This Christmas stovetop potpourri simmers on the stove and makes your home smell like Christmas with it’s cozy aroma! It’s perfect for gifting with my free printable gift tag.

More Christmas food gifts I love include peppermint brownie mix in a jar and sweet and savory compound butter.

Stovetop potpourri in pan.

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Christmas Eve Stovetop Potpourri

This Christmas stovetop potpourri is the perfect neighbor gift idea for the holiday season. It’s inexpensive and super easy to make with only 5 simple ingredients. Your neighbors will love how festive it looks and smells!

This potpourri recipe is so easy, too! Just put the ingredients in a pot and simmer on low for a couple hours. The simmering smells of oranges, cranberries and cinnamon sticks during the holidays will make your home feel so cozy and inviting.

Stovetop Holiday Potpourri Ingredients

Below are my favorite ingredients to use when making Christmas Eve stovetop potpourri. It will make the house smell amazing!

Potpourri ingredients on counter.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • 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.
  • Whole 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

Close up of potpourri in pan.
  • 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 as this stovetop potpourri recipe fills your house!

Stovetop Simmer Pot Variations

  • Crockpot: 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.
  • Citrus swap: Try lemons, grapefruit or even mandarin oranges.
  • Substitutions: You can add also add ingredients based on the season, such as apples during the fall, vanilla extract, fresh ginger, bay leaf, whole allspice and more.
  • Stock up: Buy whole spices in bulk, vanilla bean or dried orange peels to be able to make a batch of this for gifting at the holidays.
A close up of stovetop potpourri with fresh orange slices and cranberries.

The Perfect Holiday Gift

This potpourri makes the perfect gift for friends and neighbors! Just put all the ingredients in a mason 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!

Christmas potpourri in jar with ribbon and tag.

More Holiday Gift Ideas

A close up of stovetop potpourri with fresh orange slices and cranberries

Stovetop Potpourri

5 from 22 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
This Christmas stovetop potpourri simmers on the stove and makes your home smell like Christmas with it's cozy aroma! It's perfect for gifting with my free printable gift tag.
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Video

Equipment

  • Small pot

Ingredients 

  • ⅔ cup fresh cranberries , more if desired
  • 1 orange , sliced (or dried oranges)
  • 4 cinnamon sticks , broken in half
  • 1 Tablespoon cloves
  • ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2-3 cups water , could do half apple cider

Optional: Sprig of fresh rosemary or pine and star anise

Instructions

  • Combine. Gather the 2/3 cup fresh cranberries, 1 orange, 4 cinnamon sticks, 1 Tablespoon cloves and 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg and place into a small pot. You may also add a sprig of fresh rosemary or fresh pine for color. Pour 2-3 cups water on top.
  • Simmer. 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.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Gifting: Place in 16 ounce glass jars or or cellophane bags. 
Green: For You may also add a few trimmings from your tree or fresh evergreens from your yard. I love to get the greens from Trader Joe’s when making lots to gift. 

FAQs

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.

How long does stovetop potpourri last?

It can be simmered for hours and hours over a few days! Just check on the water every 1-2 hours to ensure the pot doesn’t go dry and refrigerate it overnight.

Is Christmas potpourri edible?

While all ingredients in this stove top potpourri recipe are edible, it would be very bitter to drink so I don’t recommend it! Try this wassail or apple cider instead.

How far in advance can you make this for gifting?

As long as you store it in the refrigerator you put together the potpourri gift bags or jars up to a week in advance.