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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.  

winter stovetop potpourri

Simmer pots are a cinch to make and a great way to make your home smell nice, naturally.  

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

girl standing laughing with a wooden spoon in her hand, wearing a black and white sweater in a kitchen

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

  1.  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.  
  2. 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.  
  • putting srpigs of reosemary in a pot full of water for potpourri
  • holding cranberries for a winter simmer pot
  • putting ingredients in a red pot for potpourri - how to make a winter simmer pot

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.

a kitchen with a red pot on the stove and a tea towel next to it with a wood cutting board

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

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