Among the many things I am reminded to be thankful for at Thanksgiving is the gift of aromatics. And, during this season, there are plenty of delicious scents to enjoy!
If you’ve ever had a cold, you probably noticed that the loss of your sense of smell had a huge impact on your sense of taste! That’s because it’s all connected. Try eating a piece of chocolate while holding your breath. You may be able to sense the sweetness or the bitterness, but without inhaling through your nose, you won’t be able to “taste” all the subtle intricacies and rich variations of the chocolate. See The Surprising Impact of Taste and Smell
To enhance your celebration and the experience of your guests on Thanksgiving Day, consider using essential oils in your recipes as well as in your decorations!
Here, I’ve included a few ideas to get you started; but, keep in mind, you can mix and match your favorite scents. I’ve also included a recipe for one of our family favorites at the bottom of this page, our Cranberry Port Sauce infused with citrus and NingXia Red! It is amazing served over turkey or pork, but keep an eye on Grandpa…he may serve himself a whole bowl!
Aromatic Hostess Ideas
- Use cinnamon and clove essential oil to scent pine cones, potpourri, or napkins.
- Diffuse Thieves or Christmas Spirit during your celebration.
- Set out bowls of Roasted Rosemary Pecans to keep hungry guests from fainting of hunger!
- Make hand-crafted place cards or party favors using essential oils.
- Put a few drops of Citrus Fresh, Thieves, or orange in your unscented hand soap.
- Make a room spray for the bathroom using Young Living’s Christmas Spirit blend.
- Place a dish of cinnamon flavored toothpicks on the table for your guests to enjoy after their meal.
- Make individual bottles of breath spray for each guest as a fun and useful party favor! The peppermint freshens breath and may be helpful for the after-turkey tummy!
- Whip up a batch of essential oil-infused Sugar Dust to serve with coffee or tea!
- Set out a bowl of cinnamon or lemon infused Creme de la Creme for guests to enjoy with pie, muffins, cookies…or to simply eat with a spoon! Mmmmm…..
Cranberry Port Wine Sauce
3 cups fresh cranberries
1 1/2 cup of evaporated cane juice or sugar
1 1/4 cup port wine
1/4 cup cold water
4 1/2 tsp. cornstarch
2 drops Young Living Therapeutic Grade Orange essential oil
1-2 oz. NingXia RedCombine cranberries, sugar, and port in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Simmer 5 to 7 minutes or until cranberry skins pop. Combine water and cornstarch. Stir into cranberry mixture. Bring to a boil and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Allow to cool, then add essential oil and NingXia Red.
(This can be made ahead, frozen, refrigerated, reheated, or served cold.) Yield 2 cups.
This fun “Sugar Dust” is great to give as a party favor, a hostess gift, or placed into bowls for tea and coffee at dessert time! Again, remember to only use Young Living essential oils, since lower quality oils can be toxic!
Sugar Dust
- 1 C. evaporated cane juice (or sugar)
- 20 drops Young Living Therapeutic Grade essential oil (lemon, cinnamon, orange, tangerine, or peppermint)
- Mix in a mason jar and store until needed
And don’t forget to have Digize and Essentialzyme in stock in case more than the turkey gets stuffed!
