Simmering Scents: 3 Easy DIY Holiday Simmer Pots

There is nothing quite like walking into a home that smells like Christmas. You know we LOVE a good candle - there's nothing quite like that flickering amber glow - but we also love a good cozy holiday tradition like stovetop potpourri.

It's the ultimate low-effort, high-reward way to make your home feel like a winter wonderland. Not only does it fill every corner of the house with a natural, nostalgic fragrance, but it also adds a bit of much-needed moisture to the dry winter air. Just toss a few ingredients into a pot, let them simmer and enjoy that "Christmas in a bottle" vibe all day long.

1. The Classic "Christmas Morning"

This is the quintessential holiday scent - bright citrus balanced by deep woodsy notes.

Ingredients:

1 orange, sliced (or just the peels)

1/2 cup fresh cranberries

2 cinnamon sticks

1 tsp whole cloves

1 sprig of fresh rosemary (adds a "pine" note)

Best for general hosting and creating a cozy atmosphere

2. Gingerbread Kitchen

If you prefer the smell of holiday baking without actually turning on the oven, this sweet and spicy blend is perfect.

Ingredients:

1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, sliced

1 tbsp molasses

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 star anise

1 tbsp whole allspice berries

Best for cold rainy afternoons or when you're craving something sweet

3. Winter Woods & Mint

A crisp, clean, and invigorating scent that feels like a walk through a snowy forest.

Ingredients:

2-3 sprigs of pine or cedar (fresh from the yard works!)

1 lemon, slices

2-3 drops of peppermint extract (or fresh mint leaves)

1 bay leaf

Best for deodorizing the house after cooking a heavy meal.

How to "Brew" Your Potpourri

1. Combine your chosen ingredients into a small saucepan or a mini slow cooker.

2. Add water. Fill the pot about 3/4 full with water.

3. Simmer. Place the stove over low heat. You want a very gentle simmer, not a rolling boil.

4. Refill. Keep an eye on the water level! Add more water every 30-45 minutes as it evaporates.

Pro-Tip: You can reuse the same potpourri for 2-3 days. Just turn off the heat at night, let it cool, and restart it the next morning with a fresh splash of water.

HELLO CHRISTMAS