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    Home » DIY Projects

    DIY Simmer Pot: Great Holiday Gift Idea

    by Patti Estep · Oct 15, 2023

    Jump to How-to Card
    Cellophane bag with simmering potpourri over a jar of the same stovetop potpourri.

    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.

    Jar of whole spices, dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks and bay leaves.

    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.

    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.

    This post contains some affiliate links (that means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, there's no additional cost to you, but I will earn a very small commission. ) i.e. as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

    Top of jar with orange slices and cinnamon sticks

    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

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    Many of these herbs and spices can be found locally, however, I have included online links to buy in bulk for your convenience. You could 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.

    Bag of simmering potpourri with bay leaves, allspice, cloves, orange slices and cinnamon sticks.

    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

    Stove top potpourri jar with instruction tag next to a decorative spoon.

    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.

    Stovetop Potpourri in a Weck jar with bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, allspice, and dried orange slices.

    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.

    Patti signature

    More Natural Scented Projects

    • Natural Apple, Orange, and Cinnamon Potpourri
    • Layered Potpourri Jar
    • Garden Potpourri
    • Herbal Dream Pillows
    • Spice Pomander Balls
    Glass Weck jar with instruction tag filled with dried orange slices, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, cloves and whole allspice for a gift of stovetop potpourri.
    stove-top-simmering-potpourri-weck-jar-with-tag
    Print
    4.41 from 15 votes

    Simmering Stovetop Potpourri

    Learn how to make this beautiful stove top potpourri recipe to give to your family and friends during the holidays. It's a natural way to create an air freshener for the home.
    Active Time1 hour hr
    Total Time1 hour hr
    Course: Gifts
    Yield: 6
    Author: Patti Estep
    Cost: $15

    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.

    Notes

    You could make these with cellophane bags. They are less expensive than the weck jars. You could also use a mason jar or recycle old jars for this fun craft.
    Tried this project?Tag @hearthnvine on Instagram
    « Pumpkin Pie Spice Cookie Recipe
    Faux Succulent Centerpiece Pumpkin »

    About Patti Estep

    Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Teresa DeGroat

      October 21, 2019 at 10:31 pm

      I'm trying to print tag but want open up

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        October 22, 2019 at 7:59 am

        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.

        Reply
    2. Billy Jo

      October 05, 2019 at 9:30 pm

      How far in advance can you make this?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        October 06, 2019 at 6:57 am

        Billy Jo, I think you can make this anytime.

        Reply
    3. Kim

      October 12, 2017 at 11:15 pm

      Hi Petti

      Once again I love this idea! Thank you for sharing. Do you have anymore recipes apart from this one? Thank you
      Kim

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        October 13, 2017 at 6:53 am

        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.

        Reply
    4. Melissa

      November 29, 2016 at 7:09 pm

      Hi...where can you purchase the supplies?

      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 29, 2016 at 8:06 pm

        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.

        Reply
    5. Deb

      November 02, 2016 at 10:23 pm

      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

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 03, 2016 at 6:59 am

        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

        Reply
    6. Karen Gooch

      October 29, 2016 at 6:04 pm

      I can't wait to try this one!

      Reply
    7. Theresa@DearCreatives

      October 26, 2016 at 9:53 pm

      I bet this smells amazing. Thanks for joining us at the Inspiration Spotlight party. Shared.

      Reply
    8. frugal hausfrau

      October 25, 2016 at 10:40 pm

      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

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        October 26, 2016 at 6:55 am

        That's a great idea!
        Thanks for stopping by,
        Patti

        Reply
    9. Dorothy McLeod

      October 24, 2016 at 7:50 pm

      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

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        October 24, 2016 at 9:07 pm

        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

        Reply
    10. Charlotte Burkholder

      October 21, 2016 at 6:19 pm

      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!

      Reply
    11. Linda S

      October 20, 2016 at 9:08 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        October 20, 2016 at 9:24 am

        Hi Linda,

        So glad you like it and yes you can totally send this through the mail.
        Thanks for stopping by,
        Patti

        Reply
    12. Charlotte Burkholder

      October 16, 2016 at 2:47 pm

      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/

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        October 16, 2016 at 2:56 pm

        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

        Reply
    13. Independence day Quotes

      October 13, 2016 at 2:09 pm

      It's going to be finish of mine day, except before end I
      am reading this great post to improve my know-how.

      Reply
    14. Carole @ Garden Up Green

      October 09, 2016 at 12:58 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        October 10, 2016 at 6:43 am

        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

        Reply
        • Carole @ Garden Up Green

          October 10, 2016 at 6:52 am

          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!

    4.41 from 15 votes (15 ratings without comment)

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    I'm Patti

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