The best containers for potpourri are those that can be left open so the fragrance fills the room, then closed so that the blend ca recoup its scent. Special jars are made for this purpose, but any container with a cover will do just a swell. Open bowls or cups will also work as long as they are covered with a plate, saucer or even plastic wrap for a few hours each day.

Clear glass apothecary jars are perfect for showing off a beautiful combination of flowers, as are round rose bowls (available in florists shops) and large brandy snifters. Covered glass candy dishes make elegant containers; a kitchen potpourri of spices is at home in an old-fashioned, glass domed canning jars.

If you are using a china container (odd sugar bowls make especially good potpourri jars), try to find one that blends well with the theme or colors of the potpourri. You can adapt the ingredients to suite the container.

Search tag sales, bazaars, and flea markets. With a little imagination, you will soon see containers in everything from a teacup whose saucer is long gone to a tall parfait glass.

While baskets generally allow too much air flow, causing a potpourri to lose its scent rather quickly, some stronger blends can be displayed in these. A Christmas blend rich in spices and balsam will last the holiday season without having to be covered each night.

Wooded boxes, especially oval Sharker-style ones, show off potpourri beautifully and have the added advantage of a cover. These are good containers for potpourri that will be shipped to someone far away.

Also easy to mail are flexible lucite boxes, although they are hard to find. You can dress these up by placing whole flowers on the top in a nice arrangement.

Glass, pottery, wood, china, or plastic are all good materials for containers. Round cardboard boxes work well as long as they are treated inside with a clear sealer to keep the cardboard from absorbing the oils. Do not use metal containers because they will react badly with the oils and give the potpourri an unpleasant smell.