My favorite way to bring holiday cheer into the house is with a simple stovetop potpourri. This easy holiday simmer pot fills the room with bright citrus, warm spices, and evergreen notes. It only takes minutes to prepare and can simmer for hours — just top up the water as needed to keep the fragrant steam going.
We first shared this stovetop potpourri on social media a few years ago and it resonated with so many people. It’s beautiful to display and effortless to make. Simply simmer orange slices with cranberries, whole cloves, and fresh pine (or rosemary) to release a layered, holiday fragrance that makes your home feel cozy and festive.
What You Need to Make This Holiday Simmer Pot Recipe
- Medium saucepan or small pot
- Water
- Oranges (or other citrus)
- Cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- Pine sprigs or fresh rosemary
- Whole cloves (or other whole spices)
Stovetop Potpourri Variations
There are countless ways to customize a holiday simmer pot. Swap the citrus, try different whole spices, or add a splash of juice for a sweeter aroma. The best combinations are the ones that match the scents you love in your home.
One favorite is an “apple pie” simmer: apple slices with lemon, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves for a warm, spicy aroma reminiscent of fresh-baked desserts. For a brighter, more herbal scent, combine grapefruit with fresh rosemary and a few star anise pods.
Other ingredients to try:
- Lemons
- Grapefruit
- Apples
- Limes
- Star anise
- Cinnamon sticks
- Pine or other essential oils (a few drops)
- Apple juice or apple cider (for extra body)
- Cranberry juice (for color and aroma)
Can I Add More Water Once It Evaporates?
Yes. Adding fresh water as the simmer pot evaporates is recommended — it keeps the ingredients from drying out and extends the life of the scent. Keep the pot on low heat and check it periodically. Never leave the pot unattended for long periods: maintain a low simmer and add water to keep the contents at a gentle steam.
If you enjoy crafting simple holiday decorations, consider pairing this simmer pot with dried orange garlands or fresh greenery around the house — both complement the scent and enhance visual charm.
Stovetop Potpourri
To make stovetop potpourri, simmer whole spices, orange slices, pine or rosemary, and cranberries in a pot. The steam will carry a lovely holiday aroma through your home.
By: Lee Funke
Prep: 5 mins • Cook: 2 hrs (or longer, topping up water) • Total: ~2 hrs 5 mins • Servings: N/A (for scent)
Ingredients
- 1 medium orange, sliced
- 3 sprigs rosemary or pine
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3 whole cloves
- 4 cups water (adjust as needed)
- Optional: 2–3 drops pine essential oil for extra fragrance
Instructions
- Add the orange slices, rosemary or pine sprigs, cranberries, and whole cloves to a small saucepan.
- Cover the ingredients with water and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer gently. Keep the pot uncovered or slightly ajar so the steam carries the scent. Add water as it evaporates so the ingredients don’t burn. Do not leave the simmering pot unattended for long periods — check it regularly.
- When finished, turn off the heat and allow the pot to cool before discarding or composting the solids. Rinse your pot; any residual oils can be washed with warm, soapy water.
- If you like stronger pine notes, stir in 2–3 drops of pine essential oil after turning off the heat and before the pot cools completely.
Tips & Notes
- Fresh pine sprigs produce the most authentic evergreen smell. If pine is unavailable, rosemary plus a drop of pine essential oil makes a great substitute.
- Keep the simmer pot on the lowest practical heat and add water as needed. A gentle simmer releases scent without concentrating steam too quickly.
- Use a dedicated pot for simmering if possible. Citrus and spice oils can leave lingering smells in cookware.
- To refresh the scent later in the day, add a few fresh slices of citrus or a cinnamon stick and a splash of apple cider or juice.
- Dispose of spent ingredients in the compost or use them as a lightly scented addition to outdoor compost piles (once fully cooled).
- For safety: do not leave the pot unattended for long stretches, especially if you must leave the house. Keep children and pets away from the hot pot.
Nutrition
This simmer pot is designed for scent rather than consumption; nutrition values are not applicable.
More Holiday Ideas
Stovetop potpourri pairs beautifully with garlands, a few bowls of fresh cranberries, and simple candle displays. It’s a quick and natural way to scent your home without sprays or artificial fragrances.
Photography: Photos in this post were taken by Ashley McGlaughlin from The Edible Perspective.