Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice: Make Your Home Smell Like Christmas

Smell that? It's Christmas. The scent of fresh evergreen, or cinnamon and nutmeg – I get happy flashbacks every time I catch a whiff. Most of the time, these smells simply come with the territory. But as you're planning out your holiday decor, why not intentionally evoke your fourth sense (yes, smell) during the season by integrating it into your interior?

Here are six easy ways to do just that, including one very simple DIY candleholder project.

1. Coming Up Roses
An over-sized bouquet of roses smells and looks wonderful. It's a pretty simple equation. For that extra seasonal touch, fill a clear vase of white roses with cranberries, as shown – it's a subtle candy-cane inspired look.

2. Centerpiece of Attention
Have some fun with your centerpieces. This one not only adds some interest to the table with all its colors and patterns, but it will also fill the room with a delicious smell. Arrange pomanders, pinecones and fragrant holiday greens on a transferware plate. Score patterns on the oranges with a citrus striper or channel knife, make pilot holes with a small nail, then stud the oranges along the pattern with whole cloves. (Directions courtesy of Martha Stewart Living.)

3. No Frilly Spring Flowers Here
Paperwhites are among the elite varieties that have made the list of "holiday flowers." And rightfully so: They're relatively easy bulbs to force in the winter and they look stunning in a simple bouquet. Plus, they smell wonderful! Create an arrangement to fit your holiday decor. Country chic Christmas? Fill a white pitcher with a loose bouquet. Traditional red and green holiday? Arrange them in a crystal vase with an assortment of red roses and holly branches.

Quick tip: Place a budding Paperwhite, still in its pot, on the fireplace mantel; tie a colorful ribbon around the pot and place an assortment of holiday ornaments nearby to create a display.

4. Go Swag
Don't neglect the kitchen. A simple swag of evergreen over your kitchen sink fills the room with the freshness of the season. Hang a few ornaments for some extra flare. For some more pretty room perfume, create topiary-like displays from Rosemary plants (shown above at right).

5. DIY Cinnamon Stick Project
It's no surprise that cinnamon falls into the "fragrant" category for the holidays – but, other than the basic scented candle or bowl of potpourri, how do you work it into your home décor? Follow these steps to make a simple cinnamon stick vase or candleholder and your room will surely smell delicious in time for your holiday party.

Materials:
Cleaned-out tin soup can (an old small vase will work too)
Glue gun and glue sticks
Bundle of cinnamon sticks
Rubber band
Ribbon, at least twice the circumference of the can

1. Make sure your can is clean and dry. Measure out the cinnamon sticks you have to ensure you have the right amount and various widths to fit perfectly around the circumference of the can. (You'll need to fit them like puzzle pieces to get the perfect circumference.)
2. Begin gluing the cinnamon sticks on one at a time by putting a small dollop of glue onto the center back side of one stick and attach to the side of the can. Repeat all the way around the can.
3. Place the rubber band around the cinnamon sticks at mid-point on the can. Make sure it fits tightly, but not too tight to break the sticks.
4. Glue the ribbon, starting at its midpoint, on top of the rubber band all the way around the can by applying a thin layer of glue to the back of the ribbon. Reinforce where the ends meet with more glue, then tie into a bow.
5. Use the vase for a small bouquet or as a tea light – the warmth of the candle will bring out the smell of the cinnamon.

Want more great Christmas ideas? Get them at Holidash, the site for everything holiday!