The oldest-known method for extraction and preservation of flower essences is known as enfleurage. This method, which involves pressing the flowers into some type of lard or oil, is used for delicate flowers whose scent cannot be preserved well using typical methods such as distillation or tincturing.
Delicate flowers such as lilac work well using this method. This is easy to do at home and the resulting product can be used in a variety of ways.