These DIY Room Scents Make Your Home Smell Amazing
Updated: Feb. 11, 2019These easy stovetop room scents can be made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!
Walking into a room that smells incredible can instantly lift your spirits—depending on the scent, it can make you feel energized, relaxed, cozy or refreshed. But instead of spending loads of money on pricey candles or chemical-laden sprays, it’s so easy to make your own intoxicating room scents using ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.
Here are three different room scent recipes you can whip up on your stovetop in just minutes:
Spring Lemon
What you’ll need:
- 1 lemon, sliced and seeded
- 2 to 3 stems of dried lavender
- 2 to 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
Directions:
Place lemon slices in a small saucepan. Add lavender and rosemary to pan and pour in enough water to cover the contents by 1 inch. Heat to boiling; reduce heat to low and simmer, adding more water as needed, for 1-2 hours.
Dreamsicle
What you’ll need:
- 1 blood orange, halved, seeded and sliced
- 1 vanilla bean, split, or 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 5 to 6 leaves of fresh mint
Directions:
Place orange slices in a small saucepan. Add vanilla and mint to pan and pour in enough water to cover the contents by 1 inch. Heat to boiling; reduce heat to low and simmer, adding more water as needed, for 1-2 hours.
Fresh Cucumber
What you’ll need:
- 1/2 medium cucumber, sliced
- 1 1/2 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 5 leaves of fresh basil
Directions
Place cucumber slices in a small saucepan. Add ginger and basil to pan and pour in enough water to cover the contents by 1 inch. Heat to boiling; reduce heat to low and simmer, adding more water as needed, for 1-2 hours.
Turn them into a homemade gift
The scents make great gifts, too. Just add your ingredients to a mason jar, fill with water, screw on the lid tightly, and gift wrap for a friend. Include a tag with written or printed instructions for how to simmer on the stovetop to make your pal’s home smell instantly invigorating.
More Recipes Made for Gifting
Cranberry-Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
I created this recipe when I didn't have enough ingredients for another cookie recipe. I use this recipe on numerous occasions for teacher gifts and Christmas.—Shelley Friesen, Leduc, Alberta Shop Now: Stock up on versatile 1-quart jars for all of your gifting needs.
Peanut Butter Brownie Mix
I discovered this recipe in our local newspaper, and when I gave it a try, my family loved it. While you can pack the dry ingredients into any kind of quart-sized container, a glass jar lets the pretty layers show. Cover an ordinary canning-jar lid with special fabric to customize the gift for an occasion or the season. —Lynn Dowdall, Perth, Ontario Shop Now: We love these hinged jars for easy layering. If you're loving these mason jar gifts, try these mason jar flower arrangements.
The Best Marinara Sauce
I developed this recipe with a friend to make the most of a bumper crop of tomatoes. Now we like to make huge batches—we’re talking 220-pounds-of- tomatoes huge—and then give jars along with a pound of pasta as gifts around the holidays. Knowing this sauce is made from the heart with the best possible ingredients makes me feel good about giving it to my family and friends. —Shannon Norris, Cudahy, Wisconsin Consider these gourmet food gift ideas, too.
Momma Watts’ Crazy Herby Salt Blend
This recipe for a delicious salt blend came from my best friend Annabelle's mom, Mary Watts—"Momma Watts" to me and my friends! Last year I made it for my friends; it's the best gift to make at home. —Ava Romero, South San Francisco, California Shop Now: Fill your own spice jars (and label them, too).
Plum Conserve
My mouthwatering conserve is a versatile gift. It makes a lovely garnish for rolls during holiday feasts, is delicious paired with cheese as an appetizer, and makes a great dessert topping for ice cream or pound cake. —Ginny Beadle, Spokane, Washington
Spicy Oatmeal Cookie Mix
Brown sugar and spice and everything nice—like cinnamon, coconut, oats and chips—are layered together in pretty jars of yummy, ready-to-bake cookie mix. It's a quick and easy gift idea that's appreciated any time of year. Remember to include preparation instructions and a list of any additional ingredients needed with your gift tag. - Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pumpkin Butter
Biting into this spiced butter on a hot biscuit or toast is absolutely heavenly. With a dash of whipped cream, you might think you were eating pumpkin pie! —June Barrus, Springville, Utah
Pickled Red Onions
Everyone should have a jar of this pickled red onion recipe in their refrigerator at all times. I put them on everything and they keep for weeks, if they last that long. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor Craving a regional dish? These are the best food gifts to order from each state.
A Cup of Coffee Cake
This mix is easy, delicious—and full of the flavors teachers need to get through their day! Instant coffee works fine as a substitute for the brewed, if you like. —Deborah Dubord, Fayette, Maine
Double Hot Horseradish Mustard
My family enjoys spicy food so this recipe is wonderful for us. We add it to sandwiches.—Madeline Cole, Willow, Alaska Shop Now: These mini jars are the perfect size for mustard.
Bourbon Peach Jam
Bourbon has been popular at our house since we visited the Kentucky Bourbon Trail a few years ago. Every bite of this jam reminds me of that fun trip. —Katie Ferrier, Houston, Texas
Salted Cashew Oatmeal Cookies
My son absolutely loves cashews, so I loaded my oatmeal cookies with them at Christmas—he loved them! The mix makes a great gift for friends, co-workers and teachers; all they have to do is add butter, vanilla and eggs. —Richard Hatch, Glen Burnie, Maryland
Cranberry Dark Chocolate Trail Mix
A close friend once gave me a jar of trail mix that was absolutely delicious. My re-creation comes pretty close to the original and is truly one of my favorite snacks! —Nancy Johnson, Laverne, Oklahoma
Hot Pepper Jelly
We enjoy this fiery hot pepper jelly spread on crackers with cream cheese. It also makes a terrific holiday gift. For a milder flavor and different color, substitute a green bell pepper, jalapeno peppers for the habaneros and green food coloring. —Richard Harris, Kingston, Tennessee
Cashew Brittle
I like this quick and easy recipe because it doesn't require a candy thermometer. It also makes a wonderful gift for nut lovers on your list. —Rhonda Glenn, Prince Frederick, Maryland
Spiced Cran-Apple and Grape Conserve
Faced with an abundance of grapes from my garden, I wound up using them in various ways. This conserve was an afterthought, but I received so many great compliments from family and friends that I made sure to write down the recipe. I served it with crackers and Brie cheese, but it would be great with pork, chicken, ham and cheesecake, too. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California Shop Now: Elegant jam jars help take your gift to the next level.
Double-Dutch Chocolate Holiday Cookies
Rich dark chocolate and crunchy, colorful M&M's combine to make these cookies extra special. Who wouldn't want to receive this mix as a gift? —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Mom’s Pickled Carrots
My mother is the only other person I've known to make this recipe. In fact, when I take it to a potluck or picnic, no one has ever heard of pickled carrots. But once they try them, they are hooked. —Robin Koble, Fairview, Pennsylvania
Homemade Pear Honey
Pear honey is an old recipe that's been passed down through families. We especially like it with hot biscuits and butter. It's also good on pound cake or even ice cream. Make sure the pears you use are very firm. —Charlotte McDaniel, Jacksonville, Alabama
Hearty Pasta Soup Mix
Warm up loved ones on frosty winter nights with a gift of this hearty, stick-to-the-ribs soup mix. Packed in pretty glass jars, it looks just as good as it tastes! Be sure to include preparation instructions and a list of additional ingredients needed with your gift card. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Shop Now: For added convenience, layer soup ingredients in a container that doubles as a bowl!
Good-Night Santa Cappuccino Mix
What's not to like about having a great cappuccino mix on-hand? I like to bag some up for gift-giving during the holidays. —Carol Witczak, Tinley Park, Illinois Shop Now: Pack this mix in a simple Mason jar mug.
Christmas Cranberries
Bourbon adds bite to this holiday standby, packed in a small heavy-duty glass storage container with a tight-fitting lid. Wrap in a vintage tea towel or cloth napkin, cinch with ribbon and adorn with small ornaments. —Becky Jo Smith, Kettle Falls, Washington
Ranch Dressing and Dip Mix
This versatile ranch dressing mix converts easily into a creamy dip or smooth salad dressing. It's delicious served with fresh veggies or drizzled over greens. —Carolyn Zimmerman, Fairbury, Illinois
Berry Curd
I've always loved strawberries. Each time they're in season, I think of new and interesting ways to use them. I spoon this strawberry curd over just about everything, from waffles and pancakes to cake and ice cream. —Margo Zoerner, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin Shop Now: We love the sleek look of these wood-topped jars.
Gingerbread Snow Globe
I make a big batch of these gingerbread cookies every Christmas to give to co-workers and family. For a festive decoration, arrange cutouts in a large clear jar to look like a snow globe. —Kelly Kirby, Mill Bay, British Columbia Shop Now: This large candy jar is a great option for a cookie snow globe.
Giardiniera
Sweet and tangy, this Italian condiment is packed with peppers, cauliflower, carrots and other crisp-tender veggies. It’s perfect to offer alongside pickles or olives on a relish tray. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Check out these cute ways to package food gifts.
Oatmeal Chip Cookie Mix
I like to give a jar of this oatmeal cookie mix, along with a cookie sheet, for a bridal shower or housewarming gift. —Joan Airey, Rivers, Manitoba Bonus: Learn how to reuse bottles and jars.
Homemade Spicy Hot Sauce
I created this spicy recipe one day using what I had available from my garden: hot peppers, carrots, onions and garlic. The carrots make this recipe stand out. —Carolyn Wheel, Fairfax, Vermont
Sand Art Brownies
A jar of this attractive layered mix produces a yummy batch of fudgy brownies that are dressed up with chocolate chips and M&M’s. If you need a quick gift for a neighbor or teacher, this is a delicious solution. —Joan Hohwald, Lodi, New York
Mild Tomato Salsa
I got this salsa recipe from my sister, and my children and I have been making batches of it ever since. We pair pint jars with packages of tortilla chips for zesty Christmas gifts. When the kids give this present to their teachers, they can truthfully say they helped make it. —Pamela Lundstrum, Bird Island, Minnesota Learn more with our ultimate guide to canning.
Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods
Kids of all ages enjoy making and eating these fun treats. The decorated pretzels are a pretty gift in a cellophane bag or a glass jar. —Kay Waters, Benld, Illinois
Confetti Bean Soup Mix
With its colorful variety of beans and delicious flavor, this soup is tempting. I like to give it to friends each Christmas. —Rebecca Lambert, Staunton, Virginia
Gingerbread Spice Jelly
I've made batches of this simple jelly, a winner at our county fair, to give as gifts for many years. When the jars are empty, people return them for a refill. —Robin Nagel, Whitehall, Montana
Christmas Pickles
A dear family friend made these pickles for decades. I've adapted the recipe a bit over the years, but in my heart they are still “Dr. Rhodes’ pickles.” These morsels are delicious any time of year, but the green, red and white hues of the pickles, cherries and onions make them ideal for Christmas gift-giving—and it's a tasty twist on the classic Christmas pickle tradition. —Patricia Martin, Shelby Still shopping? Find genius gift ideas for people who have everything.
Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Mix
We make batches of this minty, malted milk-flavored hot chocolate to give as gifts. Be prepared—friends will return the jars for refills! —Sara Tatham, Plymouth, New Hampshire Shop Now: Get festive with red-lidded jars.
Originally Published: February 11, 2019
