Learn how to make this beautiful stovetop potpourri to give to your family and friends during the holidays. Makes a great hostess gift too, but be sure to keep some for yourself to make your own home smell wonderful.
I really like to give out gifts during the holidays to just about everyone I know. My family and friends, co-workers, and all of those people who have helped us throughout the year. You know, the mailman, babysitters, teachers, hairstylists, etc.
Our list typically ends up being a minimum of 50 gifts, and though we often have other gift ideas, or give cash tips, I just think it is nice to also give a small handmade gift as a "thank you" during this special time of year.
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So what can you make in a reasonable amount of time that won't break the bank? Well, I haven't decided on this year's gift, but a few years ago I made containers and bags of stovetop Christmas potpourri. You know the kind that you simmer on the stove and make your entire home smell all warm and cozy.
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I've posted about this gift as one of three quick and easy homemade gifts, but haven't written a specific post about it. So today I thought I'd give you a few more details about this easy, affordable homemade gift for the holidays. Of course, this would also be a nice hostess gift any time of year.
Making Stovetop Potpourri
Supplies
Bay Leaves
Cinnamon Sticks
Whole Cloves
Whole Allspice
Dried Orange Slices
Weck Canning Jars, mason jars or cello bags
Other Options:
Dried Cranberries
Whole Star Anise
Dried Lemon Slices
Other Dried Citrus such as clementines or tangerines
Dried Apple Slices
Dried Rosemary
Many of these herbs and spices can be found locally, however, I have included online links to buy in bulk for your convenience. You also use mint, thyme, pine needles, lime, or ginger. Whatever scents you like.
TIP: To dry your own orange slices, refer to the post: How to Dry Orange Slices.
This simmering potpourri was placed in a bag as shown above with a tag that reads:
"Place some or all of the ingredients in a pot of water and heat on low, adding more water as needed."
You can find a sheet of tags ready to print here
Maybe you don't have as many to make. In this case, you could give a larger amount of the ingredients, and place them in mason jars, or these pretty Weck Canning Jars, which are fun and unique gifts themselves.
Can You Use Simmering Potpourri in a Slow Cooker?
Yes. It works great in a crockpot or even a large one where the amount of water is much larger meaning you will not have to add water as much. And you can place it anywhere in the house near an outlet. Just fill the crock pot 3/4 of the way with water, add the potpourri and turn it on high with the lid off.
How Long Does Stovetop Potpourri Last?
You can reuse it for a few days. You can even stick the entire pot in the refrigerator and reuse it the next day. The unused potpourri in the jar should last a long time. Especially if you keep it in an air tight container.
Safety Tip:
This is meant to be simmered so don't boil it. Always keep an eye on the water level for safety reasons and because burnt potpourri smells bad and could ruin your pot.
This potpourri recipe can be put together in no time. It's a pretty gift that you can give to all of the special people on your list without breaking the budget.
More Natural Scented Projects
Simmering Stovetop Potpourri
Equipment
- Computer
- Printer
- Scissors
Materials
- Bay Leaves - 1/2 pound
- Cinnamon Sticks - 1/2 pound
- Whole Cloves - 1 pound
- Whole Allspice - 1 pound
- Dried Orange Slices -12 - 18
- Weck Canning Jars - 6
- Ribbon or Jute
Instructions
- Layer the potpourri in the jars starting with the whole allspice followed by whole cloves.
- Next, add cinnamon sticks and bay leaves.
- Finish with a few orange slices on the sides to show off through the jar.
- Print out the directions and tie onto the jar with jute or a ribbon.
Teresa DeGroat
I'm trying to print tag but want open up
Patti Estep
Teresa, I'm sorry that you are having trouble. The link is working for me but I have attached the file for you so that you don't have to troubleshoot. Let me know if you have any other problems.
Billy Jo
How far in advance can you make this?
Patti Estep
Billy Jo, I think you can make this anytime.
Kim
Hi Petti
Once again I love this idea! Thank you for sharing. Do you have anymore recipes apart from this one? Thank you
Kim
Patti Estep
Hi Kim,
This is a great gift to hand out at the holidays. You can check out the diy projects gallery for other recipes like this. You may like the bath salt recipe. It was pretty popular last year.
Melissa
Hi...where can you purchase the supplies?
Thanks!
Patti Estep
Hi Melissa,
All of the supplies are linked to amazon for your convenience. Some can probably be purchased at the grocery store or a craft store too.
Deb
Please advise approximate quantities of ingredients for your Simmering Potpourri in gift bags and/or jars.
Bay leaves, Cinnamon sticks, Cloves, Allspice, Dried Orange Slices, etc.
Thank you!
Deb
Patti Estep
Hi Deb,
When I made the bags I did not use specific measurements. I believe I used 2-3 oranges, 2 cinnamon stick, then a small handful of cloves, allspice and bay leaves.
Hope that helps!
Patti
Karen Gooch
I can't wait to try this one!
Theresa@DearCreatives
I bet this smells amazing. Thanks for joining us at the Inspiration Spotlight party. Shared.
frugal hausfrau
Great idea and this would be welcomed by just about everybody! But, I might have to drop some in some apple cider!! 🙂
Thanks for sharing with us at Throwback Thursday!
Mollie
Patti Estep
That's a great idea!
Thanks for stopping by,
Patti
Dorothy McLeod
I have a question about your label for the potpourri....I couldn't find it in your printables. Do you have one or did you use the christmas ones? I love the mixture and would like to make it for gifts. Dorothy
Patti Estep
Hi Dorothy,
I made the original tags some time ago, but since you asked I added a basic sheet of tags in pdf format for you to use.
Just go back to the post and you can click on the link near the bottom. So glad you are going to make some for gifts.
Have a great week,
Patti
Charlotte Burkholder
Hi Patti! I choose an extra feature just for my blog each week at the link-up. It comes from those who left a comment. This week it's you! Come grab our link-up featured button this Sunday!
Linda S
Love this idea! I'm looking for gift ideas, preferably homemade, that are easy to send through the mail. This is perfect, it'll make a lovely package!
Patti Estep
Hi Linda,
So glad you like it and yes you can totally send this through the mail.
Thanks for stopping by,
Patti
Charlotte Burkholder
Some of us give homemade gifts at Christmas at work. I was thinking to try to make candles this year. It's something I've never done. This is pretty. You are welcome to come share it at Family Joy Blog Linkup http://pursueyourproject.com/family-joy-blog-link-39/
Patti Estep
Hi Charlotte,
That's a great tradition. Candles are a favorite one of mine to give too. In fact, I made a tons of tins one year with bayberry and the old saying about good luck for the new year with them. You can see it here: http://gardenmatter.com/handmade-christmas-gift-bayberry-candles/ I'll check out your link-up too.
Thanks for stopping by,
Patti
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am reading this great post to improve my know-how.
Carole @ Garden Up Green
I love this idea and the example in the jar would be my favorite. Great gift idea and I'm all about a handmade Christmas. I think I may make this for myself - been looking to add good fresh scents to the home without the expense of candles.
Patti Estep
Hi Carole,
I know, aren't those Weck jars nice? I'm sure you know that you can use some of your fresh herbs in a pot and simmer them in water for a quick burst of freshness. Rosemary is a good go to and I know you have that. Actually if you don't have many to make there are a lot of more options but I'm always looking for something that I can many a lot of for all my little helpers.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!
Patti
Carole @ Garden Up Green
Those jars are awesome! I love jars!!!
I do simmer herbs on the stove but always forget to add things like cinnamon sticks so while I'm in town today I'll have to get some and some cloves too. It's going to be a great week - I've changed up my posting schedule and I think this is going to be a good thing. Have a good one!