There’s nothing more magical than filling your home with the cozy scents of Christmas. This post is all about creating a charming Christmas simmer pot to make your home smell amazing for the holiday season.
Plus, I’ll show you how to turn this festive idea into a thoughtful DIY gift, complete with printable gift tags. Trust me, your friends and family will love it!
This past weekend, my daughter whipped up a simmer pot using items from my kitchen and herb garden. The aroma was so incredible I couldn’t wait to share it with you.
So today, I’m giving you the recipe for a Christmas simmer pot and showing you how to make gift bags with the ingredients. Plus to make this even more wonderful I created an editable gift tag to go on your gift. So, let’s dive in!
How to Make a Christmas Simmer Pot
Your Christmas simmer pot recipe only requires a few inexpensive items.
Supplies:
- 1 Orange
- 3-4 Sprigs of Rosemary (fresh rosemary can be found in the product section at the grocery store or you can snip some from a herb garden)
- 3-4 Cinnamon Sticks
- 1-2 tbsp of whole cloves
- Small pot
- Water
- Optional: A handful of fresh cranberries add a festive touch
Step 1: Cut Orange
Begin by cutting an orange and add the orange slices to a small pot or sauce pan on the stove top. Don't worry about using the ends if there's no room.
Step 2: Toss in Other Ingredients
Next toss in the rosemary, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. You can also add in cranberries which give the pot an even more beautiful Christmas look.
Step 3: Fill Pot with Water
Fill the pot with water, just enough to cover the fruit and herbs.
Step 4: Simmer the Christmas Potpourri
Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle low simmer. Keep an eye on it and add water as needed to prevent it from drying out.
That is all to it. The citrus spice scent will make your whole house smell like Christmas. Isn't this so easy and much better than artificial air fresheners or candles?
This simple recipe creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It’s perfect for a quiet evening, holiday gatherings, or even adding moisture to dry winter air.
If you want to try different spices, use a whole spice like star anise, allspice berries, or cardamom pods.
Additional Information
In our home here in Florida, this small pot works perfectly for stovetop potpourri. But if you’re in a drier climate, you might want to go for a bigger pot.
My friend Kelly, who lives up north, shared her trick for making an easy Christmas simmer pot in a larger pot. She even used a large Dutch oven once to keep the air cozy and moist all day long!
Now that you know how easy it is to make a Christmas simmer potpourri consider giving this as a gift to friends. Here is how to make a Christmas stovetop simmer pot gift bag.
How to Make a Christmas Simmer Pot Gift Bag
Now that your simmer pot is filling your home with charm, why not make a few to share? These gift bags are easy to put together and make awesome presents for friends, neighbors, or coworkers.
Supplies:
- All the simmer pot ingredients above (orange, rosemary, cinnamon sticks & clove)
- Clear gift bags or jars
- Ribbon
- Scissors
- Printable gift tags
Step 1: Place Ingredients in Bag or Jar
Add the orange, rosemary sprigs, cinnamon sticks, and clove to a clear cellophane bag.
Step 2: Tie with Ribbon into a Knot
Secure the festive ribbon around the gift bag with a simple knot to hold everything in place more securely.
Step 3: Add Simmer Pot Gift Tag
Print the gift tags. You can choose between an editable PDF to type your name or a blank version to handwrite it.
Each tag includes simple instructions for making the simmer pot. Once printed, cut out the tags and hole punch the top.
Step 4: Tie Ribbon into a Bow
Next, thread the ribbon through the hole in the gift tag, gently sliding it up to the knot. Then, tie a beautiful bow, and trim the tails at a stylish angle for that perfect finishing touch.
How simple and charming is that?
Step 5: Other Gift Ideas
Consider giving your Christmas stovetop potpourri with other items such as cute Christmas kitchen towels, a small pot, a small cutting board, or, my favorite, a cute simmer pot. I particularly love this one on Amazon.
You could also package the simmer pot gift in a reusable mason jar trimmed with a ribbon and fresh evergreen clippings or dried orange peel. It will look amazing under the Christmas tree.
And just like that, your charming Christmas simmer pot gift bags are ready! They’re such a fun and thoughtful gift idea. Handmade gifts, especially ones inspired by nature, always feel extra special.
Final Thoughts
Now you have everything you need to create a Christmas simmer pot for your home and as gifts. This stovetop potpourri recipe is perfect for holiday parties, cozy nights in, or even helping with dry winter air.
A quick tip: Don’t forget to keep an eye on your simmer pot! One time, I got distracted, and all the water evaporated. Let’s just say my pot didn’t survive that adventure.
What do you think of this simmer pot gift idea? Isn’t it awesome?
My daughter gave these to her coworkers, and they were a big hit. It’s such a unique and heartfelt gift.
If you’re looking for more ideas using oranges and rosemary, check out these fun DIY projects:
Would you give this DIY a try? Or make these gift bags? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy Decorating!
