A Second Life for Your Letterly Tray: Potpourri with Purpose

One of the things we love most about our letterly trays (besides the snacks, of course) is their sustainability. Designed to be reused or recycled, these chic, eco-friendly number and letter trays are more than just a treat vessel. Today, we’re sharing one of our favorite ways to repurpose them: as beautiful, fragrant potpourri holders.

A (Very) Brief History of Potpourri

Potpourri dates back centuries, used as a natural way to scent rooms long before candles and diffusers. In French, pot pourri literally means "rotten pot"—but don’t let that name fool you. The earliest versions were made by layering dried flowers, herbs, spices, and essential oils to create a slow-releasing, all-natural fragrance. It was practical and luxurious.

Fast forward to today, and potpourri has become both a sensory indulgence and a creative expression of mood and season.

How to Use Your letterly Tray

Once you’ve finished snacking (bittersweet, we know), give your tray a gentle wipe and reuse it to house a custom blend of dried botanicals. Because of their shallow, open design, our trays are perfect for displaying potpourri on a coffee table, nightstand, or entryway console. Bonus: the unique number or letter shape adds a stylish, personalized touch.

Our Favorite Potpourri Combos & Their Benefits

1. Dreamy Calm

• Lavender buds

• Chamomile flowers

• Rose petals

• A few drops of vanilla or sandalwood essential oil
  → Perfect for a calming bedroom vibe or winding down after a long day.

2. Zesty Uplift

• Dried orange peel

• Eucalyptus leaves

• Rosemary sprigs

• Lemon essential oil
  → Great for an entryway or kitchen—fresh, energizing, and mood-boosting.

3. Cozy Autumn

• Cinnamon sticks (broken into pieces)

• Dried apple slices

• Clove buds

• Nutmeg shavings
  → Think warm cider by the fire. Perfect for cooler months or cozy nooks.

4. Spa Day

• Dried mint

• White rose petals

• Himalayan pink salt crystals

• A few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil
  → Fresh, clean, and perfect for bathroom decor or self-care corners.

Sustainability Looks (and Smells) Good

We believe the beauty of letterly goes beyond what's inside. By giving your trays a second life as something functional and fragrant, you're helping us create less waste—and more joy. Every hand-packed box was made with care, and we love seeing how it can continue to brighten your home in new ways.

Got a potpourri blend you swear by? Share it with us—we're always inspired by our creative, scent-loving community.

With love (and lavender),
The letterly Team