Home improvements: Creating autumnal aromas

Who doesn’t love autumn? The changing of the leaves, the plethora of pumpkin-infused recipes and those ever-so-comfy sweaters make this season the best in our books.

While we don’t get to experience most of those things in the UAE – nearly all our knitwear has been banished to the depths of our storage cupboards and suitcases – you can take solace in knowing that at least your home can smell like autumn.

This one is easy. Instead of ­investing in expensive scented candles to achieve that autumnal effect, try creating your own enticing aroma. All you need to do is take five cups of water, two oranges and their peels, one sliced apple, three cinnamon sticks, one teaspoon-sized chunk of fresh ginger, one teaspoon of cardamom pods, one teaspoon of whole cloves and a quarter of a teaspoon of dried ­orange peel, and throw them into a pot.

From there, heat on low until it simmers. Keep it going for a few hours, adding water when needed. Your house will be smelling of autumnal spices in no time.

Please note that the above are merely guidelines. You can throw anything else into the pot that you feel will add to the overall effect and remind you of ­blustery autumn days.