There's nothing quite like the crisp and clean scent of a fresh-cut pine tree at Christmas — but there's nothing quite like the mess that a real tree can leave on your floor, either. Even if you don't have the time, energy, or inclination to vacuum up dropped pine needles every day, you can still enjoy the scent of pine in your house throughout the holiday season.
For a DIY or more organic option, essential oils from pine and fir trees pack a powerful punch and absorb readily into cotton balls, unvarnished wood ornaments, or tea bags. Carefully apply a drop or two to each item and hang it up or hide it deep in the branches. Essential oils can be irritating, so wear gloves when applying it and place the scented objects where kids and pets can't reach them.
Scented ornaments are a long-lasting ready-made option that just require you to hang them on the tree or wherever else you want that Christmas tree smell. They look like regular ornaments, don't require refreshing, and you can use more ornaments for a stronger scent. Try scented ornaments from NEXT and make sure to follow the package instructions.
For a temporary punch of fragrance during a family gathering or just for your own enjoyment, scented candles are hard to beat — just keep them far away from the tree. A large jar or pillar candle like Yankee Candle's Balsam & Cedar can fill a whole room with fresh pine scent. You can also purchase the Balsam & Cedar scent in smaller sizes or wax melts if you prefer to avoid flames.