Holiday Spice simmer pot kit surrounded by oranges, cinnamon and star anise

4 Easy Stovetop Simmer Pot Recipes to Make Your Home Smell Like the Holidays

Want your whole house to smell like the holidays without a single candle or plug-in? Make a simmer pot. A stovetop simmer pot (also called stovetop potpourri) is just a pot of water with fruit, spices and herbs, kept at a low simmer so the steam carries the scent from room to room. It's natural, inexpensive and one of the coziest traditions of the season.

How to make a stovetop simmer pot

  1. Fill a small pot with about 4 cups of water.
  2. Add your fruit, spices and herbs (recipes below).
  3. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to low so it barely simmers.
  4. Add more water every 30 to 60 minutes so the pot never runs dry.

Crockpot method: Add everything to a slow cooker, fill with water and set it on low with the lid off (or cracked). It's the easiest way to keep a simmer pot going all afternoon.

Safety first: never leave a simmer pot unattended, keep it away from kids and pets, and remember simmer pots are for scent only, not for drinking.

4 easy simmer pot recipes

1. Holiday Spice (the classic Christmas simmer pot)

Orange slices, a lemon slice, a handful of cranberries, 2 or 3 cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, whole allspice, a few star anise and a bay leaf. Warm, citrusy and spicy: the smell of Christmas morning.

2. Spiced Apple Pie (the best fall simmer pot)

Apple slices or dried apples, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, a pinch of nutmeg and a split vanilla bean. Your kitchen will smell like a pie is in the oven.

3. Lavender Fields (a calm, spa-like blend)

Dried lavender, lemon slices, a sprig of eucalyptus and dried rose petals. Light, floral and perfect for any time of year.

4. Breathe Easy (fresh eucalyptus and peppermint)

Orange slices, eucalyptus, peppermint leaves, a sprig of rosemary, juniper berries, cloves and a cinnamon stick. A crisp, clean scent many people love during cold and allergy season.

How long does a simmer pot last?

You can reuse the same simmer pot for 2 to 3 days. Let it cool, cover it and keep it in the fridge overnight, then add fresh water and simmer again. Toss it once the scent fades or the fruit looks tired.

Skip the shopping: ready-made simmer pot kits

Buying a whole bag of star anise for one pot adds up fast. Our hand-dried stovetop simmer pot kits come pre-portioned with all-natural ingredients and instructions on every bag. Just pour into a pot, add water and simmer.

Simmer pot kits also make wonderful hostess gifts, party favors and stocking stuffers.

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