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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!

13 CREATIVE CANDLE PHOTOGRAPHY IDEAS FOR STUNNING CANDLEIGHT SHOTS

If you’re seeking inspiration for capturing stunning candle photos for your blog or online store, these candle photography ideas are perfect for you. With these creative tips, you’ll be able to snap eye-catching images that stand out in a sea of similar product shots.

Take a Photo of a Candle in Hands

Human hands can bring life to a photo, adding history, character, and mood to the shot. The way a candle is held can convey different emotions or states. For example, placing a candle gently on a palm creates a cozy, intimate feel, while gripping it firmly with both hands can evoke a sense of confidence and determination. This subtle detail allows you to tell a deeper story through your candle photography.

Tell about the Components of a Candle

This candle photoshoot idea focuses on highlighting the often-overlooked details that make each candle unique. A close-up shot of the wick is a great choice, as different wicks burn and look distinct, and many people find the burning process fascinating. You can also capture an interesting shot by placing the candle’s cover slightly off to the side, allowing you to feature both the candle and its cover in a single, original image. This approach draws attention to the craftsmanship and subtle details that make each product special, offering viewers a deeper look into the candle’s design and burn.

Capture the Process of Candle Lighting

To bring this idea to life, you’ll need an assistant or a shutter remote control. Capture the moment right when the candle is lit to create a strong visual association that encourages viewers to imagine themselves doing the same.

For an even more impactful result, focus the shot on the candle itself, rather than on any body parts. Minimize other light sources to emphasize the warmth and natural glow created by the candle’s flame, enhancing the overall mood of the image.

Show the Process of Opening a Package with Candles

Including the packaging in your composition not only showcases the product but also reflects the overall service experience. A beautifully designed package, along with thoughtful extras like cards, notes, or small souvenirs, can communicate the seller’s care and attention to detail for the customer.

A craft box with filling is a timeless prop that works well for a variety of candle photography ideas. You can photograph the candles inside the box, highlighting their premium packaging, or place them next to a burning candle to create a warm, inviting scene that emphasizes the product’s quality and the thoughtful presentation.

Show the Size of the Flame

One effective candle photography idea involves using zoom, but it’s important to note that as the aperture changes with zoom, it’s often better to rely on a wide-angle lens for better results. The Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM is an excellent choice for this purpose. This ultra-wide-angle lens allows you to capture the maximum amount of light, making it ideal for shooting in low-light environments. Its ability to gather more light ensures that your candle shots will be well-lit, even in dimly lit settings, while maintaining sharp focus and depth.

Include More Candles for a Well-lit Scene

Including multiple candles in the frame can help achieve the ideal level of illumination for your shot. This not only provides a stunning visual effect but also gives you more flexibility with your aperture settings. To maintain sharp, crisp images, try to keep your ISO under 400, as higher ISO settings can introduce noise. In a still environment, a shutter speed of 1/15th should be sufficient to capture the shot without any motion blur. This setup allows you to create a beautifully lit scene while preserving the detail and clarity of your candle photography.

Use Fabric to Match the Packaging for a Beautiful Background

To achieve a perfectly balanced color scheme in your candle photos, choose a light and airy fabric that either matches the candle packaging or is just a shade darker. This approach helps fill in gaps in the shot without overwhelming the viewer’s eyes or distracting from the product.

Additionally, the fabric you select should complement the candle’s aroma. For instance, a rich, heavy scent paired with dark packaging may benefit from a background featuring a textured or rough fabric to evoke the right mood and enhance the overall sensory experience.

Add Volume by Including Books

Books evoke a sense of coziness and a homey atmosphere, often associated with warmth and positive emotions. To create this inviting mood, place a book next to the candle and complement the scene with matching details, like a soft blanket or a warm beverage. This combination can evoke the feeling of relaxation and comfort, making your candle photography feel even more intimate and comforting.

Photograph a Candle on a White Background

Capturing a candle against a white background is a foolproof photography idea. White surfaces and backdrops can really enhance the appearance of candles, making them pop and giving the shot a clean, elegant feel. If your photo includes models, ensure their attire is also in light shades to maintain a harmonious look. Even if the candle itself or its packaging is light-colored, you can experiment with different tones or even apply shadow photography techniques to add depth and create more dramatic effects.

Proper illumination is crucial in every photograph, which is why professional photographers work hard to ensure light evenly spreads across the scene, covering every corner. Harsh shadows can disrupt the composition unless they’re intentionally included for effect. Diffused lighting, on the other hand, helps create a soft, balanced look and is ideal for achieving perfect white balance—something a spotlight can often fail to do. This type of lighting adds warmth and depth to candle shots, enhancing their natural glow without overpowering the image.

Take a Photo in a Simulated Interior

To capture eye-catching photos, your candle should seamlessly blend with the surrounding interior. Consider setting it within a scene, like a romantic dinner table or a serene bathroom, where the candle enhances the overall ambiance. When viewers see how the candle complements the composition, they’ll be inspired to recreate that aesthetic in their own home.

You don’t need to spend hours searching for the perfect location—sometimes creating a small corner of the desired setting is enough. For example, a makeup table with a mirror, some cosmetics, and a candle can be all you need to evoke a chic, inviting atmosphere. This simple approach lets the candle shine while also making the space feel lived-in and relatable.

Feel Free to Show the Entire Process

Showcasing the behind-the-scenes workflow is one of the most impactful candle photoshoot ideas. If you’re shooting in a factory or home lab where candles are made, try to capture images in natural daylight to minimize the need for additional lighting equipment, keeping the process organic and simple.

When documenting the candle-making process, embracing a bit of “welcomed chaos” can add authenticity and charm. Rather than focusing on perfection, allow scattered fabric pieces, beads, and tools to remain visible—these little details convey the hands-on, artisanal nature of the craft. You can also capture moments like the interim period before the label is applied to the jar, highlighting the stage of production when the candle is almost complete but still a work-in-progress. These types of shots provide a deeper, more meaningful narrative and connect the viewer to the creation process.

Convey the Smell through Associations

Associations and symbols are powerful tools for conveying the essence of a photo. When photographing aroma candles, incorporating elements that match the fragrance or color of the product can effectively evoke the scent. For example, if you’re shooting a raspberry-scented candle, adding fresh raspberries to the scene can help visually communicate the fragrance, creating an immersive experience for the viewer. This approach adds layers of meaning to your photo, making it not only visually appealing but also sensory-rich.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, candle photography offers endless creative possibilities to capture the essence, warmth, and beauty of candles in unique and engaging ways. Whether you’re focusing on the intricate details like wicks or incorporating symbolic elements that reflect the candle’s scent, each shot can tell a compelling story. From behind-the-scenes looks at the production process to showcasing candles in their natural environments, thoughtful composition, lighting, and props can elevate your photos to stand out. By experimenting with techniques like using multiple candles for better illumination, embracing imperfections, and carefully curating your setting, you can create images that not only showcase the product but also evoke a feeling or mood that resonates with your audience.