How To Make Your Own Festive Holiday Simmer Pot

There’s nothing quite like walking into a home that instantly feels like the holidays—warm spices, fresh citrus and a hint of pine in the air. It’s the kind of cozy, inviting atmosphere that makes everything feel a little brighter. ‌Enter the simmer pot: your new favorite way to fill your home with the scents of the season.  

With just a few ingredients from your kitchen, you can fill your home with the scents of the season, creating a holiday vibe that makes every moment—from wrapping gifts to sharing meals—feel even more special. 

Hungry for more? From candles to soaps and lotions, our selection of holiday fragrances will have you feeling holly jolly in no time! 

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What is a Simmer Pot? 

A simmer pot is exactly what it sounds like—a pot of water filled with aromatic ingredients that simmers gently in a pot or saucepan on your stovetop or in a slow cooker. As it heats up, it releases the scents of the ingredients, turning your home into a fragrant wonderland.  

Why a Simmer Pot is the Ultimate Holiday Hack 

Let’s face it: the holidays can be hectic.  

Between shopping, decorating and hosting, finding ways to create a warm and welcoming home might feel like one more thing on the to-do list. But holiday simmer pots make it easy! They’re a low-effort, high-impact way to add festive cheer without breaking the bank. Plus, they’re all-natural, which means no synthetic chemicals or overpowering scents. 

What You’ll Need to Get Started 

If you’re wondering how to make a holiday simmer pot, it’s easy. Just get a few basic ingredients and let them work their magic. Here’s what you’ll need: 

• A pot, Dutch oven or slow cooker: Any medium-sized pot will do, but if you’re feeling fancy, a slow cooker can keep your simmer pot going all day. 

• Water or apple cider: Your liquid base is key to releasing those scents. Water is classic, but cider adds a little extra holiday oomph. 

• Aromatic ingredients: This is where the fun begins! Mix and match from these staples: 

• Citrus: Bright and zesty orange, lemon or grapefruit slices. 

• Spices: Warm and comforting cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise or nutmeg. 

• Herbs: Earthy rosemary, bay leaves or thyme. 

• Extras: Cranberries for a pop of color, vanilla extract for sweetness or pine sprigs for that woodsy winter vibe. 

How to Make a Christmas Simmer Pot 

Ready to transform your home into a holiday haven? Here’s how: 

1. Fill your pot about halfway with water (or cider for a richer scent). 

1. Add your chosen ingredients—there’s no wrong combination! 

1. Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. 

1. Keep an eye on the water level and top it off as needed to prevent burning. 

A Few Holiday Simmer Pot Recipes to Try 

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some go-to blends that never fail to capture the holiday spirit: 

• Classic holiday cheer: Orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves and cranberries. This combination delivers the quintessential holiday aroma—bright, spicy and comforting. 

• Winter wonderland: Pine sprigs, rosemary, star anise and a splash of vanilla extract. Earthy and woodsy, this blend brings the crispness of a snowy forest indoors. 

• Sweet and cozy: Apple slices, nutmeg, cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup. Warm and inviting, this scent feels like a cozy hug on a cold day. 

• Gingerbread delight: Turn your home into a gingerbread bakery with fresh ginger slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves and a spoonful of molasses or brown sugar. It’s rich, spicy and irresistibly festive. 

• Snowy forest walk: Create a wintry, woodsy vibe with cedar clippings, juniper berries, peppermint extract and lemon slices. This crisp and refreshing scent will remind you of frosty outdoor adventures. 

You can also try experimenting with what you already have on hand: 

• Citrus peels: Don’t toss those orange or lemon peels—they add a fresh, zesty note. 

• Herb stems: Leftover rosemary, thyme or mint stems bring a subtle, earthy depth to your Christmas simmer pot. 

• Pantry finds: Forgotten spices like cardamom pods, bay leaves or even a pinch of allspice can add unexpected charm to your blend. 

There’s no wrong way to create a Christmas simmer pot. The beauty is in its simplicity and versatility—mix and match ingredients to suit your mood or experiment with new scents to discover your perfect holiday blend.  

Whether you’re using up leftovers or crafting a signature scent, every simmer pot is a chance to add a personal touch to your holiday season. 

Tips for Making the Most of Your Simmer Pot 

Creating a holiday simmer pot is simple, but with a few tips, you can make it even more effective and enjoyable. Here’s how to get the most out of this cozy holiday tradition: 

Start with the right pot 

A medium-sized pot is ideal for stovetop simmer pots because it gives the ingredients plenty of room to release their aromas. If you want something that lasts longer, a slow cooker is a great choice. Just set it to the lowest heat setting to keep the smells going all day. 

Keep an eye on the water 

Since simmer pots rely on moisture to carry the scent, water tends to evaporate as it heats. Check your pot every hour or so and add more water as needed to keep the ingredients from sticking to the bottom or burning. 

Layer your ingredients 

For the best results, combine ingredients with different scent profiles—like bright citrus, warm spices and earthy herbs—to create a balanced and inviting aroma. You can also add a small splash of vanilla or almond extract to round out the scent with a touch of sweetness. 

Reuse and refresh 

Don’t toss out your simmer pot ingredients after one use. Most blends can be reused for up to two days if stored in the fridge overnight. To revive the scent, simply add fresh water and a pinch of new spices when you reheat it. 

Play with temperature 

Starting your simmer pot on a gentle boil helps to quickly release the fragrance. Once the scent fills the air, lower the heat to keep it going. If you want a stronger aroma, simmer the pot uncovered; for a more subtle effect, partially cover it with a lid. 

Get creative with add-ins 

Simmer pots are the perfect way to use up leftovers, like apple cores, citrus peels or herb trimmings. For a richer, more seasonal scent, try using a base like apple cider, cranberry juice or even a splash of wine instead of plain water. 

Set the mood 

Pair your simmer pot with soft lighting, cozy blankets or holiday music to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The scent will tie it all together, making your space feel even more magical. 

Safety first 

Always keep an eye on your simmer pot, especially if it’s on the stove. If you need to leave the room, turn off the heat until you return. Slow cookers are a safer choice if you plan to leave for longer, but make sure they’re on a heat-resistant surface and away from kids or pets. 

Share the joy 

Simmer pot blends make thoughtful and festive gifts. Layer dried or fresh ingredients in a jar, tie it with a ribbon and include a handwritten note with instructions. It’s a simple way to spread the holiday cheer. 

Hungry for more? From candles to soaps and lotions, our selection of holiday fragrances will have you feeling holly jolly in no time! 

Shop Our Holiday Fragrances