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DIY HOLIDAY ROOM SPRAY RECIPES WITH FREE PRINTABLE LABELS

Looking for the perfect homemade Christmas gift? Try these holiday room sprays made with essential oils! Plus, download free printable bottle labels to add a festive touch to your gift.

How Do You Make Christmas Room Spray

The holiday season is just around the corner—can you believe it? To help us all get into the festive spirit, I’ve created some amazing holiday room spray recipes using essential oils.

If you’re like me and aren’t a fan of candles or store-bought air fresheners, these sprays are a game-changer. Not only do traditional air fresheners often cause headaches, but they’re also loaded with harmful chemicals, including endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, and allergens, which can impact the health of your family and pets.

Synthetic fragrances from air fresheners can trigger allergies and asthma, and some even contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Long before I learned about these dangers, I had already ditched air fresheners because they always gave me pounding headaches.

Instead, I freshen my home naturally with essential oils. Whether it’s through my diffuser or these easy-to-make room sprays, essential oils are a safer, healthier way to enjoy a fresh and festive-smelling home.

These homemade holiday room sprays are free of toxic chemicals, smell amazing, and can even be used to freshen up linens. They also make fantastic Christmas gifts—especially when paired with the adorable printable labels I’ve made just for you!

DIY Holiday Room Spray Ingredients

Making these holiday room sprays is incredibly simple! With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a festive and natural way to freshen up your space. Here’s everything you’ll need:

SPRAY BOTTLES

The size and number of spray bottles you’ll need depend entirely on your preference! I like using 4-ounce bottles (like these), but you can choose any size you like. Just keep in mind that the recipes below are designed for 4-ounce bottles, so you’ll need to adjust the quantities if using larger or smaller bottles.

There are nine different holiday scents to choose from. If you’re making just one, you’ll only need one bottle. But if you want to try them all, be sure to have at least nine bottles on hand.

A few important tips:

  • Use dark glass bottles: Essential oils are highly concentrated and can degrade or react with plastic, so it’s best to stick with glass.
  • Protect from light: Dark glass bottles help shield the oils from ultraviolet rays, which can cause them to spoil.

WATER

Water serves as the base for these homemade holiday room sprays, and it’s best to use distilled water whenever possible.

Using distilled water helps prevent mineral buildup that can clog your spray nozzle or leave unwanted residue on your home’s surfaces. It ensures a clean and smooth spray every time!

ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils are the key ingredient that gives these holiday room sprays their delightful scents. To create the various holiday blends listed below, you’ll need a selection of essential oils.

For the best results, I strongly recommend using only 100% pure essential oils. Some of my favorite trusted brands include Plant Therapy, Simply Earth, and Far & Wild.

Be cautious of fake essential oils—they can be just as harmful as synthetic air fresheners and candles. Always ensure the oils you use are pure and high-quality.

If you’re unsure how to spot fake essential oils, check out this helpful guide: Fake Essential Oil Brands You Should Avoid.

WITCH HAZEL

Witch hazel acts as an emulsifier, helping to blend the essential oils with water. It also helps the scent linger longer, making your holiday room sprays even more effective and fragrant!

How Do You Make Holiday Room Spray With Essential Oils?

To make your own holiday room spray with essential oils, here’s what you’ll need:

  • 4-ounce glass spray bottles (like these ones)
  • Witch hazel
  • Essential oils (recipes below)
  • Distilled water

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS:

  1. Add 20-40 drops of your chosen essential oils to the bottle (use the recipes below for inspiration).
  2. Pour in 2 ounces of witch hazel.
  3. Shake well to mix the oils and witch hazel.
  4. Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water.
  5. Shake again to combine everything.

And that’s it! Your homemade holiday room spray is ready to use. Below, you’ll find a few of my favorite holiday room spray recipes to try out!

Essential Oil Room Spray Recipes for the Holidays

HOLIDAY CHEER

10 drops Peppermint, 10 Ylang Ylang, 15 drops Orange

CANDY CANE

15 drops Peppermint, 15 drops Spearmint

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

10 drops Cinnamon, 10 drops Clove, 10 drops Orange, 5 drops Peppermint

DECK THE HALLS

10 drops Frankincense, 10 drops Cedarwood, 15 Drops Peppermint

CHRISTMAS COOKIES

10 drops Cinnamon, 10 drops Nutmeg, 10 drops Ginger, 5 drops Lemon

WINTER WONDERLAND

10 drops Wintergreen, 10 drops Cinnamon, 10 drops Cedarwood

JINGLE BELLS

10 drops Orange, 10 drops Peppermint, 10 drops Cypress

UNDER THE MISTLETOE

10 drops Palmaraso, 10 drops Peppermint, 10 drops Blue Tansy

Christmas Tree

10 drops Cedarwood, 10 drops Balsam fir, 10 drops Cypress, 5 drops Nutmeg

How Do You Use Holiday Room Spray?

To use your holiday room spray, simply shake well before each use. Then, spritz it around the room for an instant burst of holiday fragrance. You can also spray it directly onto pillows, curtains, blankets, or couches to freshen up your linens and furniture!

Why Do You Need Witch Hazel in Room Spray?

Witch hazel is a key ingredient in homemade room sprays. It helps to blend the essential oils with water, ensuring the oils mix well and the scent lasts longer. This makes it an essential component for a longer-lasting, fragrant experience!

What Can I Use Instead of Witch Hazel in Room Spray?

If you don’t have witch hazel on hand, you can substitute it with drinkable grain alcohol (ethanol) or vodka. However, I chose to use witch hazel in this recipe because it’s something many people already have on hand, and it’s easily found at most local drugstores.

Personally, I prefer witch hazel because I’m not entirely comfortable using room sprays made with high-proof alcohol around my family. Alcohol can be an irritant to the upper respiratory system, and the strong alcohol scent can be difficult to mask. Witch hazel provides a gentler, more natural option for your room spray!

Is Witch Hazel or Vodka Better for Room Spray?

Some people claim that using vodka instead of witch hazel will make the scent last longer, but in my experience, I didn’t notice much of a difference between the two.

In my opinion, both witch hazel and vodka serve the same purpose in DIY room sprays. They both work well for creating a fragrant room spray. The only real difference is that not everyone feels comfortable using a room spray made with vodka around their family, due to its high alcohol content. If that’s a concern, witch hazel is a great alternative that still does the job beautifully!

Can You Use Rubbing Alcohol Instead of Witch Hazel for Room Spray?

While rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) can be used as an alternative to witch hazel in room sprays, I personally prefer not to use it. While it’s not currently classified as a carcinogen, I have concerns about its potential hazards.

Isopropyl alcohol can irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. Prolonged or repeated exposure to high levels can cause dizziness, headaches, and even confusion. Because of these risks, I feel more comfortable sticking with witch hazel or vodka, as they are gentler and generally safer options for creating DIY room sprays.

Tips For Using DIY Christmas Room Sprays

Always be sure to shake well before using your room spray to ensure the oils are properly mixed. If you find that the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add more drops of your chosen essential oil until it reaches your desired fragrance level.

Need Essential Oils?

There are many companies that offer high-quality essential oils at affordable prices. I used to use Young Living oils exclusively, but they became too expensive for my budget. I was thrilled to discover other brands that offer excellent oils at much more affordable prices.

A few of my favorite essential oil brands include Plant Therapy, Florihana, and Simply Earth.

If you decide to purchase from Simply Earth, you can use the code HAPPYHEARTFREE to get a big bonus box and a $45 Simply Earth gift card when you buy an essential oil recipe box!

Final Thoughts About Holiday Room Spray

I hope you enjoy making these holiday room spray recipes as much as I do! They make wonderful gifts for friends, coworkers, teachers, or anyone who loves making their home smell amazing.

I personally like to gift these sprays in sets of 3 or 5, but you can package them however you like—or keep them all for yourself!

If you’re looking for more homemade holiday gift ideas, be sure to check out the following posts for even more inspiration!

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, these homemade holiday room sprays are a simple, natural, and thoughtful way to fill your home with festive scents—without the harmful chemicals found in store-bought air fresheners. With just a few basic ingredients like essential oils, witch hazel, and distilled water, you can create beautiful, personalized gifts that will brighten anyone’s holiday season. Whether you choose to gift them in sets or keep them for yourself, these sprays are a fun and easy way to spread holiday cheer. Happy crafting, and enjoy the festive aromas!

ECO-FRIENDLY SUMMER TIPS FOR A HEALTHIER SEASON

Glorious summer days spent outdoors can quickly be spoiled by pesky wasps, annoying mosquitoes, relentless ants, and painful sunburns.

But don’t worry! I’ve gathered some super smart summer hacks to help you tackle all these nuisances quickly and effectively, including:

DIY WASP TRAP

Unfortunately, it can be challenging to keep wasps out of the garden when you have lovely, sweet-smelling fruit trees that attract them.

If wasps become a problem, you might need to create a DIY wasp trap. However, only set it up if you’re dealing with an infestation, as it can attract even more wasps to your garden. If you just want to eliminate a few wasps, try this DIY wasp spray instead.

Making this trap is simple:

  1. Take a large plastic bottle.
  2. Cut off the neck of the bottle.
  3. Invert the neck and place it inside the bottle to create a funnel.
  4. Poke handle holes on either side of the bottle using a screwdriver.
  5. Remove the funnel and add your wasp bait (see below).
  6. Reinsert the funnel and tie string through the holes to create a handle.
  7. Hang the trap on the opposite side of the garden from where you want to relax!

Wasp Trap Bait

Different baits work best at various times of the year:

  • Spring: Combine cooked meat fat, water, and a little dish soap. The meat fat attracts wasps during their breeding season.
  • Mid to Late Summer: As fruit ripens, use fruit juice or pieces of ripe fruit mixed with dish soap. The dish soap suffocates the wasps, preventing them from flying so they become trapped.

Caution: Be very careful when emptying the trap, as there may be live wasps inside.

Tip: To safely block the funnel overnight, quickly place a tennis ball on top of the trap. The wasps will be dead by morning, and you can then flush them away.

Wasp Sting Remedies

If you do get stung by a wasp, use these quick home remedies to relieve pain fast.

WASP REPELLENT PLANTS

Plants that repel wasps can effectively help keep these pests away from your garden, patio areas, and dining spaces. Here are some effective wasp-repellent plants:

  • Rue
  • Lemongrass
  • Citronella
  • Eucalyptus
  • Pennyroyal
  • Marigolds
  • Thyme
  • Lemon Balm
  • Basil
  • Cucumbers
  • Spearmint
  • Peppermint

RUE

Rue is a semi-woody perennial herb characterized by its yellow flowers and growth height of 2-3 feet. This herb is effective at repelling stinging wasps.

You can plant rue alongside fruit trees to deter wasps, or use large pots of rue around patios to help keep these pests at bay. Its aromatic foliage not only serves as a natural repellent but also adds beauty to your garden space.

LEMONGRASS

Lemongrass is another effective wasp-repelling plant that grows to a height of 2-3 feet. Its tall, dense growth makes it an excellent choice for bordering backyards, gardens, and patios. In addition to repelling wasps, lemongrass adds a fresh scent to your outdoor spaces and can be used in culinary dishes.

CITRONELLA

Citronella is a delightful plant with purple flowers and a scent that both wasps and mosquitoes dislike. Growing up to 2 feet tall, citronella can be effectively added to mixed borders to help repel wasps. Its aromatic properties not only keep pests away but also enhance the overall ambiance of your garden.

EUCALYPTUS

The beautiful eucalyptus tree is an elegant option for repelling wasps. It can be grown as a tall tree or, with proper pruning, maintained as a graceful shrub. Eucalyptus not only enhances the aesthetic of your garden but also emits a scent that deters wasps, making it a functional and attractive addition to your outdoor space.

PENNYROYAL

Pennyroyal is a charming flowering plant recognized for its ability to repel wasps and mosquitoes. However, it’s important to note that pennyroyal is toxic if ingested, so it’s best to avoid planting it near edible herbs to prevent any confusion. Its pleasant appearance can still enhance your garden while providing pest-repelling benefits.

MARIGOLDS

Golden marigolds are a vibrant addition to any garden, effectively deterring various pests, including mosquitoes, slugs, snails, and wasps. These hardy flowers are easy to grow in patio pots and can also be used to beautify garden tables, helping to keep wasps away from your food. Their colorful blooms not only enhance the aesthetic of your outdoor space but also serve a practical purpose in pest control.

THYME

Thyme is incredibly easy to grow, making it a great choice for both small patio pots and as a charming edging hedge. This fragrant herb not only adds beauty to your outdoor space but also helps repel annoying wasps. Its compact growth and low maintenance requirements make thyme an ideal addition to any garden or patio area.

LEMON BALM

Lemon balm adds a delightful fragrance to the garden and is effective at repelling wasps. It looks beautiful in patio pots and can also enhance mixed borders and be planted around fruit trees.

BASIL

Basil is a simple-to-grow natural antibiotic that serves as an excellent wasp repellent, making it a perfect addition to any herb garden.

SPEARMINT

Place pots of wasp-repellent spearmint on your patio or porch to deter wasps while you relax or enjoy a meal. Plus, with fresh spearmint on hand, you can easily make a variety of recipes, including a deliciously refreshing spearmint iced tea—perfect for those long summer days spent on the porch!

PEPPERMINT

Peppermint is another easy-to-grow mint that effectively keeps wasps at bay. Having fresh peppermint in the garden is fantastic for whipping up delicious dishes like mint salad, mint sorbet, or the perfect mint mojitos!

CUCUMBER

Last summer, I grew wasp-repellent cucumbers for the first time, and they turned out to be a surprisingly enjoyable and easy gardening project. Cucumbers thrive in pots, allowing you to use them as a wasp-repellent plant on your patio or porch, as well as in your vegetable garden.

For additional tips, check out this guide to wasp-repellent plants from Five Spot Green Living.

WASP REPELLENT SPRAY

A simple DIY wasp repellent spray can also help keep wasps at bay. You can carefully spray it on yourself and around tables and doorways.

Many common herbs repel wasps, so you can create a DIY wasp spray using an infusion of any of the following herbs found in your kitchen:

  • Rosemary
  • Chamomile
  • Sage
  • Mint
  • Lavender
  • Thyme
  • Aniseed
  • Fennel seed
  • Cloves

While cloves are excellent at repelling wasps and flies, you might want to avoid spraying them directly on yourself!

To make the spray, combine equal parts of your herbal infusion (essentially a herb tea) with witch hazel in a small spray bottle.

Alternatively, if you’re a fan of essential oils, you can make this DIY wasp spray from Five Spot Green Living using clove, geranium, and lemongrass oils.

WASP KILLER SPRAY

I try to avoid killing bugs unless absolutely necessary, but sometimes you have to take action if wasps get inside the house. You need to be cautious when dealing with them, as it’s easy to get stung. However, if they land on a hard surface, I use my quick DIY fly spray to handle the situation.

NATURAL MOSQUITO REPELLENT HACKS

I live on one of London’s old marshes, where there’s an underground river at the end of the street, so come summer, mosquitoes are everywhere. Fortunately, I have some super easy hacks to keep them away and prevent them from breeding:

  • Burn Scents They Dislike: Use rosemary or sage on BBQs, or burn candles, incense sticks, or infusers with these scents.
  • Spray Yourself: Apply scents they hate, such as lavender or mint.
  • DIY Fly Trap Jars: Set up quick fly traps to catch them.
  • Avoid Standing Water: Eliminate sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
  • Keep Pond Water Moving: Use an aerator or bubbler to keep pond water circulating.
  • Use a Fan: Set up a fan on outdoor tables and by your back door to create a breeze that deters mosquitoes.
  • Cook Garlic on the BBQ: The smell of cooking garlic is something they dislike.
  • Drink Mint Tea: Enjoying mint tea helps you smell minty, which mosquitoes find unappealing.
  • Hang Lace Curtains: Just like grandma used to, hang old-fashioned lace curtains for an added barrier.
  • Plant Unwanted Flowers and Herbs: Incorporate flowers and herbs that repel mosquitoes in your garden.

For more information, check out tips below on making your own mosquito repellent candles, DIY bug spray, and bug balm. If you’re facing significant mosquito issues, take a look at this comprehensive guide to repelling mosquitoes.

MOSQUITO REPELLENT CANDLES

Mosquito repellent candles are a fantastic hack for summer evenings, but you don’t have to spend a lot to get them. You can easily make your own using just:

  • Empty jars
  • Tealights
  • Any mosquito-repellent herbs you have on hand

I grow mint and rosemary in my herb garden, so I often use those. You can also incorporate basil, as suggested in these DIY instructions from The Country Chic Cottage.

You can also add lemon that’s leftover from your drinks or, if you have it, a few drops of citronella oil, as seen in these versions from Bunch of Posies. This will enhance the mosquito-repelling properties of your candles!

DIY BUG SPRAY

A simple DIY bug spray is an essential hack for keeping bugs away in the backyard, while camping, or anywhere your kids are having fun outdoors. To make your own, all you need is:

  • A small spray bottle
  • Witch hazel (which also works as a natural treatment for blackheads!)
  • Any combination of essential oils that bugs dislike or herbal tea

For some fantastic tips on how to make bug spray with essential oils, check out One Essential Community.

I make mine with a quick infusion of lavender, rosemary, and mint:

  1. Steep a handful of herbs in boiled water for 3 to 4 minutes.
  2. Let it cool (you can speed up the process by putting it in the fridge if you’re short on time).
  3. Combine the infusion in a spray bottle with equal parts of witch hazel.
  4. Shake well to mix everything together.

You can then spray it all over, but be sure to keep it away from your eyes!

NATURAL BUG BALM

If you really struggle with bug bites, you can make your own bug balm. The simplest trick is to add a few drops of essential oils with scents that bugs dislike to a big dollop of sunscreen in your hands. Lightly rub them together to combine, then apply to bare arms and legs—but avoid your face.

While I’m not a huge fan of essential oils—since many can be a bit of a con—there are a few that are worth having, like tea tree oil for head lice, athlete’s foot, and dandruff, plus lavender for bug spray and balm.

If you’re interested in making simple potions, check out this quick bug balm recipe from Wendy Polisi.

MOSQUITO BITE TREATMENTS

If you do get bitten, there are plenty of natural mosquito bite remedies in your kitchen for quick relief. Ice cubes and honey are among the best treatments, but you can also use everything from lemon juice to raw potato or banana peel!

If you’re going camping, hiking, or heading out on an outdoor adventure, be sure to take aloe vera gel or witch hazel with you.

For a comprehensive list of bug bite remedies, check out this bug bite treatment guide.

ANT REPELLING HACKS

Nothing ruins a summer morning quite like an army of ants marching across your kitchen! I still have nightmares about it years later. The problem is that many ant poisons are toxic to other wildlife and pets.

However, a few simple natural hacks can help keep them at bay:

  • Act Fast: Address the problem as soon as you see them inside.
  • Squish Any You See: This helps reduce their numbers right away.
  • Thoroughly Clean: Use dish soap to clean the areas where you see them entering.
  • Wipe Down with Vinegar: After cleaning, wipe the surfaces with vinegar and let them dry.
  • Create a Barrier: Make a barrier line at the entry points using:
  • Diatomaceous earth
  • Baking soda (bicarbonate)
  • Cornflour or cornmeal
  • Crumbled chalk

You can strengthen the barrier by mixing in these repellents:

  • Cinnamon
  • Ground cloves
  • Pepper
  • Paprika

Once you’ve stopped the ants from coming inside, tackle the source outside. For simple, practical tips on getting rid of ants naturally, check out this guide!

NATURAL SUNBURN TREATMENTS

It’s easy to get sunburned in the summer, even when we take precautions. Interestingly, cooler breezy days can be the most dangerous, as we often underestimate the sun’s strength. Fortunately, many common kitchen ingredients can effectively soothe pain and help prevent blisters naturally.

I have a long list of natural remedies for sunburn, but my favorite for severe burns is an oat milk bath. My super pale Scotch-Irish skin tends to burn easily, but a cool oat milk bath provides quick relief from the pain.

Here’s how I make it:

  1. Blend a few tablespoons of oats with a cup of tepid water until smooth.
  2. Pour the mixture into a cool or tepid bath deep enough to submerge the affected area.
  3. Relax in the bath for about 15 minutes.

For extra soothing benefits, you can enhance the oat milk mix by adding chamomile and lavender, as suggested by Shaken Together Life.

OUTDOOR FUN FOR KIDS

I love these summer hacks for outdoor play for kids! They’re not only super fun but also incredibly easy to make, allowing older kids to enjoy the process of creating them before diving into playtime. It’s a win-win situation!

DIY GARDEN HOSE SPRINKLER

This DIY garden hose sprinkler from Housing A Forest is a fantastic way to entertain the whole family! It can be assembled quickly and easily, making it perfect for spontaneous summer fun without any prior planning.

BUBBLE SNAKES

These bubble snakes are also super simple but super fun.

To make the bubble snake, you’ll need:

Materials:

  • A plastic bottle
  • An old sock
  • An elastic band
  • Dish soap bubble mixture

Instructions:

  1. Cut off the bottom of the plastic bottle.
  2. Pull the sock tightly over the cut end of the bottle.
  3. Secure it in place with the elastic band.
  4. Dunk the bottle into the bubble mixture.
  5. Blow hard through the neck of the bottle.

Watch as your bubble snake wiggles through the bottom!

TIC TAC TOE STONES

These DIY tic-tac-toe stones from Taryn Whiteaker are a wonderful project for making something with kids that they can enjoy outdoors all summer long. They’re not only fun to create but also provide endless hours of play!

And they couldn’t be easier to make! Just collect some stones during a hike or at the beach, and spend an afternoon painting them however you like. Older kids can get creative and artistic, while even little ones can leave their mark.

NATURAL PAINT BRUSHES

These delightful natural paintbrushes from Messy Little Monster are another fantastic no-prep activity that kids of all ages can create and enjoy using. They’re a great way to inspire creativity and make art in the great outdoors!

Simply head outside to your backyard, a park, or the woods to:

  1. Gather leaves, grasses, and flowers.
  2. Collect a bundle of twigs.
  3. Attach everything together with rubber bands.

Then, it’s time to paint away! Enjoy your creative outdoor fun!

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, these easy and fun DIY activities provide fantastic opportunities for kids to engage creatively with nature. From making bubble snakes and tic-tac-toe stones to crafting natural paintbrushes, each project encourages exploration and artistic expression without requiring extensive preparation. So, gather your materials, head outside, and enjoy the summer by creating lasting memories with your children!