Make a Holiday Simmer Pot

Make a Holiday Simmer Pot and get your home smelling amazing with natural, festive fragrances. This is one of my favorite things to make because it’s so easy, smells so good, lasts for days and is non-toxic! Learn this simple hack using your stovetop, a handful of fresh aromatic ingredients and some water to bring the cozy aromas of the holidays into your home.

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What Is a Holiday Simmer Pot?

A Holiday Simmer Pot is basically homemade potpourri. It’s a combination of aromatic herbs, spices and fruit that you simmer on the stove in water. As it warms, it emits an aromatic fragrance that creates a warm and cozy atmosphere for hours. It’s a simple way to get your home smelling wonderful in an all-natural way.

Ingredients Needed:

This is a basic holiday simmer pot, but keep in mind, you can get creative with this and add different citrus or spices you prefer.

• 2-4 orange slices (I used a fresh orange, but you can use dehydrated oranges as well)
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 tbsp whole cloves
• 1/2 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 3-4 star anise
• About 6 cups water (depending on the size of your pot)

How To Make It

Making a holiday simmer pot is so simple and this classic recipe will get your home smelling like Christmas in no time. There are different combinations of spices, herbs and citrus that you can incorporate to create different scents for different seasons but this one contains the ingredients for a classic Christmasy aroma.

Step 1

First you will gather the ingredients. You will need a pot, a dutch oven or a crockpot and your preferred herbs, spices and fruit.

Step 2

Next, you will need to prep your ingredients. You will need to slice the orange and measure out the correct amount needed of each ingredient.

Step 3

Add all ingredients to your pot including the water.

Step 4

Turn on the simmer function of your stove and allow the ingredients to warm in the water and the aromas to permeate throughout your home.

FAQ’s about Simmer Pots:

1. What other ingredients can I use? Other ingredients include lemon, apples, grapefruit, ginger, pumpkin, mulling spices, vanilla extract, eucalyptus leaves, bay leaves, pine needles.
2. How long can I let it simmer? You can let it simmer for hours, but keep an eye on the water level and add water as needed so the ingredients don’t burn.
3. Can I re-use the ingredients? Yes, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready, add back to the pot with water and re-simmer. You can do this 1 or 2 more times depending how long you simmer for.
4. Can I use ground spices instead of whole? You can use ground spices, but it will be a bit messier and less aesthetic to look at.

BONUS: GIFT IT!

Simmer pot ingredients make fabulously festive gifts and are super easy to make! Gift them to family, friends, teachers or co-workers. This is a gift that will suit just about anyone!

How to Make It

Grab all of the ingredients and place them in a small mason jar or a plastic bags with a festive ribbon and a gift tag. That’s it! So easy!

For another DIY Christmas gift, check this homemade linen spray out!