Although many aromatic plants are not in bloom during the winter season, there are still several aromatics that you can use as Christmas accents for your Holiday centerpiece, wreath, or bouquets, if you get a little creative! If an essential oil diffuser blend is not possible because of other factors (pregnancy, small children, pets, or seniors), try getting back to basics with the plants themselves. Here’s some ideas on how to bring some aromatic beauty into your home during the festive season.
Aromatic Tree Accents for Your Home
There are several aromatic trees to choose from at this time of year which can add both visual and aromatic appeal to your home. These include:
-
juniper (Juniperus communis) – including berries if in season. However, do not place these where they are accessible to children and pets.
-
cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
-
fir (Abies alba)
-
pine (cones).
Additional Aromatic Accents for a Christmas Centerpiece
Seasonal fruits and spices abound at this time of year. Think about aromatic oils which resonate with the season and incorporate those pieces into your aromatic arrangement. These might include:
-
orange rinds
-
cinnamon sticks
-
vanilla pods.
An Unusual Aromatic Element for Your Festive Bouquet
Although they might not be readily avialble from your garden (depending upon your locality), you may be able to find these elements from a florist or plant specialist in your area:
-
eucalyptus leaves
-
witch hazel (for both color and aroma when in bloom).
How To Arrange Your Aromatic Accents
Depending upon how creative you are, or want to be, you can arrange your chosen pieces into:
-
a Christmas table centerpiece
-
a candle arrangement (use a soy wax candle)
-
a traditional vase arrangement
-
a Christmas basket.
I hope that these ideas have given you some inspiration for those last minute touches to your home this season! Have fun!
About the Author:
The author of this article has a twenty year history in the health care and aromatherapy industry. She is UK-certified aromatherapist and a NAHA Certified Professional Aromatherapist (R). She is both a published author and editor in aromatherapy, a consultant, custom blend formulator and herbal studies student. She is the author of Authentic Aromatherapy and the current chief editor of the NAHA Aromatherapy Journal. She has taken the online Master Gardener short course series with the University of Oregon. Sharon works from her garden studio in Sedona, Arizona, where she is in the process of creating her own aromatic stillroom on her one acre homestead and aromatic gardens.
