Simmer Pots
Holiday Blends
Handcrafted Holiday Magic: Why I’m Obsessed with Simmer Pots
If you’ve ever wished your home could smell like a cozy cottage every day, that’s exactly why I started handcrafting simmer pots. They’re simple, beautiful, and feel like a little ritual—gathering the ingredients, adding water, and letting the warmth do the rest.
And during a season that can feel rushed and over-scheduled, a simmer pot is my reminder to slow down and actually enjoy the holidays. You can use one on the stovetop or in a crockpot to gently fill your home with that cozy, welcoming vibe. My favorite way is to set it on low in the crockpot before I leave—then I walk back into the most wonderful, comforting scent.
It’s perfect when you’re having friends or family over… and honestly, nothing replaces the magic of real, natural ingredients.
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What Is a Simmer Pot?
A simmer pot (sometimes called stovetop potpourri) is a blend of dried fruits, spices, herbs, and botanicals that you gently heat in water on the stove or in a small crockpot. As it simmers, it releases the most beautiful, natural fragrance into your home.
Think:
Slices of orange, apple, pear, lemon and lime
Whole spices like cinnamon sticks, star anise, clove, allspice
Cranberries, hibiscus, or rosehips for a tart, fruity note
Herbs and evergreens like rosemary, pine, or juniper
It’s like making tea for your home. No synthetic fragrance. No headaches. Just real ingredients you can see, recognize, and enjoy.
Why I Handcraft My Simmer Pots
I didn’t want to create “just another holiday product.” I wanted something that felt:
Natural: Real citrus, herbs, flowers, and spices—not artificial fragrance oils. Upcycled & thoughtful: I love using citrus slices, herbs, and botanicals in a way that reduces waste and gives them a beautiful second life.
Vintage & nostalgic: Each jar is layered to look like a tiny holiday scene—like something you’d find in an old-fashioned general store.
Fun to use: Part ritual, part decor, part “wow, your house smells amazing—what is that?”
Every simmer pot is:
Hand-layered by me
Built with intentional scent “stories” (bright & festive, cozy & calm, nostalgic & sweet)
Beautiful enough to gift as-is—no wrapping required
Meet My Holiday Simmer Pot Collection
Here’s a peek at my handcrafted blends. (Availability and substitutions may vary as I handcraft these in small batches.)
Merry ‘Little’ Christmas
A mini simmer pot.
A crowd-pleasing holiday simmer that smells like Christmas without being too strong. It’s warm, clean, and nostalgic—perfect for gifting and easy for anyone to love.
Scent Vibe: Bright, classic Christmas citrus first—like fresh orange peel in warm air—followed by cozy cinnamon and a soft cranberry sweetness, finished with a gentle, creamy vanilla glow
Ingredients: Orange, Lemon, Cinnamon, Cranberries, Whole Cloves, Blue Spruce Sprig, Vanilla
Gatherings Blend
Simmer when friends & families get together for festive parties, cookie exchanges, holiday dinners.
Scent Vibe: Reminiscent of the cherished holiday punch bowl—tart, party-bright citrus over juicy, cranberry-like hibiscus notes, swirled with warm allspice, vanilla, and ginger, with a subtle evergreen sparkle from juniper. Himalayan salt “confetti,” cranberries, star anise, and citrus wheels make it as festive in the package as it is fragrant on the stove.
Ingredients: Allspice berries; cranberries; dried ginger chips; cardamom pods; vanilla pods; star anise; juniper berries; vanilla lime wheels; spiced orange wheels; hibiscus petals; grapefruit wheels; Himalayan salt.
Use: Add contents to 2 Cups of Water and simmer on low. Strain and store in the refrigerator. Reuse up to 6 times.
Do Not leave unattended.
Fireside Blend
Wind down during this busy time of year. Be present in the moment and truly enjoy the holidays—read a book, listen to music, sip a cup of tea.
Scent Vibe: Quiet, tea-like florals with a clean citrus hint—hibiscus and lavender brightened by lemony coriander and soft orange, with a hint of smokiness—perfect for cuddling up with a cozy blanket and a good book.
Ingredients: Hibiscus Blossoms, Orange Peel, Coriander Seeds, Cardamom Pods, Lavender Buds, Bay Leaf, Himalayan Pink Salt, Juniper Berries, Lemon Wheels, Star Anise, Smoked Rosemary.
Christmas Blend
Simmer while opening gifts, sharing festive treats, and cozying up for unrushed, quality time.
Scent Vibe: Bright citrus layered over warm bakery spices with a fresh evergreen lift. Spice-kissed citrus wheels and whole botanicals make it look as festive as it smells.
Ingredients: Whole Cloves; Cinnamon Sticks; Dried Ginger Chips; Allspice Berries; Cardamom Pods; Star Anise; Juniper Berries; Culinary Fir/Spruce Tips or Rosemary Sprigs; Anise Seed; Vanilla Pods; Grapefruit Wheels (spice-dusted); Orange Wheels (spice-dusted); Tangerine or Clementine Wheels (spice-dusted).
Traditions Blend
Simmer while wrapping gifts, creating family traditions, baking cookies, playing board games, and making home-crafted gifts.
Scent Vibe: Warm vanilla and buttery cardamom with freshly grated nutmeg and cozy ginger—finished with cool peppermint and a soft orange and spiced pear.
Ingredients: Cinnamon Stick, Vanilla Bean, Cardamom Pods, Ginger Chips, Nutmeg Shards, Allspice Berries, Whole Cloves, Orange Peel, Spiced Pears, Tangerine/Clementine Wheels, Peppermint Leaf (dried), Star Anise.
How to Use a Simmer Pot
Using your handcrafted simmer pot is simple and intentional—no special equipment required.
Stovetop Method:
- Add contents of the jar to a small saucepan.
- Pour in about 2 cups of water (enough to cover the ingredients).
- Simmer on the lowest heat.
- As the water evaporates, top it off as needed.
- Turn off the heat when you leave the house or go to bed.
Mini Crockpot / Warmer Method:
- Add ingredients and water to your mini crockpot.
- Set to low or warm.
- Leave uncovered to allow fragrance to fill the room.
- Most blends can be reused multiple times—just let the mixture cool, cover, and use again within a couple of days (topping off with fresh water each time).
Safety note: Always keep an eye on the water level and never leave a simmer pot unattended on the stove.
Why Simmer Pots Make the Best Gifts
These aren’t just “good-smelling things.”
They’re:
Visually beautiful: Slices of citrus, herbs, flowers, and spices layered in a clear bag or jar—it’s like a little piece of holiday art.
Fun to use: Even people who don’t like candles love the interactive, hands-on nature of simmer pots.
Natural: Real ingredients, no synthetic fragrance.
Universal: Great for people who are scent-sensitive or prefer a lighter, more natural fragrance.
They’re perfect for:
- Hostess gifts
- Teacher gifts
- Neighbor gifts
- Stocking stuffers
- Employee and client appreciation gifts
- “Just because I’m thinking of you” gifts
You can tuck one into a mug, tie it to a bottle of wine, or add it to a cozy gift basket with tea, cocoa, or homemade treats.
Custom Tags, Custom Blends & Group Gifts
One of my favorite parts of this little simmer pot business? Customizing.
I can:
- Personalize labels with names or short messages
- Create blends tailored to a theme (company colors, event vibe, or a special scent memory)
- Put together sets for employee gifts, client gifts, friend gifts, teacher gifts, hostess gifts—you name it.
If you’d like simmer pots created just for your business, event, or family gathering, reach out and we can dream up the perfect blend together.
Bring a Vintage Holiday Tradition Into Your Home
n a world of quick clicks and overnight shipping, there’s something grounding about a gift that’s been carefully layered, scented, and tied by hand.
My handcrafted holiday simmer pots are my way of sharing that feeling—of slowing down, breathing deeper, and letting your home smell like warmth, memory, and love.
You can shop my current simmer pot collection here:
VIDEOS
DIY Simmer Pot – Part 1
Dried Simmer Pot: Fruit Prep 🍊✨
1. Pick your fruits: oranges 🍊, lemons 🍋, limes (🍋🟢), grapefruit 🍊, apples 🍎🍏, pears 🍐
2. Thinly slice: even slices = even drying.
3. Soak in lemon water 🍋💧: keeps colors bright.
4. Thoroughly dry: pat with towels.
5. Oven: 180°F, on parchment; 2-4 hours keep checking
6. Use a Dehydrator to reach more vibrant colors. (See below)
DIY Simmer Pot – Part 2
Simmer pots are fun and they make a great gift.
Here are my step by step instructions on how to put them together.
If you love the idea, but don’t have the time or energy to put these together, I do sell them in my store for this holiday season.
Products We Love
Simmer Pot FAQs
What is a simmer pot?
A simmer pot (also called stovetop potpourri) is a blend of dried fruits, herbs, spices, and botanicals that you gently heat in water on the stove or in a small crockpot. As it warms, it releases a natural, cozy fragrance that makes your whole home smell like the holidays.
How do I use my handcrafted simmer pot?
1)Empty the contents into a small saucepan or mini crockpot.
2)Add about 2 cups of water (enough to cover the botanicals).
3)Set heat to low and let it gently simmer.
4)Add more water as needed so it doesn’t dry out.
5)Turn off the heat when you’re done or when you leave the house.
Can I reuse a simmer pot more than once?
Yes! Most blends can be reused several times over 1–3 days.
Let the mixture cool.
Keep it covered between uses.
Add fresh water each time you re-simmer.
When it no longer has much scent, it’s time to compost or discard the botanicals.
How long does one simmer pot last while it’s on?
Typically, a pot can simmer for several hours at a time on low heat. Just keep adding water as it evaporates. Most people enjoy it for 2–4 hours at a stretch.
What makes your simmer pots “handcrafted”?
Each simmer pot is hand-layered by me using carefully chosen botanicals—like dried citrus wheels, herbs, whole spices, flowers, and seasonal accents. I design each blend with a specific “scent story” in mind (Gatherings, Fireside, Traditions, etc.) so it feels both beautiful to look at and special to use.
Are simmer pots safe around kids and pets?
Simmer pots should be treated like any hot pot on the stove:
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Keep pots and cords out of reach.
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Never leave children unattended around a hot stove or crockpot.
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Pets should not drink the water or eat the botanicals.
If you have specific concerns about certain ingredients and your pets, always check with your vet.
Can I order custom tags or custom blends?
Yes! I can customize:
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Tags with names, messages, or business names
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Special blends to match your event, theme, or brand colors (as supplies allow)
Custom employee, client, or event gift orders are welcome—just reach out and we’ll create something unique together.
Are simmer pots safe?
They’re as safe as any other item on the stove—as long as you follow basic kitchen safety:
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Always keep an eye on the water level.
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Never leave a simmer pot unattended on an open flame.
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Turn it off when you leave the house or go to bed.
Are simmer pots edible or for making tea?
No. Even though the ingredients are things you might recognize from your kitchen, these blends are for natural home fragrance only, not for eating or drinking. Although everything I use is natural, I don’t claim it is for consumption.
What kind of stove or warmer can I use?
You can use:
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Gas or electric stovetops
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Induction (in an induction-safe pot)
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A mini crockpot or wax warmer-style potpourri warmer
Just make sure whatever you use is heat-safe and kept on a stable surface.
How should I store my simmer pot before using it?
Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight—like a pantry or cabinet. Make sure the packaging is sealed so the botanicals stay fresh and fragrant.
Do simmer pots work for people who are sensitive to fragrance?
Many people who are sensitive to synthetic fragrance find natural simmer pots much more gentle. That said, everyone is different. If you’re sensitive, you may want to:
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Start with a shorter simmer time.
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Use fewer botanicals at first.
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Make sure the room is well-ventilated.
What occasions are simmer pots good for gifting?
Simmer pots make easy, thoughtful gifts for:
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Hostess & housewarming gifts
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Teachers, neighbors, and friends
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Employee and client gifts
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Stocking stuffers
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Gift basket add-ins
They’re pretty right out of the package, so you can gift them as-is with a simple ribbon or tag.
Do simmer pots replace candles?
They can! Many people love simmer pots as a softer, more natural alternative to heavily scented candles. You can absolutely use both—but if you’re trying to reduce synthetic fragrance in your home, simmer pots are a beautiful option.
Do the botanicals ever discolor or change over time?
Natural botanicals may deepen in color over time—that’s normal and doesn’t affect how they perform. I recommend using your simmer pots within the season you purchase them for the freshest look and scent.
Some plants such as rosemary, pine or mint may brown as they dry.
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