Today’s tip comes from Jacqueline Parisi of Hello Fresh, the largest meal-kit provider in the U.S.

These natural DIY room scents are made with everyday foods.

Plus, if you use a glass vase or attractive jar, they double as festive tabletop centerpieces.

It couldn’t be simpler.
 
 
RECIPE: HOLIDAY HOME SCENTS

Ingredients

Select a scent (photo #1), and purchase enough to fill the pitcher, jar or vase you’ll be using.

Don’t worry about buying too much: These are ingredients you fan use every day (well, maybe not the pine twigs).

 
Plus

 
Preparation

1a. COMBINE the ingredients in a glass jar and fill the jar to the brim with warm water.

That’s it! The fresh and slightly sweet scent will linger pleasantly in the room.

For an alternate approach, here’s is an old trick to make a pleasant-smelling home when guests are expected.

The ingredients are simmered on the stove so it takes some watching, like any stovetop cooking.

1b. SIMMER the ingredients in a pan on the stove.

Bring the water to a boil, then lower to a simmer and keep it on a simmer as the fragrance fills the air.

Be careful, though. Once the water evaporates, the citrus can easily burn, delivering the opposite of what you want to achieve.
 
 
Happy holidays from The Nibble.

[1] You don’t need a fancy jar—a Mason jar is fine (photos #1 and #2 © Hello Fresh).

[2] Choose your scent.

[3] Extra citrus makes a holiday garnish with the leftover cranberries or pomegranate arils (photo © About.com [now closed])