Christmas potpourri is the perfect way to naturally make your home smell like the holiday season! This delightful blend of fruit slices and fresh herbs simmer gently in your home either one the stove or in the slow cooker to fill your home with the scent of that holiday cheer!

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Holiday Spice Pot

I love finding ways to make my home smell like the time of year. I have a really hard time finding scented candles that I like since so many of them smell so artificial. Potpourri is a great all-natural option! I started doing potpourri’s during the winter to keep some humidity in the air when my kids have a cough and soon started doing them with all types of stuff. In the spring I like to do fresh herbs and lemon and, in the fall, and winter I love everything from cinnamon to pine needles.

This particular blend is all my Christmas favorites. Cranberries bring a wonderful tart and bright scent to your room, cinnamon and cloves add spicy aromatic notes. I add orange and apple slices to bring some sweet, zesty, and crisp fragrance and rosemary for a woodsy note. You can add and subtract based on what you have and reuse things the herbs many times. The most important thing is that you watch your Christmas potpourri and make sure it doesn’t run out of water since that will make it burn. You also don’t want it to come to a boil since you would end up with watery cranberry sauce – the slow cooker is my preferred method!

How to Make a Seasoned Scented Pot

First assemble the following ingredients

• Cranberries (1 cup) – A cup of vibrant red cranberries adds a festive pop of color and a tart, fruity aroma.
• Apple (1) – Freshly sliced apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, infuse a subtle, sweet, and crisp fragrance.
• Orange (1) – A whole orange brings a zesty, citrusy brightness to the potpourri.
• Rosemary (3 sprigs) – Three sprigs of rosemary offer a woodsy, herbal note for a cozy, wintery feel.
• Cinnamon sticks (3) – The warm, spicy scent of cinnamon sticks evokes the heart of holiday traditions.
• Whole cloves (2 teaspoons) – Two teaspoons of whole cloves lend a rich, spicy depth to the aromatic blend.

Use this Method

To make on the Stovetop:

Prep. Slice or quarter your orange and place all ingredients in a saucepan with 4-6 cups water.

Simmer and Smell. Bring to a simmer over low heat. Let it simmer as long as you like, adding more water as needed. Do NOT Boil.

To make in Slow Cooker:

Assemble. Place all ingredients in a slow cooker with 4-6 cups water. Set on HIGH covered and let it cook for several hours or uncovered on HIGH for more scent. If uncovered, add more water as necessary (when covered, the water won’t evaporate very quickly)

Tips and Tricks for Aromatic Christmas Spice Pot

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh cranberries, apples, oranges, and rosemary for the most vibrant scent.

Slice Evenly: Slice fruits like apples and oranges thinly to release more of their natural oils and fragrance.

Add Vanilla or Extracts: A splash of vanilla extract or almond extract can add a warm, sweet undertone.

Experiment with Spices: In addition to cinnamon sticks and cloves, try adding nutmeg, star anise, or cardamom for a unique twist.

Simmer Slowly: Keep the pot at a low simmer to prevent the ingredients from burning and ensure a consistent aroma.

Rehydrate as Needed: Add water periodically to keep the mixture from drying out and to prolong its life.

Reuse Ingredients: The same mixture can be simmered multiple times over a few days; just refrigerate it between uses.

Choose the Right Pot: Use a small pot or slow cooker to concentrate the aroma in your home.

Create Gift Jars: Layer dry ingredients (like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and dried fruit) in mason jars for a thoughtful DIY gift.

Add Essential Oils: A few drops of essential oils, like orange or cinnamon, can enhance the fragrance if the scent starts to fade.

Customize the Blend: Incorporate pine sprigs, bay leaves, or dried lavender for additional seasonal aromas.

Avoid Boiling: Keep the water at a gentle simmer, as boiling can quickly evaporate the scent and scorch the mixture.

Mix Dried and Fresh: If you don’t have fresh ingredients, dried fruits and herbs work well and last longer.

Seasonal Decor Touch: Include decorative ingredients like whole star anise or dried orange slices for an aesthetic boost.

Monitor While Heating: Never leave a simmering spice pot unattended to avoid drying out or potential safety hazards.

FAQs

More Amazing Holiday Recipes

Roast Turkey: A golden-brown, juicy centerpiece that fills the table with classic holiday tradition.

Honey-Glazed Ham: Sweet and savory with a caramelized crust that’s perfect for festive gatherings.

Prime Rib Roast: A succulent and tender cut of beef that makes any holiday meal feel luxurious.

Stuffing (or Dressing): A savory blend of bread, herbs, and vegetables baked to perfection as the ultimate holiday comfort food.

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, they’re the essential side dish that pairs well with any main course.

Gravy: Rich and flavorful, it’s the perfect topping for turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.

Green Bean Casserole: A creamy, crunchy classic topped with crispy fried onions for a nostalgic holiday favorite.

Sweet Potato Casserole: A sweet and comforting dish often topped with marshmallows or pecans for a festive twist.

Cranberry Sauce: Tart and tangy, this vibrant condiment brings balance to hearty holiday meals.

Rolls or Biscuits: Soft, buttery, and freshly baked, they’re perfect for sopping up every bit of gravy or sauce.

Pumpkin Pie: A creamy spiced dessert that captures the flavors of the season in every bite.

Pecan Pie: A rich, nutty treat with a caramel-like filling and buttery crust that’s irresistible.

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Crispy sprouts paired with smoky bacon for a flavorful holiday side.

Eggnog: A creamy and spiced holiday drink that’s a perfect companion to festive desserts.

Gingerbread Cookies: Spiced and sweet, these cookies are as fun to decorate as they are to eat.

Try these favorites:

Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake

Simple Eggnog Recipe

Best Gingerbread Cookies

Christmas Tree Cheese Wedges

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