The PERFECT Stove Top Potpourri Simmer Pot

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! Also called a simmer pot, this warm and cozy DIY is the best way to bring holiday fragrance into your home.

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

stovetop potpourri in cast iron pot simmering on stove

Originally posted October 2017, updated with additional details December 5, 2021

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 a simmer pot 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!

Table of Contents

Stove Top Potpourri

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.

Depending on your region (or age) you might also call this little DIY a simmer pot. However you want to call it, I call it warm and cozy and wonderful!

Why You’ll Love Stovetop Potpourri

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

close up of stovetop potpourri ingredients

Simmer Pot 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.

Stovetop potpourri is 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

Stovetop potpourri simmering in a white cast iron pot.

How to Make Stove Top Potpourri

Fill pot with water.
Add ingredients.
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 every couple of hours, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a simmer pot?

A simmer pot (also called stove top potpourri) serves two purposes in the winter months. It adds humidity into the dry air of your home, and it also give you a delightful wintery fragrance.

Leaving these items at a low simmer on your stovetop means that the fragrant water evaporates and provides a scent in your home.

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).

Stovetop potpourri simmering in a white cast iron pot on a stove.

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.
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Stove Top Potpourri

Prep Time 3

Total Time 3

Print Rate

Learn how to make potpourri is just 3 minutes or less! This easy stovetop potpourri will leave your house smelling warm and cozy for days!

Supplies

Instructions

Fill pot with water.
Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, apple and pear slices.
Simmer over low heat.