Using Scents to Create a Cozy Holiday Home

One of the best ways to create an inviting, cozy atmosphere in your home or space this holiday season is to engage not only the eyes, but the nose as well. Scents can play such a powerful role in setting the mood, and around this time of year, they’re perfect to bring back all those warm and fuzzy holiday feelings. I’m not a pro, but I do obsess over making sure that my spaces always feel as cozy as they can, and smells play a huge part in that.

Scents can influence mood and memories, and certain scents are strongly linked to the holiday season, which means they often remind people of home, family, and festive traditions. Here are some of the most classic and traditional holiday scents, and some tips on how to bring them into your home to make it cozier, warmer, and more inviting this season:

Pine & Evergreen - The smell of fresh pine trees is pretty much synonymous with the holiday season. Use some real branches, garlands, or wreaths around your house, or even a real tree to bring in that classic scent. 

Cinnamon - A warm and spicy fragrance that’s often associated with holiday cooking and festive feelings. Baking can of course create this smell for you, or add cinnamon sticks to a vase or a simmer pot to fill your home with some spice and warmth.

Cloves & Spices - Similar to cinnamon, combining cloves, nutmeg, or star anise creates a perfect, spicy, holiday scent. Again, a simmer pot will do the trick. Fill a pot with water, oranges, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and nutmeg. Then let it simmer and work its holiday magic. 

Orange & Citrus - Fresh, zesty citrus smells can bring some brightness to your home when it’s cold and gloomy outside. Make a garland out of dried orange slices to bring that brightness into your space. You can even add dried lemon slices, cloves, or cinnamon sticks if you’re feeling fancy. 

Vanilla & Sugar - A sweet, comforting scent that reminds people of warmth and coziness. Bake a batch of cookies! Vanilla candles or essential oils will also do the trick.  

There are countless ways to bring festive scents into your space. Creating a home that smells like the holidays is an easy and fun way to get into the spirit. Combine natural elements with scented candles with DIY projects to fill your space with holiday cheer, and bring back all of those warm and fuzzy memories this season.