mother would prepare a simmering potpourri – and it was wonderful! Several years ago, I brought the tradition back to life and my family loves it. Sometimes it just feels so good to go all natural. Yes, I still love candles and essential oils, but there is just something special about the aroma of fresh fall fruit and spices wafting throughout my home, welcoming friends and loved ones. Simmering potpourri can be made in a slow cooker, a stovetop pot, or even a stainless-steel simmering tea kettle. A small dipping slow cooker is great, because the water doesn’t have to be replenished as often. I have one that I have designated solely for simmering potpourri.
THE AROMA OF AUTUMN
BY DOLORES RIGGINS
FRAGRANT MEMORIES SIMMERING POTPOURRI FOR SEASONAL SCENTS
Ahhh, fall! Its magnificently colored leaves; vibrant orange pumpkins; freshly picked shiny, red apples; bonfires; I could go on and on about all the things that give me fabulous fall feels. The smells of the season are just as glorious. Here’s a very simple simmering potpourri recipe that is sure to provide your home with the perfect autumn ambience. Save fall fruit peels (think orange, tangerine, and apple) in a covered bowl. Puncture the orange and tangerine skin with whole cloves if you’d like. If you have apples or oranges that are past their prime, use these instead of tossing them in the trash or compost.
Who knew the holidays would roll around so quickly? It seems like just yesterday we were welcoming in 2021, but a new year is just around the corner. While the holiday season may have crept up on us quickly, I must admit that I love this time of year – so personally, I’m very excited that it is here. The glorious colors of autumn, trick-or-treating, the Thanksgiving feast, football and, of course, Christmas – all of these have a multitude of wonderful memories and traditions that come to mind, taking me back to a time that
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was extra special for me. cents of the season especially remind me of days gone by and trigger sweet recollections of fall fun. Who doesn’t love the smell of a baking apple pie? The aroma of pumpkin spice? The lovely fragrance of a Frasier fir? If you’re like me, you have a wide range of candles or essential oils in these holiday scents scattered throughout your home all season long, ensuring these magical memories are always top of mind. When I was growing up, scented candles and essential oils weren’t available. So in order to fill her home with festive fragrances, my 24
CIRCA Magazine
| October • November • December 2021
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