Victorian Holiday Crafts: Winter Sachet

While sachets have an ancient history, they are one of those things I that I connect with Victorian traditions. I suppose it is because the Victorians were quite the devotees of scent and our modern perfumery really lies with them. They loved many floral and herbal scents and I think they would like this one.

Here is a recipe for a spicy "winter sachet" that you can make up from commonly available herbs and spices. Sew small drawstring cloth bags or pillow-like sachets and fill with the mixture to complete and give as holiday gifts.

Winter Sachet

• 1/2 lb. dried rosemary
• 1/2 lb. dried mint leaves
• 4 oz. dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons ground cloves.

Mix well. Allow some time for the mixture to age and the scents to blend for best results.

This mixture is reputed to deter moths and while I cannot comment on its effectiveness, it is without a doubt a much more enjoyable scent than mothballs!  

Photo "140310 spices especias" by Luisfi - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons