This linen mist will leave your guests feeling relaxed and refreshed.
5. Bathroom Bliss Trick
If you’re really looking to pamper (and impress) your guests, this is the trick for you. Simply grab your favorite festive essential oil, like peppermint, and add about 3-6 drops to the inside of the toilet paper roll. Each time the roll is turned, it’ll release the chosen aroma. Your bathroom will smell incredible!
6. Homemade Pet Deodorizer
You love your dog, but probably don’t want the entire homestead to smell like her. So, before your guests arrive, do a quick run through the rooms with this incredible spray. It deodorizes and freshens at the same time.
Pro-tip: Pay close attention to carpets, pillows, and blankets.
Homemade Pet Deodorizer Recipe:
Mix 20 drops of pungent, powerful essential oil like rosemary, pine needle, or eucalyptus into a spray bottle filled with pure apple cider vinegar. Label and shake the mix before beginning.
7. Enhance What You Have: Candles
What homestead is without candles? None that I’ve ever been to. If you need to stock up on candles before the holidays, do it now. This is a great trick you don’t want to miss out on.
A half-hour before guests arrive, light your candles. After the wax has melted slightly, and add just a few drops of your chosen scent. The heat will help disperse the aroma throughout the entire house.
Bonus: Here’s a list of my favorite festive essential oils to inspire your creativity:
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Nutmeg
- Ginger
- Rosemary
- Pine Needle
- Sweet Orange
- Frankincense
- Peppermint
Want to make your homestead smell like summer this holiday season for a change? Then try this essential oil reed diffuser and spritz from TiffyQuake:
Make your homestead scenterrific and leave a lasting impression on your guests the ultimate homestead holiday experience. Happy Homesteading!
Will you be trying these essential oil tricks in your homestead? Let us know if you would and what you think in the comments section below.
Up Next: 15 Ways to Make Your Home Smell Like Christmas
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Editor’s Note – This post was originally published on December 2015 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
