Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe and Free Printable Gift Tag -

A close-up of a decorative plate with fresh cranberries, rosemary, and spices next to holiday cards reading Warm Wishes and a gold satin ribbon on a white surface.

Christmas Simmer Pot ideas are one of my favorite natural ways to make our home smell like the Christmas season. I am always trying to find simple and cozy ways to naturally infuse our entire house with the smells of Christmas, and this Christmas Simmer Pot recipe has become a staple in our home year after year. There is just something so comforting about a beautiful pot of water gently simmering on the stove, filled with whole spices, fresh fruit, and warm holiday aromas. Today I am sharing my favorite Christmas simmer pot recipe, easy seasonal swaps you can use for the best results, and my free printable gift tag that makes this a great gift for the holiday season.

If you love creating a whole house smell using natural ingredients, this easy Christmas stovetop potpourri is a wonderful place to start. Not only does it fill your home with classic Christmas scents, but it is also an inexpensive way to create a cozy atmosphere and a thoughtful handmade gift.

A glass jar filled with cranberries and topped with a gold ribbon and gift tag sits on a table. In the background, there is a plate with dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and greenery.

What Is a Christmas Simmer Pot and How Do You Use One?

A Christmas simmer pot is a simple mixture of whole spices, citrus fruits, fresh ingredients, and water that is gently heated on low heat to release the smells of Christmas throughout your home. Unlike candles or artificial sprays, simmer pots are a natural way to scent your home using ingredients you can easily find at the grocery store.

To use a Christmas simmer pot, you simply add your simmer pot ingredients to a small pot or stock pot, cover with cups of water, and bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, you reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for a couple of hours, adding fresh water as needed. As the pot blend warms, the scents of the season slowly rise and create that unmistakable smell of Christmas in your entire house.

This stovetop Christmas potpourri is especially perfect for this time of year when you want your home smell to match the holiday spirit.

A hand ties a golden ribbon around a glass jar with a “Warm Wishes” tag. In the background are dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cranberries, and fresh rosemary on a white surface.

Why You Will Love This Christmas Simmer Pot

This Christmas Simmer Pot recipe is a great way to naturally scent your home using simple ingredients and classic Christmas aromas. You will love how easy it is to customize using fresh fruit, dried fruit, whole spices, or even essential oils. It creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that instantly feels festive and cozy.

Another reason this recipe is such a great thing to keep on hand is how versatile it is. You can make it first thing in the morning and let it gently simmer on the stove top all day. It is also a better way to scent your home when guests are coming over, during baking days, or while decorating the Christmas tree.

And of course, this Christmas simmer pot doubles as a great gift. Packaged in little jars or mason jars with a free printable gift tag, it makes a thoughtful handmade gift for neighbor gifts, hostess gifts, or anyone who already has everything.

A close-up of dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, fresh rosemary, cranberries, star anise, and cloves arranged on a white plate.

Best Pots for a Christmas Simmer Pot

The best place to simmer your Christmas simmer pot is on the stove top in a small pot. I personally love using a small glass pot because you can see all of the beautiful ingredients infusing together, and it adds to the cozy atmosphere in the kitchen.

That said, there are several great options that work just as well. A Dutch oven, stock pot, or small coquettes are perfect for simmering larger batches, especially if you want your entire house to be filled with the smells of Christmas. A slow cooker is also a great addition if you plan to simmer your pot for longer periods of time. Just be sure to set it on low heat and adjust the simmer pot ingredients based on the size of your pot.

No matter which pot you choose, always be mindful to add fresh water as needed to prevent burning and never leave your simmer pot unattended.

A decorative white plate holds dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, fresh rosemary, cranberries, star anise, and cloves. Gold scissors, ribbon, and printed labels are nearby on a cream-colored surface.

Supplies

Ingredients for Cozy Christmas Simmer Pot
6 cinnamon sticks
6 star anise
6 dried orange slices or 1 fresh orange cut into thin orange slices
3 Tbsp whole cloves
10 fresh cranberries
3 rosemary sprigs or sprigs of fresh rosemary
1 tsp vanilla extract optional

Other Supplies:
Pot for simmering such as a small pot, stock pot, or glass pot
Glass jars with wood spoons and lid or mason jars
Baker’s twine or ribbon
Card stock or paper for printing
Free printable gift tag
Scissors

A white plate holds dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, rosemary, cranberries, and star anise. Nearby are scissors, gold ribbon, glass jars, and printed Warm Wishes gift tags on a marble surface.

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Step By Step Instructions for Christmas Simmer Pot

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Start by gathering all of your simmer pot ingredients. If you are using a fresh orange, slice it into thin orange slices. If you are using dehydrated oranges or dried fruit, simply set them aside with your whole spices and fresh ingredients.

Step 2: Add ingredients to the pot

Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves, orange slices, fresh cranberries, and rosemary sprigs to your pot. This pot blend is beautiful and instantly feels like classic Christmas.

A clear glass bowl with dried orange slices, star anise, fresh rosemary, and cranberries sits on a white surface next to a plate of cinnamon sticks and a gold-ribboned gift tag.

Step 3: Add water to the pot

Fill the pot with fresh water until all of the ingredients are covered. You should start with at least 2 to 3 cups of water depending on the size of your small pot.

Step 4: Bring to a boil

Place the pot on the stove top and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 5: Reduce heat and simmer

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low heat and allow the Christmas simmer pot to simmer for a couple of hours. Check the pot often and add cups of water as needed to keep at least 2 to 3 cups of water in the pot at all times. Never leave the simmer pot unattended.

After cooling, the simmer pot can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days. You can reheat it the next day by adding fresh water and warming it again on low heat.After cooling, the simmer pot can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days. You can reheat it the next day by adding fresh water and warming it again on low heat.

A glass jar filled with treats is topped with a gold ribbon and a decorative tag that reads Warm Wishes and contains a holiday message and instructions; the jar sits on a light surface.

How to Gift a Christmas Simmer Pot

While I love using simmer pots in my own home, gifting them is one of my favorite things to do during the holiday season. Handmade gifts are so personal and meaningful, and this simmer pot recipe makes a great gift for anyone who loves cozy homes and the smells of Christmas.

If you are making jars for gifting, set all of the ingredients out on a tray for easy prep. Add the smallest ingredients like whole cloves, star anise, and whole allspice to the bottom of the jar first. Then stand cinnamon sticks upright and place dried orange slices or dehydrated oranges in the middle. Finish with sprigs of fresh rosemary and fresh cranberries on top if gifting right away.

Use a 2 quart mason jar or cellophane bags depending on the size you want. Wrap with baker’s twine or ribbon, attach the free printable gift tag, and add a small wooden spoon for a fun addition. These jars look beautiful displayed and make wonderful neighbor gifts.

free printable gift tag

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Alternate Ingredients and Seasonal Swaps

One of the easiest ways to customize your Christmas simmer pot is by swapping ingredients based on what you have on hand or personal preference. Fresh sliced or dried apples are a great addition and pair beautifully with cinnamon sticks and whole cloves.

For extra warmth, you can add a small amount of apple cider, ground cinnamon, or other ground spices, although whole spices tend to give the best results. A few pine needles can also be added for a subtle Christmas tree scent.

Essential oils are another simple way to boost the aroma. A few drops of orange, clove, or vanilla essential oils can enhance the smell of Christmas even more. Just be sure to use high quality oils and add them after the pot has started simmering.

A decorative white plate holds dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, fresh rosemary, cranberries, star anise, and cloves. Gold ribbon, scissors, and cards are in the background, creating a festive atmosphere.

Tips for Best Christmas Simmer Pot Results

Always keep an eye on your pot and add fresh water as needed to avoid burning.
Use whole spices rather than ground spices when possible for the best aroma and longer shelf life.
Keep the heat on low heat once simmering to gently release the smells of Christmas.
Use fresh ingredients for the strongest scent, but dried fruit works beautifully for gifting.
If using a slow cooker, adjust the amount of ingredients and keep it on low.
This is a simple way to naturally scent your home without artificial fragrances.

A glass jar filled with cranberries, tied with a gold ribbon and gift tag, sits on a marble counter. In the background, a plate holds dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cranberries, and rosemary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Christmas simmer pot last?
A Christmas simmer pot can be refrigerated and reused for up to 2 to 3 days. Add fresh water each time you reheat for best results.

Can I leave a simmer pot on all day?
A simmer pot can be left on low heat for several hours as long as you are home and monitoring it. Always add fresh water as needed and never leave it unattended.

Can I freeze a simmer pot?
Yes, you can freeze simmer pot ingredients in freezer bags and thaw them when ready to use. This is a great way to prep ahead for the Christmas season.

Can I use essential oils instead of fresh ingredients?
Essential oils can be used as a great addition but work best when paired with whole spices and fresh fruit.

This Christmas Simmer Pot recipe is a simple, beautiful, and natural way to fill your home with the scents of the season. Whether you are creating a cozy atmosphere for your own family or gifting jars to friends and neighbors, this is an easy way to spread holiday spirit. I hope you love this recipe as much as we do.

If you give this Christmas simmer pot a try, I would love to hear about it. Leave a comment on the blog post, tag me on social media at @returninggrace, or share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe to my email list so you never miss a new recipe, free printable, or cozy seasonal idea.

salutation with a signature Wishing you grace, Stephanie

Meet Stephanie

Hi, I’m Stephanie—a lifelong creative, homebody at heart, and the hands behind Returning Grace. I believe home should feel like your favorite place, and I’m passionate about helping you create spaces filled with warmth, character, and charm. From simple DIYs and seasonal crafts to cozy recipes and vintage-inspired decor, I share approachable ideas to make your home feel beautifully lived in. I love thrifting, styling old finds in fresh ways, and documenting our home remodeling adventures along the way.
 
I’m honored to have served as the 2024 American Farmhouse Style Brand Ambassador and to share my love for cottage farmhouse living with a community that values creativity, comfort, and meaningful design.

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