Fall has an aesthetic all its own – the crisp air, the colorful leaves, and, of course, those cozy scents we wait all year to enjoy. From cinnamon to clove, fall fragrances instantly make a house feel warmer. So, for all you fall enthusiasts out there, I’ve got some great news! You don’t have to spend a fortune to fill your space with that quintessential autumn charm. With just a few ingredients – most of which you likely already have in your pantry or backyard garden – you can make your own DIY fall potpourri that’s as beautiful as it is fragrant.
This is one of the easiest home projects you’ll ever do, and, best of all, it doubles as décor. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and fun to put together. Which is exactly how all great DIY projects should be!
What You’ll Need
- Pinecones
- Dried bay leaves
- Walnuts in shells
- Small branches or twigs
- Cinnamon sticks
- Dried orange slices
- Dried apple slices
- Whole cloves
- Star anise
- Fall essential oils (try cinnamon, vanilla, sweet orange, or clove for a warm, balanced scent)
- A bowl or basket (If you choose a basket, I recommend lining it with parchment paper or tissue paper to prevent debris falling through.)
- Optional: Gold leaf or metallic paint for adding a little sparkle on your pinecones and/or twigs
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Fall Potpourri
Step 1: Dehydrate the Fruit
Slice one apple and one orange thinly then place the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 200°F for about 2 hours, checking every 30 minutes, until fully dried. Let them cool completely.
Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients
Place the dried fruit slices into a large sealable bag. Add pinecones, bay leaves, walnuts, branches, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
Step 3: Add the Oils
Drop in your favorite fall essential oils, seal the bag, and gently shake or massage to coat all ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Assemble and Display
Pour the mixture into your bowl or basket and display it on your table, mantel, or entryway for a festive touch.
Tips for Making Your Own Fall Potpourri
- To refresh the scent, simply add a few more drops of essential oils as needed.
- For extra flair, add a little gold leaf or metallic paint to your pinecones and branches; it catches the light beautifully and adds the perfect amount of holiday sparkle.
- Potpourri also makes a lovely handmade gift! Place your creation in a mason jar, tie it with ribbon, and share the fall feels with your family and friends.
Want more tips and tricks? Follow Dutch Apron® Bakery for all the latest recipe trends and kitchen techniques that are guaranteed to add a little extra sweetness to your life.
About the Author:
Jess Shirk is the genius behind many of the Dutch Apron® Bakery recipe blog posts. She joined the team back in 2022 as a social media manager, and, since then, she has become the brand’s resident photographer and baker. When she’s not perfecting pictures for Dutch Apron® Bakery’s social media feeds, she can be found spending time in nature with her two dogs, going on bike rides with her family, and trying new bread recipes.
