Fresh oranges, cranberries and cinnamon sticks simmer on the stove to create an amazing aroma that’s perfect for the holidays. This Christmas stovetop potpourri will have your house smelling warm and inviting in no time!
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DIY Stovetop Potpourri
This is the perfect neighbor gift idea for the holiday season. It’s inexpensive, super easy to throw together and requires only 5 simple ingredients. Your neighbors will love how festive it looks and smells!
This stovetop potpourri is one of my favorite smells during the holidays! I love the combination of oranges, cranberries and cinnamon sticks. The simmering smells during the holidays just cant be beat and make your home feel so cozy and inviting.
The best part about this potpourri recipe is that it’s super easy to make. Just put the ingredients in a pot and simmer on low for a couple hours. Trust me…your house will smell amazing! I’ll definitely have a pot on my stove for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Bring on the holidays!
What is Potpourri?
Potpourri is a mixture of spices and fruit that is used for scent. It can be in dry form, which typically includes dried flowers, herbs and spices. It can also be made by simmering the mixture on the stove. It’s often made around the holidays or to match the season.
Ingredients
Below are my favorite ingredients to use when making Christmas potpourri. You can add ingredients based on the season, such as apples, lemons, vanilla extract, etc.
- Fresh cranberries: This popular holiday fruit adds a vibrant red color and sweet scent.
- Orange slices: Fresh citrus slices add a bright and refreshing aroma.
- Cinnamon sticks: A warm and cozy spice that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Cloves: These smell just like Christmas!
- Nutmeg: Spicy, sweet and earthy. A little goes a long way!
Optional: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or a few trimmings from your tree!
How to Make Stovetop Potpourri
Scroll down for the printable recipe.
- Combine the oranges, cranberries, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg in a small pot.
- Simmer over low heat for as long as desired. Add more water if the mixture gets low.
- Enjoy the holiday scent!
Crockpot Version
You can also cook potpourri in your slow cooker if preferred. Simply add the ingredients to the bottom of the crockpot, then cook on low for as long as desired. Add more water if the mixture gets low.
The Perfect Holiday Gift
This potpourri makes the perfect gift for friends and neighbors! Just put all the ingredients in a jar or cellophane bag (minus the water), along with this free printable tag that explains the cooking instructions. Then they can keep it in the fridge for a day or two until they are ready to use it. Perfect easy homemade gift idea for the holidays!
More Holiday Gift Ideas
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Stovetop Potpourri
Equipment
- Small pot
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh cranberries , more if desired
- 1 orange , sliced
- 4 cinnamon sticks , broken in half
- 1 Tablespoon cloves
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2-3 cups water
Optional: Sprig of fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Gather the fresh cranberries, orange and spices and place into a small pot. You may also add a sprig of fresh rosemary if desired. Pour water on top.
- Simmer over low heat for as long as desired. You can also place the ingredients in your crockpot on low. Add more water if it gets low.
Notes
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.
Hi! This is probably a dumb question but is this also edible or purely meant for making the house smell good?
It is just meant for making the house smell yummy around the holidays :)
Hi, would dried orange slices work too?
Yes that should work you may just not get as much citrus smell :)
Can you store the potpourri in the refrigerator? To use next time?
Yes you could :)
This was given to my daughter (a very sweet co-worker/neighbor gift) and we used it Christmas day. The house did smell lovely!
Oh yay, so happy to hear that! Hope you had a great Christmas, Sharon!
I do something similar for myself so I decided to share my enjoyment with others but never thought to do it until seeing it on your website! My 5th grader & I made them for teachers, neighbors & family! Wish I could add a picture because so happy with the way the jar looks! Thank you so much 😊🎄
Love it! You are so welcome. Happy holidays, Kristi :)
I have been making these as gifts for years now, ever since I saw it on your site. I love it and many friends ask if I’m going to give them these again each year. I’ve started saving different spaghetti sauce jars throughout the year so I can up cycle them. It works great!
What a great idea about saving jars throughout the year. Love it! I’m so glad these are always a hit with your friends :)
When you send as gift are the oranges whole or do you go ahead and slice them?
Either way will work depending on the size of the container you use. The orange will stay fresh for longer if you keep it whole. But if you decide to slice it, just make sure to keep it in the fridge until gifting.
I don’t see printable instruction tags
Hi Lori – you can find the box to the download the printable tags under the “The perfect holiday gift” section :) Enjoy!