A festive simmer pot is a simple yet magical way to fill your home with the warm and inviting scents of Christmas. By simmering a mix of natural ingredients on your stovetop, you can create an atmosphere of comfort and holiday cheer that’s both eco-friendly and cost-effective.

Making a simmer pot is easy and customizable. Start with a pot of water and add aromatic ingredients like orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, cranberries, and sprigs of pine or rosemary. Let it simmer on low heat, and the fragrant steam will spread throughout your home. You can also include your favorite scents, such as vanilla or nutmeg, to make it truly personal.

Why should you make one this Christmas? First, it’s a wonderful way to repurpose kitchen scraps or leftover holiday ingredients, making it a sustainable choice. Second, it fills your home with natural fragrances, avoiding the chemicals found in synthetic air fresheners or candles. Plus, the process of assembling and simmering the ingredients can be a calming, meditative experience—a perfect opportunity to slow down and savor the season.

A simmer pot also adds to the sensory joy of Christmas gatherings. Whether you’re hosting guests or spending a quiet evening at home, the aroma enhances the festive mood and leaves a lasting impression. It’s a simple act of creating warmth and welcome, reminding us of the joys of togetherness and tradition.

This Christmas, embrace the magic of natural scents and holiday warmth with a simmer pot. It’s an easy way to bring the essence of the season into your home and share the spirit of Christmas with loved ones.

The Holidays are here and we have a Holiday Stove top Simmer pot recipe for you plus a Free Printable so you can make these for your family and friends to enjoy also! Let’s begin!

Ingredients

• One Apple
• One Orange
• 2 Sprigs of Rosemary
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1 small sprig of pine
• Cranberries
• Cinnamon Sticks
• 6 Cups of Water

Cut your apple and orange into slices (fresh or dry) and add all other ingredients to a pot. Add six cups of water or enough to cover. Bring the pot to a simmer and add adequate water when needed.

(Our Cat, Cash says hello in the video )

To give as a Gift.

You will need:

• One wide-mouth mason jar
• 1 whole orange or dried orange
• Dried Apple slices
• 2 Sprigs of Rosemary
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1 small sprig of pine
• 1/2 to 1 cup of cranberries
• 2 or 3 Cinnamon sticks
• 6 Cups of Water

The wide-mouth jars allow for a whole orange to fit. Otherwise, you can dry oranges and apples to put inside a jar.  Use a piece of cloth, tissue paper, or parchment paper to cover the lid, and then wrap it with twine to assemble your Free gift tag. Add an extra ornament if you like to add a special touch to your simmer pot jar.

How to Make Dried Oranges:

• .Sharpened Knife
• Orange(s)
• Paper Towel
• Baking Sheet or Dehydrator
• Parchment Paper

Directions

Oven

Making dried oranges is an easy and rewarding way to create beautiful, fragrant decorations or ingredients for simmer pots and crafts.

Start by slicing fresh oranges into even, thin rounds about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, leaving the peel intact.

Pat the slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don’t overlap.

Set your oven to a low temperature, around 200°F (95°C), to slowly dry the oranges without burning them. Bake the slices for 2-3 hours, flipping them every 30 minutes to ensure even drying.

Once they’re crisp and slightly translucent, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.

Store the dried oranges in an airtight container until you’re ready to use them for festive decorations, wreaths, garlands, or simmer pots.

Dehydrator

Using a dehydrator to make dried oranges is even simpler and ensures consistent results.

Start by slicing fresh oranges into thin, even rounds, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, keeping the peel intact.

Pat the slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Arrange the slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, making sure they don’t overlap to allow for proper air circulation.

Set the dehydrator to 125–135°F (50–57°C), a temperature ideal for drying fruit.

Let the oranges dry for 6–12 hours, depending on their thickness and moisture content, checking periodically.

Once they feel dry and leathery or slightly crisp, they’re ready.

Allow the slices to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

These dehydrated oranges are perfect for decorations, crafts, or adding to simmer pots.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

From Hope and Wildflowers.

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