Christmas Tree Simmer Pot That Smells Like a Real Tree

Is there anything better than walking into a house that smells like a fresh-cut Christmas tree? This Christmas tree simmer pot gives you that same cozy, woodsy scent, even if your tree is faux. All you need is a few sprigs of evergreen, a little spice, and about five minutes.

Want to share it? I made a pretty Christmas Tree Simmer Pot editable gift tag so you can bag up the ingredients and give it to friends and neighbors.

How to Make a Christmas Tree Simmer Pot

This simmer pot doesn’t smell like plain pine, and that’s on purpose. I wanted it to feel warm and woodsy, like a cabin at Christmas.

So I paired fresh evergreen with rosemary, orange, and a few warm spices. Together, they smell like a Christmas tree with a fire crackling nearby.

Ingredients You Need

• About 8 small sprigs of fresh pine or fir
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 1 orange, sliced (or about 6 dried orange slices)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 8 to 9 whole cloves
• 1 star anise (optional)
• Water

That one star anise is optional. Even so, I love the subtle, warm hint it adds.

I used dried orange slices I made back in September. If you’d like to make your own, here’s how to dry orange slices the easy way.

Where to Find Fresh Evergreen

First, head outside and look for evergreen pine. Make sure the needles are still green, because dry, brown needles won’t give you much scent.

If you have a real Christmas tree, snip a few sprigs from the back. Fir smells even better than pine, so that’s a real treat.

No trees nearby? Stop by a Christmas tree lot and ask for their loose trimmings. Most are happy to share.

Safety Tip: Only use evergreens you can identify, like pine, fir, spruce, or cedar. Some evergreens, like yew, are toxic, so take great care with yew trimmings and keep them out of your pot.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Roll the Pine to Release the Oils

Lay your pine sprigs on a cutting board. Then roll over them a few times with a rolling pin.

This little trick bruises the needles and releases their natural oils. As a result, your pot smells stronger and faster.

Step 2: Add Everything to the Pot

Next, place the pine, rosemary, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise in a small pot, saucepan, or small Dutch oven.

Step 3: Cover With Water

Now fill the pot with water until everything is fully covered. Leave about 2 inches of water above the ingredients.

Step 4: Bring It to a Boil, Then Simmer

Set the pot on the stove over medium-high heat until it starts to boil. Then turn the heat down to the lowest setting right away.

That gentle simmer releases steam and fills your home with that fresh tree scent.

Step 5: Keep an Eye on the Water

Check the water every 30 to 45 minutes. Add warm tap water as it cooks down so nothing scorches.

Small Pot vs. Big Pot

I love using my little copper pot, but it’s small. Because of that, I can’t take my eyes off it, or the water boils away fast.

If you’d rather use a bigger pot, just double the ingredients. For a large Dutch oven, triple or even quadruple them.

Pro Tip: You can reuse your Christmas tree simmer pot for 2 to 3 days. Just let it cool, leave it on the stove, and add fresh water each time you warm it back up.

Make It in a Slow Cooker

Don’t want to babysit the stove? A slow cooker works beautifully. Set it on low and leave the lid cracked so the scent can escape.

They make the cutest little slow cookers that look sweet sitting on your kitchen counter all season long.

Give a Christmas Tree Simmer Pot as a Gift

This is one of my very favorite homemade Christmas gifts. It’s inexpensive, it’s pretty, and everyone loves a house that smells like Christmas.

Pack It in a Clear Bag

Place the dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and a few evergreen sprigs in a clear cellophane bag. Then tie it closed with a festive ribbon.

I used a red and white gingham ribbon because it looks so classic and cheerful.

Since fresh pine and rosemary won’t last forever, give your gift within a few days. Or tell your friend to tuck it in the fridge until she’s ready to simmer.

Add the Editable Gift Tag

To finish it off, tie on my editable Christmas Tree Simmer Pot gift tag. It already has the directions printed right on it.

At the bottom, you can type anything you want. Try “Love, the McDonald Family,” “To my best friend,” or “Thank you for being so amazing.”

The rest of the wording stays the same, so the instructions are always right there for your friend.

More Christmas Simmer Pots to Try

If you love this one, you’ll want to try my other holiday favorites too.

• Christmas Simmer Pot is warm, spicy, and classic.
• Cranberry Orange Simmer Pot is bright, fruity, and absolutely delightful.

Christmas Tree Simmer Pot FAQ

Can I use dried oranges instead of fresh?
Yes. Dried slices work great and look so pretty in the pot. In fact, they’re the best choice for gift bags since they last longer. Here is a post where I share how to dry orange slices.

How long does a simmer pot last?
You can reuse it for many days, but I typically only reuse it for 2 to 3 days. Just keep adding water as it cooks down.

What evergreens are safe to use?
Pine, fir, spruce, and cedar are all common choices. Avoid yew, which is toxic, and only use evergreens you can identify.

Bring the Christmas Tree Scent Home

A Christmas tree simmer pot is the easiest way to make your home smell like the holidays. It’s simple, natural, and it costs almost nothing to make.

So grab a few sprigs of evergreen, put the kettle of water on, and let your kitchen fill with that fresh, woodsy scent. And if you make a few gift bags for friends, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

Merry Christmas!