3 Christmas Simmer Pot Recipes to Fill Your Home with Natural Festive Fragrance

For me, one of the loveliest parts of Christmas is making guests feel truly welcome, that moment when they walk in and the house already smells warm, inviting, and unmistakably festive. A natural simmer pot is one of the easiest ways to create that feeling. It’s simple, eco-friendly, and fills your space with a gentle, authentic fragrance that lasts for hours.

You can use a glass pot, a pan, or a Dutch oven, but I prefer to use a small crockpot or heatproof ceramic bowl and an electric hot plate, allowing the scent to slowly drift through the house all day (and save space on my stove for cooking Christmas lunch and dinner).

With just a few herbs, spices, and fruit, you can turn your kitchen into a Christmas haven. Below are 3 of my favourite Christmas Simmer Pot Recipes to try this season — each with its own personality and charm.

1. Festive Spice & Citrus Simmer Pot

A classic Christmas scent that smells like baking and mulled wine — sweet, spicy, and comforting.

Ingredients:

• 1 orange, sliced

• ½ cup cranberries

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 2 star anise pods

• 1 teaspoon whole cloves

• 1 small sprig of rosemary

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Water to fill

How to:

Add all the ingredients to your crock pot or saucepan, cover them with water, and heat on low. As the mixture simmers, it releases a sweet, spicy fragrance that instantly evokes a festive atmosphere. Top up with water as needed throughout the day.

Tip: Add a few drops of orange or clove essential oil for a stronger scent, especially when using an electric hot plate.

2. Winter Woodland Simmer Pot

Inspired by fresh walks through pine forests and winter markets — earthy, woodsy, and slightly sweet.

Ingredients:

• Pine or cedar sprigs

• 3 slices dried apple

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 2 star anise pods

• 1 tablespoon juniper berries

• A few cloves

• Optional: a few drops of cedarwood or vanilla essential oil

How to:

Add the ingredients to your crockpot, cover with water, and set it to a low simmer. The blend of pine, apple, and spice creates a grounding, forest-like aroma that’s perfect for cosy winter evenings.

Tip: Use dried apple rings for a more intense, caramel-like sweetness as they warm.

3. Sweet Vanilla & Bay Simmer Pot

A more refined, herbal blend — fresh bay and thyme balanced by sweet vanilla and lemon.

Ingredients:

• 1 vanilla pod, split (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)

• 3 bay leaves

• 1 lemon, sliced

• 1 small handful of cloves

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• A few sprigs of thyme or rosemary

• Water to fill

How to:

Add all the ingredients to your pot, fill with water, and set to low heat. Within minutes, your space fills with a clean, soothing scent — perfect for calm winter mornings or after guests have gone home.

Tip: The combination of bay and lemon is excellent for clearing the air naturally after cooking.

How to Use and Store Your Simmer Pot Blends

You can reuse each blend for one or two days — just let it cool, cover it, and place it in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to use it again, refill with a bit of fresh water and reheat gently.

To give as a gift, layer the dried ingredients in a small glass jar, add a dried orange slice or pine sprig on top, and tie it with a string and a simple label.

A Natural Way to Celebrate the Season

Simmer pots are a lovely and simple way to bring warmth and scent into your home. Whether you use a pot and electric hot plate on your kitchen counter or tucked in the corner of a room, the gentle fragrance creates an atmosphere that instantly feels like Christmas.

If you enjoyed this post, explore more natural home fragrance recipes on BotanicalBlueprint.com, including DIY Aromatic Fire Starters and Christmas Room Sprays.

3 Christmas Simmer Pot Recipes: FAQs

1. Can I use a regular saucepan instead of a crockpot?

Yes, just keep it on your stove or your electric hot plate at a very low simmer and check the water level frequently.

2. How long do simmer pots last?

Most blends can be simmered for several hours at a time and reused for up to two days if stored in the fridge between uses.

3. Can I dry the ingredients in advance for gifting?

Absolutely. Dried oranges, apples, and spices keep beautifully and make lovely Christmas gifts.

4. Are simmer pots safe to leave unattended?

No, always keep an eye on your simmer pot, especially on a stove or hot plate. Never let the water fully evaporate.

5. Can I mix essential oils with fresh ingredients?

Yes, just add a few drops to the water once it’s warmed. It enhances the fragrance and helps it linger longer.