The holiday season is simmering now with the promise of cozy gatherings, festive decorations and aromas that instantly bring the ambiance of everything Christmas into your home. A simmer pot will keep the mood set all season long. This is the method of heating up spices, herbs and fruit in a small crock pot or a saucepan on the stove for an easy way to fill your space with the scents you crave this time of year. The following recipes will get you started while using readily available household ingredients to embrace your home with what feels like a warm and inviting holiday hug! For a quick burst of fragrance, simply bring the chosen ingredients to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Refresh the water periodically to extend the delightfully dreamy fragrance that lasts all day. Plus, if you’re looking for a money saving gift that leaves a lasting impression, put the dry ingredients into small mason jars or cellophane bags and you’ll have thoughtful surprises ready and waiting!
Candy Cane Simmer Pot
Ingredients: 4 cups of water, coconut flakes, 2-3 peppermint sticks, 4-5 drops of peppermint essential oil or extract, 3-4 drops of vanilla extract, 2 cinnamon sticks.
How: Add all ingredients to your choice of simmer pot…and simmer!
Why: Bring home continuous magic of visits to Santa as he hands each child a traditional candy cane. This aroma is ideal for Christmas as well as allowing it to linger through the winter months for a fresh scent in the new year!
Citrus Spice Simmer Pot
Ingredients: Orange peels, cinnamon sticks, cloves.
How: Combine the ingredients in a pot, cover with water and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
Why: The zesty citrus paired with the warmth of cinnamon and cloves creates a delightful atmosphere on a cold yet cozy evening.
Vanilla Cranberry Simmer Pot
Ingredients: Cranberries, vanilla extract, a dash of nutmeg and and a sprig of evergreen for festive looks.
How: Mix cranberries, a few drops of vanilla extract and nutmeg in a pot of water. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes and longer for continuous fragrance. Top with an evergreen sprig for more magic.
Why: This holiday flavor turns into a scent that will fill your home with the sweet tang of cranberries and the comfort of vanilla.
Evergreen Simmer Pot
Ingredients: Pine needles or pine essential oil, rosemary and a hint of lemon.
How: Add pine needles or a few drops of real pine essential oil, rosemary and lemon slices to a pot of water. Simmer on low heat and enjoy.
Why: This is the recipe for bringing the feel of a real tree or a pine forest inside, minus the work and needle clean up.
Christmas Potpourri Simmer Pot
Ingredients: Fresh cranberries, citrus fruit, mint leaves, cinnamon sticks and ground cloves
How: Add these ingredients to your simmer pot, cover with water and simmer as the steam releases the smell of Christmas into your home.
Why: This combination will fill your home with sweet, spicy aromas by using fresh ingredients rather than artificial fragrances to ensure your home smells like the holiday should…all day long!
Spiced Coffee Simmer Pot
Ingredients: 4 cups of water, 1/4 cup of coffee beans or grounds, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg and 15 cloves.
How: Mix all ingredients and simmer, adding water as needed.
Why: If it’s in a song, it must be good. Add continuous warmth and snuggly feelings of the holidays without the need to consume or pass caffeine and sweets!
Personalized Fragrance Simmer Pot
Ingredients: Citrus peels, pinecones, herbs, apple cores, cinnamon sticks, cloves, rosemary, mint etc.
How: Think about aromas that appeal to you. Mix and match as you would any of these recipes to create a personalized atmosphere in your own home. Come up with ideas that haven’t been thought of yet and you might just have yourself the next big hit!
Why: Turn trash into treasured comfort, unlock the scents from your spice cabinet and bring your outdoor garden indoors to intensify your senses with the feel of the holiday season through smell!
Related: 11 FREE Samples That Make Perfect Stocking Stuffers
