Stovetop Potpourri

Stove Top Potpourri is so easy and makes a beautiful gift! Learn how to make stovetop potpourri in just a few minutes to make your home smell amazing, naturally!

There’s nothing cozier than a pot simmering full of something fragrant on the stove in the fall and winter months.

Originally posted October 2017, updated with additional details December 2020

Once the weather becomes chilly, I tend to enjoy spending more time at home, indoors. When the sun goes down and temperatures drop, I like to bring the outdoors in, by making Stove Top Potpourri.

Making potpourri is so simple and makes your home smell amazing for days. Enjoy all that fall has to offer as this incredible scent permeates through your home.

A great playlist, a little fragrant potpourri simmering on the stove, and a cozy throw are all you really need to get through a gloomy day. The first chill of winter sometimes even inspires me to organize, cook and clean!

Adding Stove Top Potpourri somehow makes it all feel enjoyable… and a cozy home fragrance is one of my best tips for How to Make Your Home Feel Cozy all year long!

Any time someone walks through the door and I have potpourri simmering in the kitchen, they always comment on how amazing our home smells. It sets the mood for the season. It’s a great alternative to a candle – we often have some simmering for the holidays.

Why You’ll Love Stovetop Potpourri

• Easy to make
• Natural fragrance to replace synthetics
• Earth friendly
• Creates cozy seasonal vibes

Stove Top Potpourri Ingredients

You can make your home smell like Christmas with just a few ingredients you have in your kitchen! A blend of fruits and warm spices make the most amazing potpourri!

Options include:

• Apples – Any of your favorite variety will do. I really enjoy the fragrance of Pink Lady and Gala apples.
• Pears
• Cranberries – Have leftover cranberries? They add a beautiful pop of color!
• Oranges – The more popular navel oranges work wonders for a potpourri with oranges, but if you want more of a variety for the holiday season, try Cara Cara or Blood oranges. 
• Mandarins
• Lemons
• Rosemary – Another fragrant, beautiful option for potpourri.
• Cinnamon – Whole cinnamon sticks add a lot of fragrance and also make it look so beautiful!
• Cloves – This is the one spice that sings all things fall to me. Keep a jar on hand for all your holiday recipes.
• Star of Anise – A sweet, licorice scent in a beautiful star shape, perfect for Christmas!
• Cardamom
• Nutmeg
• Vanilla – A hint of vanilla extract is always a wonderful addition. You can also use a vanilla bean.

It’s a great way to use excess fruits, even produce that’s past its prime! The options are endless!

Fall Blend

• Pears
• Apples
• Cinnamon
• Cloves

Christmas Blend

• Oranges
• Cranberries
• Cinnamon
• Rosemary

How to Make Stove Top Potpourri

1. Fill pot with water.
2. Add ingredients.
3. Simmer over low heat.

For the most fragrance, simmer uncovered adding water as needed.

To keep moisture in, you can keep it covered.

Slow Cooker Stovetop Potpourri

You can make it in a slow cooker on high with the lid on to prevent evaporation. Check on it hourly and add water as needed. It’s perfect for parties or when you are cooking a lot and don’t have space on the stove top.

Tips for Making Potpourri

• Use whatever fruits you have on hand.
• Add water as needed.
• Re-use throughout the week. Allow to cool and refrigerate covered between use.

How Long Does Stovetop Potpourri Last?

I warm potpourri on the stove for an hour here or there throughout the week and then put a lid on it (store refrigerated, covered) until I’m ready to warm again.

You can reuse it as long as it smells fresh and replenish ingredients as needed. When I throw together a quick stovetop potpourri, I can warm it off and on for days. Yes, it lasts for days! Sometimes I’ll even add a little more water to it to keep it going.

Stove Top Potpourri Gift

Homemade Potpourri make a beautiful last minute gift – just place all of the ingredients into a peck basket or cellophane bag and add a satin bow.

It’s an easy, inexpensive and seasonal gift for any fall or winter occasion! (PS both of those items are staples in my gift station).

I hope you love this cozy recipe as much as I do! What are some of your favorite ways to make the house smell great?

More Ways to Make Your Home Smell Great

• You could, of course, bake your favorite chocolate chip cookies, I will never fault you for that, but baking every day isn’t easy on the hips.
• You can also dry your fruits for a beautiful gift. Get the easy dried homemade potpourri recipe here.
• Get my best tips for Spring Cleaning
• Grow a Meyer Lemon Tree
• How to Get Rid of Smoke Smell