What Is Potpourri? Your Complete Guide (a.k.a. Pot Pourri, Potpouri, Potporri)
Potpourri—sometimes written as pot pourri and often misspelled as potpouri, potporri, pot pouri, pot poori, or potpourii—is a decorative blend of dried botanicals infused with fragrance oils. It adds natural scent and texture to bowls, trays, and jars throughout your home.
What Exactly Is Potpourri?
The modern version of potpourri (pot pourri in French, sometimes shown as pot-pourri) combines dried petals, seed pods, cones, orange slices, bark, and herbs. These botanicals are scented with concentrated fragrance or essential oils to create a long-lasting, low-maintenance home aroma that doubles as décor.
Why People Love It
- Natural-looking décor: Colorful botanicals give bowls and trays an instant seasonal look.
- Set-and-forget fragrance: A gentle scent that doesn’t need flames or outlets.
- Endlessly refreshable: Revive blends with a few sprays or drops of a refresher oil.
- Great for gifts & centerpieces: Pair with a decorative wooden bowl for a ready-to-display present.
Everything Potpourri at Anything4Home.com
Botanical Potpourri Blends
Hand-assembled mixes featuring pods, petals, and citrus. Customer favorites include Pumpkin Spice, Cranberry Orange, Spiced Orange, Cinnamon, and Harvest Thyme.
Simmering Potpourri
Add a scoop to a saucepan or electric simmer pot with water. It releases a room-filling aroma that feels like fresh baking and mulling spices.
Refresher Oils & Room Sprays
Extend the life of any blend with matching 1 oz refresher oils, or mist spaces with coordinating room sprays for a quick scent boost.
Bowl Filler & Accents
Decorative botanicals and spheres that mix beautifully with potpourri to create full, textured centerpieces.
How to Use & Refresh Potpourri
- Display 2–6 cups in a bowl, tray, or jar.
- Place where air moves gently (coffee table, entryway, vanity).
- When the scent softens, add 5–10 drops or 2–3 sprays of a matching refresher oil and toss lightly.
- For a stronger burst, try a simmer blend.
FAQ
What’s the correct spelling?
Potpourri is correct. Shoppers often search for pot pourri (two words). Common misspellings we still understand include potpouri, potporri, pot pouri, pot poori, potpourii, and pot-pourri.
How long does it last?
Most displays keep their look for months. Refresh the aroma as needed with matching oils or sprays.
Is it safe around pets or children?
Potpourri is for decorative use only. Keep out of reach of pets and children, and avoid ingestion. Always follow the safety notes on each product label.
