Great for a gift or for adding a flourish to a coffee or entry table, this fragrant potpourri is easy to make. Just mix leaves, pods, spices and essential oils to create a colorful display that will scent the whole house.

You will need:

• Clove essential oil
• Acorns
• Small pinecones
• Birch bark strips
• Small maple leaves
• Spices: cinnamon sticks, whole allspice, star anise, whole cloves and whole bay leaves
• Rose hips
• Nuts: hazelnuts and chestnuts

How-to:

1. Gather the items listed above.
2. Place all the ingredients except the birch bark strips, whole bay leaves and small maple leaves in a large plastic or nonporous bowl.
3. Add a few drops of essential oil to the mixture and toss with your hands. (Wear gloves to keep your skin from absorbing the oil.)
4. Slowly add more essential oil until the smell of the potpourri suits your taste.
5. Place the potpourri in your desired container.
6. Add the birch bark strips and leaves.
7. Toss gently.