How to Make Stovetop Christmas Potpourri – This holiday potpourri recipe is like bottling up the Christmas smell! It’s a great way to make your home smell like the holidays and makes a fantastic gift. Don’t miss our FREE PRINTABLE gift tags for gifting!
I mention this every so often, but my family moved a LOT growing up. My dad’s job often had new opportunities in different states, so we moved every 2-3 years, which made for plenty of chances to meet new people, learn how to get along some place new, and experience new things. Even so, it was a LOT of constant change, which was, at times, really hard.
Thankfully, my family was (and is!) very close, which made all that upheaval much easier to bear. I also always took comfort in holiday traditions. My family jokes about how much I love traditions around the holidays, but to me, traditions are little anchors that feel like home, no matter where I live or who I’m with.
I’ve written at length about our family’s holiday traditions, but one that I love from my own home growing up was my mom making the smell of Christmas with her stovetop Christmas potpourri. Making a holiday simmer pot was one of my favorite natural ways to usher in the holiday season throughout the entire house.
The stovetop potpourri is a blend of citrus and warm spices that instantly makes me feel cozy and safe. Here’s what makes it special…
What Makes This Christmas Potpourri Recipe Amazing
- IT SMELLS LIKE CHRISTMAS! The best part! I love this easy way to channel the scents of the season! The combination of citrus, warm spices, cranberries, and rosemary simmering on the stove instantly make the whole house smell like the holidays. It’s the Christmas smell on demand–a perfect natural air freshener!
- IT’S A GREAT WAY TO RESCUE SAD PRODUCE. Ever open an orange and find it’s actually pretty dry? Toss it in a saucepan for Christmas potpourri! It also works with grapefruit, mandarins, tangerines, and more–whatever needs to be used.
- IT’S FLEXIBLE! Like I said above, you can use a variety of citrus for this stovetop holiday potpourri recipe. You can also skip the cranberries or use diced apples in their place. Like a different spice blend? Feel free to play with it! Try mixing in cardamom pods, a bit of freshly grated nutmeg, star anise, bay leaf, or a splash of vanilla extract.
- IT’S A GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA! This is literally giving someone the smell of the holidays! See below for my tips on how to package this + a FREE printable gift tag you can use for gifting.
So what do you put in this Christmas potpourri simmer pot recipe? Well, it’s simple, really…
Simple Ingredients For Stovetop Christmas Potpourri
Part of what makes this such a great homemade Christmas gift or party favor is how SIMPLE the ingredients are. All you need for this Christmas stovetop potpourri recipe is:
- Oranges, Lemons, or Grapefruit. The citrus adds brightness and freshness that’s so lovely with the spices and herbs. I most often use oranges, but you can use mandarin oranges, tangerines, lemons, grapefruit, etc. It all works!
- Fresh Cranberries. These aren’t *strictly* necessary, since they add more color than aroma, but they look absolutely beautiful in the packages, are super affordable this time of year, and add a lovely touch in the pot.
- Fresh Rosemary Sprigs. Sprigs of fresh rosemary add depth and an almost pine needles scent to Christmas potpourri. It’s gorgeous with the citrus!
- Cinnamon Sticks. These are less messy, easier to package for gifting, and the scent is longer-lasting in my experience.
- Whole Cloves. Like cinnamon sticks, using whole cloves helps prolong their shelf life and helps the aroma last longer. A few go a long way, so you can make one jar of whole cloves last a long time!
What Else Can You Put On The Stove To Make It Smell Like Christmas?
The ingredients above are my go-to basic ingredients for stovetop holiday potpourri, but you can also add extras to your sauce pan, like star anise, grated nutmeg, a splash of vanilla extract, dried apples, fresh apple slices, whole allspice, bay leaves or sage leaves. Each one adds a slightly different scent to the stovetop potpourri, and can be lovely!
Shortcuts, Substitutions & Suggestions For Stovetop Potpourri
- SET IT AND FORGET IT IN A SLOW COOKER! You can totally put this covered in a slow cooker/crock pot on HIGH for hours without needing to add more water. (The lid prevents evaporation). If you leave the lid off your slow cooker, you’ll want to check it every hour or so to see if it needs more water. (This option is perfect for a holiday party!)
- SWAP YOUR CITRUS. You can use many different kinds of citrus for this. I’ve used grapefruit, Cuties (mandarins/clementines), tangerines, lemons, etc. Feel free to use what’s on sale, or what’s looking sad in your fridge.
- SUBSTITUTIONS + VARIATIONS. Besides citrus (orange slices), you can also swap out the cranberries for diced or sliced apples, use ground spices instead of whole, or add a splash of vanilla to the pot for some sweetness. Mix in fresh ginger, almond extract, or a pinch of pumpkin pie spice!
- STOCK UP TO SIMPLIFY! I don’t use whole spices very often in my kitchen, but they’re easier than ever to find. Sprouts has bulk spice bins that are great for this, or there’s Target or World Market (cinnamon sticks and cloves). Aaaand, I LOVE Amazon (cinnamon sticks and cloves).
Here’s How To Make It Smell Like Christmas! (Directions for Stovetop Potpourri)
- Slice or quarter your orange. Cutting the orange into orange slices looks pretty, but also gives you better access to the citrus scent! (Thin slices, thick slices, and quarters all work!)
- Place all ingredients in a saucepan with 4-6 cups water. (You’ll refill the pot of water as needed while it simmers.
- Bring to a simmer over low heat. You don’t want a boil–just a very slight simmer.
- Let it simmer as long as you like, adding more water as needed. You can simmer stovetop potpourri for hours on low heat–just check the water level, since water will evaporate over time.
How To Package Christmas Potpourri For Gifting (+Free Printable Gift Tags)
When you make it at home, I suggest slicing or quartering your oranges, but for gifting, it works best if you leave everything as whole as possible. Here’s the best way to package Christmas potpourri for gifting, step-by-step:
- Gather your ingredients and packing materials. I use large cellophane treat bags to pack everything up, along with some festive ribbon and our free printable tags.
- First, add the cranberries and a whole orange to the bottom of the treat bag.
- Then, add rosemary, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
- Twist the bag closed and secure with a twist tie, if possible. (Most treat bags come with twist ties!)
- Then, finish with the ribbon and tag. First, I tie a tight knot. Then, slide on a gift tag with a hole punched in one corner, and tie a bow.
EMAIL FREEBIE
Don’t Forget Your Christmas Potpourri Gift Tags!
Sign up below and we’ll send you a COLOR and a BLACK + WHITE version of these tags to use for gifting!
It’s nothing super fancy, but you can download and print my gift tags HERE. I’ve got them in color + black & white. I love how the black & white looks on brown kraft paper, and love the color for white cardstock.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions For Christmas Stovetop Potpourri
How Long Does Stovetop Potpourri Last? It can be simmered for hours and hours over 2-3 days. Just keep refilling the water every 1-2 hours, as needed. To prolong its life, refrigerate it overnight!
Can You Drink Christmas Potpourri? I wouldn’t recommend it. While everything is edible, and it smells amazing, it will be VERY bitter. (A few people have asked!) I’d opt for a cup of hot spiced cider instead!
How Many Days Does Stovetop Potpourri Stay Fresh? 2-3 days for best results, though if you refrigerate it in between uses, you can stretch it as long as 3-4 days.
Can You Make Christmas Potpourri in the Slow Cooker? You bet! It works like a charm. Add the ingredients to a slow cooker and cover with the lid to slow down evaporation. Simmer covered in a slow cooker/crock pot on HIGH for hours. If you leave the lid off your slow cooker, you’ll want to check it every hour or so to see if it needs more water. (This option is perfect for a holiday party!)
How Far Ahead Is It Safe To Put These Together For Gifting? If you store them packaged in the fridge, you can make them at least 4-5 days in advance! They’ll stay fresh as long as your cranberries and rosemary stay fresh! (Oranges & whole spices will last much longer)
Or, check out our favorite Stocking Stuffers For Kids!
Did You Make This Recipe?
Tell me all about it! Leave a star rating below when you try our Stovetop Christmas Potpourri recipe. I can’t wait to hear how it goes!
How to Make Stovetop Christmas Potpourri (With Printable Gift Tags!)
Ingredients
For The Christmas Potpourri:
- 1 cup cranberries or 1 apple, diced
- 1 orange
- 2-3 sprigs rosemary
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 teaspoons whole cloves
To Package For Gifting:
- Large treat bags cellophane bags
- Ribbon
- Hole Punch
- Printable Gift Tags
Instructions
To Make Christmas Potpourri On The Stovetop:
- Slice or quarter your orange and place all ingredients in a saucepan with 4-6 cups water.
- Bring to a simmer over low heat.
- Let it simmer as long as you like, adding more water as needed.
To Make Christmas Potpourri In A Slow Cooker:
- 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)
To Package Christmas Potpourri For Gifting:
- Print your tags using the free printable. Cut out tags and punch a hole in one of the top corners.
- Use a large cellophane treat bag to pack the potpourri ingredients. Add whole orange and cranberries first, then add cinnamon, rosemary, and cloves.
- Tie a knot in the top with a ribbon. Slide one end of the ribbon through the hole in the tag until the tag is tucked securely at the top near your first knot. Tie a bow to secure the tag.
Notes
- Swap Your Citrus – You can use many different kinds of citrus for this. I’ve used grapefruit, Cuties (mandarins), tangerines, lemons, etc. Feel free to use what’s on sale, or what’s looking sad in your fridge.
- Substitutions – Besides citrus, you can also swap out the cranberries for diced apples, use ground spices instead of whole, or add a splash of vanilla to the pot for some sweetness.
- Stock Up! – I don’t use whole spices very often in my kitchen, but they’re easier than ever to find. Sprouts has bulk spice bins that are great for this, or there’s Target or World Market (cinnamon sticks and cloves). Aaaand, I LOVE Amazon (cinnamon sticks and cloves).
Video
Nutrition facts are an estimate only and will vary based on brands and amounts used.
Find it Online:
https://www.onelovelylife.com/stovetop-christmas-potpourri/
I love making this every year!!
how to unsubscribe. subscribed to get the printable tags but nothing came.
Hi, there! I have no record of you having subscribed and don’t have your email address recorded or added to any list. If you still want the labels, you can try again here. 🙂
Fabulous recipe, smells like Christmas.
This smells like the holidays. Honestly, when I smell this I know it is the Holiday Season. And incredibly easy to make. And kind of fun to watch bubble away on the stove.
Hello, love this idea! The labels did not arrive in my email. Can you assist?
Hi, Annie! It looks like they were sent Dec 15, but I’m emailing you now so you’re sure to get them!
love this recipe for potpourri.. smells awesome and so easy. thank you
ps.
the tags will not come to my email?? can you help??
love the recipe and will be giving to my neighbors:) However, the labels aren’t appearing in my email. Help please!
Can you use Star of Anise with this as well?
Absolutely! If you love that scent, it’s a great addition.
Wanting to see if I understood this from another comment. If I dehydrate the orange slices ahead of time, they wont be as fragrant when it’s time to use it?
I was hoping to make these ahead of time and thought this would help keep it longer?
In my experience, yes. Dried orange slices are still lovely, but fresh orange slices have a much brighter, fresher scent that I find carries better throughout the house.
Thank you so much for your responses!! Very helpful. I’m making this for the first time as a hostess gift. I’ve decided to use fresh oranges but did hydrate some for other’s I plan to make over the holiday’s.
Sounds like the perfect plan!
Me and my husband tried this recipe and we love it and it really works and the smell spreads all over the house but we going to see if it go to the bedrooms. We tried every recipes to make our house smell good and finally we found this recipe and thank you!
This smells LOVELY!!! I look forward to it every holiday season!
RIGHT? It’s THE BEST!
greatest
I going out for the ingredients to make this now! Thinking about getting a mini slow cooker to have plugged in the kitchen. How long does one batch last, does it need changed often?
If you’re slow cooking it, the lid will help trap the water, which will help it last longer. A batch should easily last a day or two, you’ll just want to keep an eye on the water level every few hours to make sure it’s not evaporating. (Keeping the lid on will help it evaporate slower, but will still let the scent float around the house.)
Could you do this is jars? And add water to fill the jar?
Hi Marina! You can gift it in jars, but putting water in the jars won’t give you the same potpourri scent. It needs to be heated on the stovetop. Follow the directions for packing it in bags (using jars instead), and then let them add water when they’re ready to make it 🙂
This also makes a great “tea” if you add brown sugar or honey to sweeten up the bitter brew!
My daughter and I enjoy making these for friends and neighbors. We gave away five packages yesterday. People are so delighted to receive them. It’s different from the common holiday cookies and simply beautiful.
Where can I buy rosemary sprigs?
Hi Julie! Most grocery stores carry them with other fresh herbs in the produce section. I can find them at Kroger (Fry’s), Trader Joe’s, Safeway, Target, Walmart, Sprouts, Whole Foods, and more!
Made last year as gifts and will do again this year. Love the scent
Me too! I love it for gifting, and I make several batches for myself throughout the season. It’s SO GOOD!
Made this yesterday using lemon instead of orange. Eyeballed amounts of everything, threw it in my small (1.5 quart?) Crockpot and simmered all day. Wonderful scent! Now going to make a few for gifts, but will use oranges instead of lemons. Thank you for the recipe!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Mary Helen!
Can I slice and dry the fruit before packaging or will it not be as fragrant?
Chels – It will keep longer, but it won’t be as fragrant as fresh. 🙂
This is wonderful and sooo easy. It’s very uplifting for this Thanksgiving weekend and I can’t wait to make gift bags for Christmas. Thank you!
What a happy review! I’m so glad you loved it Michelle! 🙂
Thank you so much for this!
Our 15 year old daughter LOVES scents and I did this for her. Had it simmering on the stove. She was so surprised and excited. It looks beautiful too!
Jenny – This totally made my day! I’m so glad it was a win for you! And THANK YOU for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate it so much!
Love this! I’ve been simmering for a few days and it still smells wonderful. I would like to make some for a friend, but have no more fresh rosemary. What could I substitute?
Thank you!
I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying it! You can skip the rosemary entirely and still have a great smell from the citrus and spices! Otherwise, fresh mint or fresh thyme can be nice. 😊
Ok Im new at this and would love to do as neighbor gifts…I noticed the instructions dont say to slice the orange…is this something I just assume they know to do? Thank you!!
Nicole – I am assuming people could sort that out, but you also don’t *have* to slice the orange for it to work. You can totally toss it in whole!
Once these are made for gift giving in bags, how long do they last before using? Should I store them in the fridge? Also if I am traveling by car for a few hours how should I transport these? Cooler or is room temp okay a day or two before giving? I love this idea for gifting! Thanks
The citrus, cranberries, and spices should all be good in the fridge for at least a week. The rosemary usually lasts that long too, but it’ll likely be the first thing to turn. As for transporting, they’re best stored in the fridge when possible (since it’ll keep things fresh longer), but for car travel, you’ll be okay to just let them hang out at room temp for hours. Hope that helps! Happy holidays! 🙂
Looking forward in doing this for neighbors. What size do you recommend for cellophane bag, there are so many sizes. Buying on line
Thank you
These are the ones I use 🙂
I’ve used this recipe before gifts and love it – but wanted to tell you that all your photos are really beautiful!
THANK YOU Sue! What a nice thing to say. You totally made my day! 🙂
Should I keep it in then pan after it’s done, or is there any way I could move around the house? Thank you!
Laira – I usually keep it in the pan since there’s not a great way to keep it warm and simmering around the house. You can pop it in the fridge overnight and re-use it the next day, though!
Loved It! Thank you.💖
So glad you loved it Maria!
This is THE best recipe! I’ve used it for 2 years now, and give the ingredients in cute clear gift bags to family, friends, and teachers for the holiday! (GF, DF, NF, FF – lol, so its safe for everyone to enjoy!!) And I use it between holidays just to make the house smell amazing!
I’m so happy to hear that Brooke! I’m making it this weekend–LOVE that cozy smell this time of year!
Making these for teacher friends:)
I cannot get the tags to print the right size!
AJ – I’m sorry you’re having trouble! What browser are you using? I have the best luck in Chrome and Firefox. (Sometimes things can get wonky in Safari)
If you can, many printers let you adjust your print settings, so if you’re using Safari or having trouble, you can try to adjust the size percentage or select “fit to page.”
The exact wording will vary based on your printer and computer settings, but that’s where I’d recommend starting. Fingers crossed for you!
I had a pot simmering on stove. Lots of yummmmmmmm comments as the guests arrived.
Thanks so much. Merry Christmas.
I’m so glad Karen! Thank you for sharing with me 🙂 Merry Christmas to you!
Hi, this looks lovely. Can you use frozen cranberries? I am having cookie swap on Sunday and
would love to make these up for friends. I have bags of cranberries all frozen.
Don’t know if they will defrost or should I defrost 1st and make up bags that morning?
Thank you so much
Karen – I worry that the cranberries would thaw and get mushy, then make everything else soggy. If you wrapped the cranberries separately (in baggies or something) and then put them with the other ingredients, I think that would help!
I made eight of these this year and gave them away as hostess gifts during a progressive dinner as well as to our neighbors as an alternative to cookie plates. They were so lovely and well-received. We enjoyed making a few batches ourself at home. Such a great idea, thank you!
Oh yay! I LOVE hearing this! So glad they were a hit!
Can you make in advance and put in a jar to reheat?
Ruth – I make the potpourri dry in advance all the time! It’ll often keep about a week (or until the rosemary or cranberries start to wilt). I keep it in the refrigerator to help it last longer.
After I’ve used it, I usually put it back in the fridge overnight, then pull it out the next day, adding more water as needed. If you refrigerate it overnight, it’ll last at least 2-3 days, sometimes 4!
I hope that helps 🙂
Love this! I just packed mine all up for gifts this week and I have some on the stove to test it out. Smells delicious! Should I have waited to package the gifts until the last minute? Any advice on how to store them? Fridge?
I’d pop them in the fridge if you can, since the cranberries and rosemary will start to deteriorate. I’m so glad you liked it!!! 🙂
I love the idea of homemade potpourri !!!! Thanks for sharing.
So happy to share! (And it really is so great this time of year!!!)
Love, love, love! 💕
Meeee too. 🙂