I’m all about keeping my home smelling fresh, but burning aromatic candles isn’t really my thing. They can get pricey over time, and let’s be honest—most candles aren’t exactly ideal for indoor use. That’s why I’ve turned to a more natural and affordable option: DIY stove top potpourri.
These simple simmer pot recipes are a fantastic way to fill your home with delightful scents using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Stovetop potpourri is a great alternative to candles or store-bought air fresheners, and it’s incredibly easy to make. You can toss in apple slices, citrus peels, herbs, or spices like cinnamon sticks and cloves, then just let them gently simmer on the stove.
As the fragrant steam rises, it fills your home with a warm and inviting aroma that’s completely natural. Plus, you get to skip the chemicals that come with many commercial air fresheners, keeping the air you breathe a little cleaner.
What I love about these simmer pot recipes is how versatile they are. You can easily create seasonal blends that suit your mood. Think fall potpourri with oranges, nutmeg, and star anise, or a holiday mix that smells like Christmas thanks to cranberries, pine, and cinnamon.
It’s a simple way to make your house smell good and feel cozy, no matter the time of year. And if you’re looking for a cute DIY gift idea, these potpourri blends can be packaged up in jars and given to friends or family.
Ready to try it out? Here are 15 stove top potpourri recipes that will make your home smell amazing, without the expense or fuss of candles. Let’s bring some natural fragrance into your space with a simmering pot of goodness!
What Can You Boil to Make Your Home Smell Good?
When you want to make your home smell good, boiling a few simple ingredients can transform your space into a fragrant oasis. Stovetop potpourri is an easy and delightful way to freshen the air in your home. You don’t need fancy ingredients; just a few aromatic items will do the trick.
Here are some good options to get you started with your first stovetop potpourri:
- Citrus fruits like oranges or lemons
- Fresh herbs such as rosemary or mint
- Spices like cinnamon sticks or cloves
- Vanilla extract for a sweet touch
Simply fill a pot or crockpot with water, add your chosen ingredients, and bring it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat to let it simmer.
Keep an eye on the water level, adding more as needed. The delightful aromas will fill your home, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Plus, you can customize your stovetop potpourri based on the season or your mood. This simple act not only refreshes your space but also makes it feel cozy and welcoming for you and your guests.
Best Way to Make Your Home Smell Amazing All the Time
Creating a consistently inviting aroma in your home goes beyond occasional stovetop potpourri. To keep your space smelling amazing all the time, make stovetop potpourri a regular part of your routine.
Start by filling a pot or slow cooker with water and adding your favorite aromatic ingredients like citrus peels, herbs, and spices. Simmer it on low heat, guaranteeing you refill the water as needed to maintain a strong scent.
You can also experiment with seasonal ingredients to keep things new. For example, use cinnamon and apples in the fall or mint and lime in the summer. Once you find a combination you love, you might want to make larger batches.
Store any leftovers in a glass jar in the fridge for later use so you can extend the life of the delightful aromas for your home.
Don’t be afraid to get creative because there’s no rule here. Use kitchen scraps like orange peels or stale spices to reduce waste while enhancing your home’s scent.
Regularly renewing your stovetop potpourri guarantees your home remains a warm, inviting haven for you and your guests. Embrace this simple practice, and enjoy the comforting atmosphere it creates!
Fall Stovetop Potpourri Recipe
Creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere during the fall is easy with this stovetop potpourri recipe. The warm scents of apples, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice will fill your home, making it feel like a comforting autumn retreat. You can enjoy this delightful aroma while sipping hot cider or gathering with friends and family.
Ingredients:
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 4 cups water
Christmas Stovetop Potpourri Recipe
The warm and inviting scents of pine, cinnamon, and citrus will fill your space, evoking the holiday spirit and creating a cozy environment for family gatherings and festive celebrations. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup cranberries
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 1/4 cup pine needles or a few pinecones
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: other spices like cloves or nutmeg for extra warmth
Williams Sonoma Stovetop Potpourri Recipe
This invigorating stovetop potpourri recipe is inspired by the fragrant offerings from Williams Sonoma Stores. It’s simple to make and fills your home with a clean, inviting aroma that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh rosemary
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups water
Coffee Cake Stovetop Potpourri Recipe
This simmer pot mixture is a delightful way to fill your home with the warm and inviting scent of freshly baked coffee cake. It combines sweet and spicy notes that evoke a cozy atmosphere, perfect for gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup of sliced apples (fresh or dried)
- Optional: a sprinkle of nutmeg
Summer Stovetop Potpourri Recipe
For a revitalizing summer stovetop potpourri, you’ll want to capture the bright and vibrant scents that remind you of sunny days and blooming flowers. This easy recipe combines tropical fruits and cooling herbs to create a delightful aroma that fills your home with the essence of summer.
Ingredients:
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 cup of fresh mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cups of water
Spring Stovetop Potpourri Recipe
Spring is a wonderful time to freshen up your home with a delightful DIY scent that captures the essence of the season. This recipe combines bright citrus scents with fragrant herbs, creating a revitalizing atmosphere that welcomes the beauty of spring.
Ingredients:
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs of fresh mint
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 4-5 cups of water
Homemade Potpourri Gift Jars
Homemade potpourri gift jars make thoughtful presents that can brighten anyone’s day. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, housewarming, or holiday celebration.
To create your jars, start by selecting seasonal ingredients that evoke the senses. For instance, you might choose dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves for a warm, inviting scent.
Next, layer your ingredients in a mason jar for an attractive presentation. You can also add herbs like rosemary or lavender for a rejuvenating touch. Don’t forget to include a decorative label that shares the ingredients and any special instructions for use. This personal touch makes your gift even more special.
Once you’ve filled the jars, tie them with a ribbon or string to enhance the festive feel. Homemade potpourri not only smells delightful but also adds a charming element to any space.
When your friends or family simmer the potpourri, they’ll think of you every time they enjoy the lovely aromas.
Other DIY Simmer Pot Ideas
Lemon and Garden Herbs
This mix will create a bright, uplifting aroma that makes your home feel cheerful and inviting!
Cranberries, Orange, and Rosemary
This mix not only smells amazing but also brightens up your home with a delightful holiday vibe!
Apple, Citrus, and Cinnamon
This delightful mix will fill your home with a warm, inviting scent that’s perfect for fall or any time you want a cheerful aroma!
Apple, Cinnamon, Star Anise
For a cozy and comforting stovetop potpourri, try combining apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. This mix will fill your home with a warm, inviting aroma that’s perfect for fall!
Lemon and Thyme
Lemon and thyme make a revitalizing and uplifting stovetop potpourri! Simply combine slices of lemon and a few sprigs of thyme in a pot of water, bring it to a boil, then let it simmer to fill your home with a bright, herbal aroma.
Woodland Winter
Try combining pine needles, cinnamon sticks, and a few slices of oranges. This mix will fill your home with a fresh, cozy scent that reminds you of a peaceful winter forest!
