Simmer pot potpourri is simple to prepare and fills the room with a heavenly scent. Make a batch to simmer on the stove and use the printable labels to package thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
If you enjoy the warm spices in this potpourri, you might like similarly scented projects such as homemade wassail, beeswax candles, lotion bars, or a festive bottle brush tree wreath. These make nice companion gifts or activities for the season.
I use a couple of simmer pot blends depending on the time of year. In winter and around the holidays I favor ingredients like orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and fresh sprigs of greenery. A single pot can simmer for a day or two, and by topping it up with water you can keep the scent going for several days. I also make small kits and add printable labels to turn them into quick, handmade gifts.
Why I Like This Simmer Pot
- Simple ingredients. A classic holiday blend of orange slices, cranberries, rosemary, evergreen clippings, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise and whole allspice is all you need for a rich, layered aroma.
- Lasts for days. The color of fruit may fade after the first day, but the fragrance remains. Just add water and resume simmering as needed.
- A non-edible, thoughtful gift. During the holidays people often receive many sweets. I like giving small, useful items that don’t add to food overload—simmer pot kits are a fragrant alternative.
Tips and Tricks
- Shop affordably. Many whole spices are sold in larger bags or in specialty grocery sections at a much lower price than small branded jars. Buying bulk or store-brand whole spices will often give you better value and enough to use in many batches.
- Do not leave unattended. This is not a set-it-and-forget-it project. Check the pot every hour or two to ensure there is enough water and that the mixture is simmering gently. Never leave a simmering pot unattended for long periods.
- Customize freely. Use the ingredient list as a starting point and substitute or add what you enjoy—citrus peels, different herbs, or additional whole spices all change the character of the scent.
- Top up with water. A simmer pot can be used for several days by adding water as it evaporates. Turn off the heat at night and restart the next day if you wish to refresh the aroma.
- Packaging ideas. Divide ingredients into small cups, jars, or clear bags for gifting. Add a ribbon and a printed tag with simmering instructions for a polished presentation. A small cup or container can hold a single serving kit ready to be simmered at home.
Ingredients
- Oranges: Small to medium oranges work well, especially if you plan to package ingredients into small gift containers.
- Cranberries: Use fresh cranberries for gifts for the best appearance; frozen cranberries are fine for home use and will still scent the house nicely.
- Cinnamon sticks: Whole sticks look attractive and are tidy for gifting. Ground cinnamon will still scent a pot but is messier to package.
- Whole cloves: Very fragrant—these contribute a warm spiced note and are a key flavor in this blend.
- Whole allspice: Adds a deep, peppery warmth; whole berries hold up better in gifts than ground allspice.
- Star anise: Decorative and sweet-smelling, star anise also gives a subtle licorice note.
- Greenery clippings: Fresh spruce, pine, or other evergreen clippings lend a clean, outdoorsy note and look lovely in the mixture.
- Rosemary: Fresh rosemary sprigs add an herbaceous, slightly resinous top note that pairs beautifully with citrus and spices.
Refer to the recipe card below for suggested quantities and packaging measurements.
How To Simmer Potpourri
- Place a mix of sliced citrus, cranberries, fresh rosemary and evergreen clippings into a medium pot. Add whole spices—cloves, allspice, star anise—and a few cinnamon sticks. For a larger household pot, use roughly 1–2 oranges, a couple of handfuls of cranberries, 1–2 tablespoons each of whole cloves and allspice, 3–4 star anise and 3–4 cinnamon sticks, plus several sprigs of fresh herbs and greens.
- Add 6–8 cups of water and bring to a gentle simmer over low heat. Keep the pot at a low simmer and add water as it evaporates to prevent the mixture from burning. Turn the heat off and cover the pot overnight, then resume simmering the next day if desired.
How to Make Simmer Pot Gifts
- Portion the ingredients into small cups, jars, or clear cellophane bags. Layer an orange slice at the bottom, add cranberries, then tuck in a few whole spices and a sprig of greenery. Alternatively, place the components into a small resealable bag and slip that into a paper lunch sack for a rustic presentation.
- Secure each package with a ribbon or lid and include a printed tag with simple simmering instructions so the recipient knows how to use the kit.
- Suggested tag instructions: Slice the orange, add contents to a pot with 6 cups of water, simmer gently on low heat and add more water as needed.
Print or create your own tags with simmering instructions to finish each gift.
Simmer Pot Potpourri FAQs
Simmer potpourri is a mix of fresh and dried ingredients gently heated in water on the stove to release a pleasant aroma throughout your home. Ingredients are combined in a pot, covered with water, and simmered on low.
Yes. As the water level drops, simply add more water to keep it simmering. Turn the heat off at the end of the day and resume simmering the next day. You can typically repeat this for several days until the scent diminishes.
Look beyond the small spice jars in the main spice aisle. Many stores and specialty markets sell whole spices in larger, more affordable bags. Buying whole spices in bulk or from a specialty market can be cost-effective and provides enough supply for multiple batches and other seasonal recipes.
More Holiday Gifts To Make
Homemade Vanilla Paste-
Candy Truffle Wreaths (Easy Gift Idea)
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Easy Christmas Treat Platters (Printable Tags)
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Delivery Driver Treats (Printable Sign)
MADE THIS RECIPE AND LOVED IT? Please leave a rating and a comment where you found the recipe, and share it with friends who appreciate handmade gifts.
Stovetop Simmer Potpourri
Make a batch of simmer potpourri to fill your home with a warm, inviting scent, and prepare small kits with printable tags to give as gifts.
Equipment
- Pot to simmer on the stove
Materials
Gift Cup Measurements
- 1 orange
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- 3 star anise
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 Tbsp whole allspice
- 1 Tbsp whole cloves
- 1–2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 evergreen sprig
- Printable labels (print on cardstock)
Instructions
Gift Instructions
- Place the orange slice at the bottom of a gift cup or bag. Add cranberries, spices, and greenery. Secure with a ribbon or lid.
- Attach a tag with simmering instructions.
- If you create your own tag, include: Slice orange. Add everything to a pot with 6 cups of water. Simmer on low heat and add more water as needed.
Stovetop Instructions
- Fill a pot with a mixture of orange slices, cranberries, spices, rosemary, and evergreen clippings. For a larger household pot, use 1–2 oranges, a couple of handfuls of cranberries, 1–2 tablespoons of whole cloves and allspice, 3–4 star anise, and 3–4 cinnamon sticks.
- Add 6–8 cups of water and simmer on low. Stir occasionally, and add water as needed to prevent sticking or burning. Turn off the heat and cover overnight if you’d like to reuse the mixture the next day.
Video
A short video accompanies the original recipe showing the assembly and simmering process.