Learn how to make a holiday stovetop simmering potpourri that fills your home with the most inviting seasonal scent. This simple recipe is perfect for cozy fall evenings and festive winter gatherings — a beautiful blend of warmth, spice, and comfort.
Simmering Stove Top Potpourri for Fall and Winter
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of the holidays — the earthy scent of clove and cinnamon, the brightness of oranges, and the freshness of rosemary drifting through your home. This homemade stovetop potpourri combines all those classic seasonal notes into one easy, all-natural recipe that will make your space smell absolutely incredible.
For me, this time of year is all about comfort and coziness. I love the glow of soft lighting, the warmth of a wood-burning stove, and the inviting smell that makes a house feel like home. This potpourri brings all those feelings together — it’s the scent of the season captured in a pot.
Homemade Stovetop Potpourri
Using simple, natural ingredients like herbs, spices, and dried fruit, you can easily create a simmering blend that fills your home with a non-toxic, festive aroma. Drying your own orange slices or cranberries adds an extra homemade touch, but fresh ones work beautifully too.
Fall & Winter Simmering Potpourri Recipe
Ingredients
- 2–3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 cup dried or fresh cranberries
- 1 cup dried orange slices (or fresh slices, or just the rind)
- 1 tablespoon cloves
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 3–4 sprigs of rosemary
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon chips (optional, for a stronger scent)
Directions
- Fill a medium-sized pot about halfway with water.
- Add all the ingredients and bring to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for one to two hours, adding more water as needed.
As the mixture simmers, your entire home will fill with the nostalgic fragrance of the holidays — sweet, spicy, and cozy all at once. You can keep the mixture simmering for hours or reheat it the next day by adding more water.
This makes a wonderful gift idea too! Add the dried ingredients to a mason or Weck jar, tie it with a ribbon, and include a small tag with directions. It’s a thoughtful, inexpensive present that everyone will love.
Have you ever tried making your own potpourri? What are your favorite spices or herbs to use? Share your go-to combinations — I’d love to hear what scents make your home feel like the holidays.