Making your home smell like the holidays is simple with homemade simmering stovetop potpourri. Mix together the scent of Christmas with pine, cedar, oranges, cranberries, and spices. Simmering potpourri also makes a great homemade gift idea with my free printable instruction gift tags.
Homemade Simmering Stovetop Potpourri
You don’t need fancy candles, diffusers, or store-bought potpourri to make your home smell like the holidays. All you need is a large pot full of water, some fruit, spices and herbs or greenery. It’s easy to create your own custom mix for any time of year. I also have other household hacks on how to deodorize your home.
Christmas Stovetop Potpourri
Make your home smell like Christmas with homemade simmering potpourri.
Materials
- Greens - cedar, pine or fir clippings
- 1 orange or tangerine
- Dried Orange slices - optional. These are more for looks.
- Cranberries
- Cinnamon Sticks - about 3 or 4
- Star Anise Seed
- Nutmeg
- Cloves
- Whole Allspice
- Carton, Jar or Cotton gift bag
Instructions
- Gather your items and place them into a large pot filled with water. Turn the burner on low and allow to simmer.
- Check your simmering potpourri often to add more water when needed.
- Discard each day.
Notes
- Create seasonal scents with different ingredients.
- Printable gift tag with instructions found on Today's Creative Life for a quick DIY gift idea.
Homemade Potpourri for Christmas
- Pine, Cedar, Fir greenery
- Fruits: Oranges, cranberry, apple, pomegranate
- Whole Spices: Allspice, Cloves, Star Anise, Nutmeg, Cinnamon Sticks
- Dried Orange Slices
If you’re giving as a gift, gather a few of each ingredient and place them in a jar, a cotton gift bag, or a berry carton.
Wrap it up, add one of my printable instruction gift tags and you’ve got a quick and thoughtful holiday gift idea. 
You can find all the free printables in the Printable Vault. Subscribers have free access. Subscribe here.
Simmering Potpourri for Fall
- Sliced Apples
- Cinnamon Sticks
- Cloves
Stovetop Potpourri for Spring
- Sliced Lemons, Oranges & Limes
- Herbs: Mint, Thyme, Pineapple Sage
Simmering Potpourri for Summer
- Sliced Lime & Lemons
- Herbs: Basil, Rosemary
- Lavender
How Long Does Stovetop Potpourri Last?
Before you simmer, all the ingredients that aren’t fresh will last over a year if stored in an airtight container. Once you start to simmer, I only simmer for one day. It doesn’t take a lot to give your home that holiday scent.
How to Use Simmering Stovetop Potpourri?
Grab a large saucepan and fill 3/4 of the way with water. Add your potpourri ingredients to the water and set your burner on low or simmer. Do not cover. As it simmers, you’ll see steam faintly rise from the pot. Check on your water levels every half hour or so, depending on the size of your pot. Don’t let the water get too low.
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Kelsi says
What if you are using fresh cranberries? How long can I keep stored in the jar?
Kim says
Hi Kelsi, If they are in a jar with a lid and in the fridge, they will last a couple of weeks. I always assemble and deliver within a couple of days.
Patricia sassone says
Love all your ideas can’t wait to get started