A Stylist Reveals His Favorite Tips to Fill Your Home with Holiday Scents—No Candles Needed

During the holiday season, most gift guides feature at least one candle option. While candles are a classic choice, they may not be ideal for households with children, pets, or fragrance sensitivities. So, how can you fill your home with seasonal aromas safely? We consulted Los Angeles-based interior stylist and entertaining expert Erik Kenneth Staalberg for his tips on festive and visually appealing scent solutions.

Evergreen Clippings: Natures Fragrance

The simplest way to capture the holiday scent is often right at your tree lot. Dont hesitate to collect extra trimmings or clippings from balsam firs, Douglas firs, or noble firs. Many sellers even provide containers for free collectionjust ask first. Arrange small branches creatively, or tie them with a ribbon and hang them around your home to mimic a wreaths charm.

Simmering Seasonal Scents

Staalberg suggests a tried-and-true method for filling your home with natural fragrance: Before guests arrive, I simmer a small pot of water with cinnamon, lemon, and rosemary, he explains. The gentle steam spreads the aroma throughout your space. Adjust ingredients as desired, but keep the heat low so the water doesnt evaporate too quickly. A slow simmer is all thats needed to release the scent.

Decorative and Aromatic Bowls

Another classic approach involves a decorative bowl filled with oranges studded with cloves and star anise, inspired by Martha Stewart traditions. Both fresh and dried oranges work, with fresh lasting a few weeks and dried nearly indefinitely. This method is perfect for engaging the whole family in holiday preparations.

Pine Cones with Essential Oils

Pine cones gathered in a container can serve as both dcor and a subtle fragrance booster. Simply add a few drops of holiday-themed essential oils to the cones cores, and they will release a gentle, festive scent each time someone walks by.

Author's Commentary: Safe and Seasonal Home Scents

While candles remain a popular holiday gift, their use is not always practical for homes with children, pets, or fragrance sensitivities. The solutions outlined by Erik Kenneth Staalberg offer safe alternatives that do not compromise on festive atmosphere.

Using evergreen clippings from balsam, Douglas, or noble firs is a simple and natural way to bring seasonal scents indoors. These clippings can be arranged decoratively or tied with ribbons to evoke the charm of a wreath without fire risks.

Simmering a mixture of cinnamon, lemon, and rosemary in water is another effective method. This approach spreads aroma throughout the home safely, and adjusting the ingredients allows for personalized holiday fragrances.

Decorative bowls with oranges, cloves, and star anise provide both visual appeal and natural scent. Pine cones enhanced with essential oils also offer a subtle fragrance and a seasonal decorative touch, making them a safe choice for any household.

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• A Stylist Shares His Go-To Tricks to Make Your Home Smell Like the Holidays—Without a Candle in Sight