The holidays are all about loved ones. Around this time of year more than any other, I get to play hostess to house guests. It’s a time I cherish — giving the spare bedroom some extra TLC, preparing sweet treats in kitchen, and, overall, making the most of the time we get to spend all together under one roof.

As an added touch, I like to leave this homemade lavender linen spray in my visitors’ room so they can spritz it on their pillows and sheets before bedtime to help make their sleep a little more restful. It also doubles as a sweet takeaway to send home with them.

lavender spray

Food52 / Sarah Elliot

Here are step-by-step instructions for making a few small bottles of it:

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What you’ll need:

  • 2 cups distilled water
  • 2 tablespoons vodka or rubbing alcohol
  • 15 to 20 drops lavender essential oil
  • Small clear glass spray bottle
  • Sprig of fresh lavender to put inside the spray bottle, optional
Screen Shot 2015-12-18 at 5.10.59 PM

Food52 / Sarah Elliott

How to make the spray:

Combine all of the ingredients in a glass or plastic spray bottle, twist on the cap, and shake well. Add a sprig of fresh lavender if you like how it looks. That’s it! Will keep indefinitely — and in case you’re wondering, the use of alcohol helps dissolve the oil in the solution and preserves the scent.

I love to spritz the lavender spray on bedding or pillows to freshen them up before guests arrive, but another way to use it is to spray on your sheets as you are ironing. Lavender is a soothing, relaxing scent that aids in restful sleep, and this spray accomplishes that while also infusing the house with a lovely aroma.

lavender spray pour

Food52 / Sarah Elliott

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