A Stylist Reveals How to Make Your Home Smell Like the Holidays Without Using Candles

Open any seasonal gift guide, and youre almost certain to find multiple candle suggestions. Candles are a classic holiday touch, but an open flame may not be ideal for homes with small children, inquisitive pets, or fragrance sensitivities. So, how can you fill your space with festive aromas safely?

We consulted Erik Kenneth Staalberg, a Los Angeles-based interior stylist and entertaining expert, to uncover his favorite methods for creating a cozy, fragrant atmosphere without using candles.

One of the simplest ways to bring holiday scents into your home is right from the tree lot. Dont hesitate to take home evergreen clippings and trimmings. Many sellers even have containers ready for customersjust ask first. The most aromatic options often come from balsam, Douglas, or noble firs. Arrange small branches together and top with a decorative figurine, or bundle them with a ribbon and hang them around your home like mini wreaths.

Staalberg also recommends a fragrant stovetop simmer. Before guests arrive, I fill a small pot with water, cinnamon, lemon, and rosemary, he shares. The steam permeates the home, and you can mix and match ingredients based on whats on hand. The key is keeping the heat low; a gentle simmer releases the scent without evaporating the water too quickly.

For a blend of decor and aroma, consider a classic technique popularized by Martha Stewart: a pedestal bowl filled with oranges studded with cloves and star anise. Both fresh and dried oranges work, with fresh lasting a few weeks and dried almost indefinitely. This is also a fun project for the whole family to enjoy.

Similarly, pinecones collected in a bowl or container can be enhanced with a few drops of holiday essential oils. This simple touch fills a room with a subtle, inviting fragrance as you pass by.

Creating a Cozy, Fragrant Atmosphere Without Candles

The holiday season is all about warmth and festive aromas, but not everyone is comfortable using traditional candles due to safety concerns or sensitivities. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to bring the scents of the season into your home without relying on an open flame. The following tips provide practical, safe alternatives that can fill your space with holiday cheer while keeping your family and pets in mind.

One of the easiest and most natural methods is to incorporate evergreen clippings into your decor. A fresh bunch of balsam, Douglas, or noble fir branches can instantly bring a festive, forest-like fragrance into your home. These can be arranged in a vase, bundled with ribbon, or even hung as mini wreaths. Many tree sellers offer trimmings, and it’s worth asking them for some if you're planning to decorate your space with them.

Another simple way to add scent without a flame is to use the stovetop simmer method. Erik Kenneth Staalberg, an interior stylist and expert in entertaining, suggests filling a small pot with water, cinnamon, lemon, and rosemary. Let the mixture simmer on low heat before guests arrive, and you’ll have a gentle, inviting scent permeating your home. The best part is that you can adjust the ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen.

For a more decorative and aromatic solution, consider the classic method of decorating with oranges. This simple project, popularized by Martha Stewart, involves studding fresh oranges with cloves and star anise. You can also use dried oranges, which can last for months, providing both a lovely look and a long-lasting fragrance. It's an easy, family-friendly project that adds a personal touch to your home.

Finally, pinecones can offer both visual and olfactory appeal. Collect pinecones, place them in a decorative bowl or container, and add a few drops of your favorite holiday essential oils. This effortless solution not only enhances your decor but also subtly fills the room with a natural, festive scent each time you walk by.

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