Our family always loved the tradition of going out to choose a real Christmas tree. With the kids older and scattered across different cities, we don’t get to do it as often anymore. I miss that tradition and the cozy feeling it brought to our holidays.
I especially miss the fresh pine scent that fills the house. I appreciate the convenience and benefits of faux trees, but they don’t bring that authentic forest aroma. So I made a simple, natural spray that brings the scent of a real tree right into your home.
This spray is made from real tree essential oils, so it genuinely smells like pine, fir, or spruce—no artificial fragrances or harsh chemicals. It’s a safe and effective way to add natural holiday fragrance to faux trees, garlands, wreaths, or any room that could use a fresh, evergreen scent.
Below is a straightforward recipe you can adapt with any tree oils you prefer. I also list a few curated wishlists of my favorite oils and toxin-free products if you want to stock up for the season.
Tree and Garland Spray Recipe:
To a 2 oz spray bottle add:
– 30–50 drops pine, spruce, or fir essential oil (or a blend of these)
– A splash of witch hazel (optional, helps disperse the oil)
Fill the rest of the bottle with filtered or tap water. Shake gently before each use and lightly mist faux greens, wreaths, pillows, or curtains to impart a natural evergreen scent.
I used Idaho Balsam Fir in my mix, which isn’t always available, but any quality spruce or fir oil will give a beautiful, authentic fragrance. Adjust the oil amount to your preference—more drops for a stronger scent, fewer for a subtle touch.
I’ve been ordering essential oils and scent products from the same trusted source for years and find it convenient to have a few favorite oils on hand for seasonal blends, home sprays, diffusing, and gifting.
If you like ready-made collections, I created a few wishlists of winter and everyday favorites to make shopping simple. These lists include seasonal blends, single-note tree oils, and other toxin-free products I use around the house.
Suggested wishlists to explore:
– Winter & Holiday Oils
– Anthropologie Candle Oils
– My Health & Wellness Cabinet
– My Beauty Routine
– My Favorite Supplements
– Cleaning Faves
Tips for use and safety: always shake the spray before misting to re-disperse the oils, test on a small, inconspicuous spot if you’re concerned about staining, and keep essential oils away from pets and children when not in use. Enjoy the scent of a real tree in your home any time you like—no chopping required.