There’s something about the holidays that really brings out my inner Martha Stewart. If my family host Thanksgiving, you can bet I don’t sit down until the tables have a setting, food is in appropriate glass or crystal dishes, and there are fall-scented candles burning. Basically, I’m a 1950’s hostess?

Stovetop potpourri or a simmer pot is a must for the season. There’s something so cozy about holiday ingredients simmering away on the stove that I just can’t resist.

What I love most, though? Stovetop potpourri is easy, and super customizable. Prefer your home to smell like a bakery? Add cinnamon and vanilla. Love a muskier scent? Add pine and a crap-ton of clove.

A simmering potpourri recipe is a like a gift for the season. You can even make this in an electric pot like you would a holiday crockpot recipe!

This particular combination is one that I’ve been tossing into a pot and forgetting, because it takes so little time to put together. A couple additional items on your grocery list and a walk outside are all you’ll need.

INGREDIENTS:

pine/cedar cutting (1-2)

apple slices

orange slices

chai spice or a chai tea bag

dash of vanilla extract

-sprinkle of cinnamon or cinnamon sticks

DIRECTIONS:

Take a quick (or leisurely) walk outside and find a few pine branches small enough to fit in your stovetop pot of choice. Cut a few notches in the stem to release more scent.

Slice your orange and apple. If you’ve gone the fancy route, punch your clove buds into your fruit in whatever design you like.

Pile your slices into your pot and cover everything with water.

Set the pot to medium-high heat until it reaches boiling point.

Turn down the heat to a simmer and add chai spices or your tea bag.

Add a dash each of vanilla and cinnamon.

Refill with water as needed. The scent can last for hours! Just keep an eye on it so there’s no burning.

Potpourri can be a cheaper way to scent your home for the holidays than splurging on scented candles and air fresheners. If you decide to try it out, be sure to tag me @astyledsage on instagram—I’d love to see!!!