Well, we might not have as many guests for the holidays this year, or any at all, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a pot of this amazing Winter Stovetop Potpourri.
Winter stovetop potpourri is the same thing as a winter simmer pot, or Christmas Simmer pot, or Holiday Stovetop Potpourri, or Fall Simmer Pot ….I think you get the idea!
It’s basically a pot of delicious-smelling things that simmer and fill your home with a wonderful scent.

Simmer pots are a cinch to make and a great way to make your home smell nice, naturally.
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This particular blend of fresh herbs, spices, cranberries, and oranges will please the pickiest of noses.
I should know since my family is super sensitive to any scents! When I go overboard, my husband likes to say that it feels like he has a cinnamon stick up his nose.
Related Post: DIY Scented Sachets with Rice and Essential Oils

So this recipe calls for a delicate balance of things to make a light, fresh scent. If you wish to make a stronger scent, just double up on the spices!
Let’s gather up our ingredients for this winter simmer pot and get simmering!
Things You’ll Need
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- Half of an orange sliced
- 2 sprigs of Rosemary
- Dash of Nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- Handful of Cranberries
- 4 cups of Water
How to Make Winter Stovetop Potpourri
- Combine all ingredients in a pot on the stove and simmer on the stove as long as you like. Keep an eye on it; add more water to the pot as the level gets low.
- After you’re finished, strain the ingredients and keep them in a Tupperware in the fridge for a near-future simmer pot. I find that the scents last multiple times over.



It’s important to note that while this simmer pot recipe will look and smell good enough to eat – please refrain. It’s for noses only. 🙂
After the holidays, you may be over the whole cinnamon/clove thing, so try a combination of these ingredients for a fresh, Happy New Year simmer pot.

Perhaps while you’re spring cleaning!
Happy New Year Simmer Pot
- Lemon Peels or Slices
- Rosemary Sprigs
- Lavender Essential Oil or Buds
- Bay Leaves
- Ginger
- Eucalyptus or Pine Branches
Where to Buy Cinnamon Sticks Cheap
I had some questions on a previous post (my cinnamon stick candle holders), about the best places to buy Cinnamon Sticks. Cinnamon Sticks can be so pricey and you don’t get that many in a jar!
Here are a few places to look for Cinnamon Sticks on the Cheap:
- Dollar Stores – check the food/spice aisle
- Walmart Great Value Cinnamon Sticks- they sell a bulk container of them for under $10!
- The Bulk Bins at your local grocery store – often cheaper/pound than buying the containers – they don’t always offer cinnamon sticks, but it’s worth a look.
- Amazon Cinnamon- they often have 1-2 pound bags for sale (that’s 100-150 sticks of cinnamon!)
I hope you guys enjoy this winter stovetop potpourri!
Xo Karen