Creating a festive aroma around a synthetic Christmas tree doesn’t require spraying it with scents. A more effective approach is to craft fragrant sachets using perfume oils and spices, then hang these sachets on the tree or place them nearby to infuse the room with a warm, inviting scent. This method avoids the misconception that artificial needles readily absorb fragrances; instead, it relies on the gentle diffusion of fragrance through fabric and air, turning a plain evergreen into a comforting centerpiece.
Perfumer Ekaterina Sidoria explained that spraying sweeteners or aromatic liquids directly onto artificial spruce is not helpful. The materials used to manufacture artificial trees are designed to resist odor absorption, so neither essential oil blends nor alcohol-based coniferous flavors will permeate the needles as they would with natural wood. The result is a wasted effort and a potentially sticky, uneven scent that quickly dissipates from the surroundings rather than lingering in a pleasant, balanced way.
Her recommended alternative is simple and elegant: prepare sachets scented with oils derived from spruce, pine needles, or fir, and suspend them from branches or place them on surfaces around the tree. The sachets act as tiny diffusion systems, releasing fragrance gradually and evenly without harming the tree or the indoor air quality. This approach also allows for easy customization of scent intensity to suit different rooms or occasions.
For those who want a richer fragrance without relying on store-bought essential oils, Sidoria advises choosing professional-grade perfumes rather than pharmacy-grade oils. Higher quality perfumed products tend to offer richer notes and longer-lasting aroma, which translates into a more stable and enduring scent profile for the holiday decor. The goal is to achieve a fragrance that feels refined and festive without overwhelming the space.
In addition to offering ready-made scent options, Sidoria suggests improvising with everyday spices and citrus-based oils to craft personal, homey aromas. A few drops of orange oil on a cinnamon stick can become a charming ornament for the Christmas tree or a decorative wreath, infusing the air with sweet citrus warmth as the cinnamon slowly releases its spicy notes. Another simple trick is to take an orange, poke in whole cloves, and let the citrus-clove combination scent the room as it dries and dries again. A handful of these citrus-clove oranges scattered around can create a gentle, cheerful ambiance that feels handmade and welcoming.
These approaches emphasize balance and safety. They avoid saturating artificial materials with liquids that may drip, stain, or create a mess, while still delivering a memorable sensory experience that captures the spirit of the season. The result is a home that feels festive, inviting, and thoughtfully decorated, with a fragrance that complements holiday decor rather than competing with it.
Former stylist Aleko Nadiryan observes that the evolving style of New Year parties mirrors broader trends in how people celebrate at home. The emphasis on tasteful, understated fragrance aligns with a more refined, modern aesthetic that values quality over quantity. Nadiryan notes that guests increasingly appreciate subtle, well-curated scents that enhance conversation and mood without overpowering the space, reflecting a shift toward more intentional decorating and ambiance creation.