Why I Like Simmer Pots
There is something about walking into a home that smells warm, clean, and inviting.
For a lot of us, that usually means lighting a candle, plugging in an air freshener, or spraying something into the room.
But if you are trying to simplify what you bring into your home, a simmer pot is one of the easiest swaps you can make.
A simmer pot uses real ingredients like fruit, herbs, and whole spices to create fragrance naturally through steam. No plug-in. No aerosol. No mystery “fragrance” blend. Just ingredients you can actually see. Plus, many scented household products contain fragrance compounds and volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that can be released into indoor air. The EPA notes that VOCs are emitted by many common household products, including air fresheners, and that some can irritate the eyes, nose, or throat or cause headaches and other symptoms depending on the chemical and level of exposure.
Cranberry Orange Simmer Pot
This is one of my favorite combinations for fall and the holidays.
It smells warm, bright, slightly spicy, and festive without being overpowering.
What Is a Cranberry Orange Simmer Pot?
A simmer pot, sometimes called stovetop potpourri, is a combination of fruit, herbs, and whole spices gently heated in water.
As the mixture warms and steams, the scent spreads throughout your home.
This cranberry orange version combines bright citrus, tart cranberries, rosemary, cinnamon, and cloves for a scent that works just as well for a cozy November afternoon as it does during Christmas.
Ingredients
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 large orange, sliced
3 cinnamon sticks or about 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary
10–12 whole cloves
Water, enough to cover the ingredients
You’ll Also Need
Medium saucepan or heat-safe stovetop pot
Knife
Cutting board
How to Make It
Step 1: Slice the Orange
Cut the orange into rounds and place the slices in your saucepan.
Step 2: Add the Cranberries and Spices
Add the cranberries, cinnamon sticks, rosemary, and whole cloves.
Step 3: Add Water
Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients.
Step 4: Bring It to a Gentle Boil
Heat the pot over medium heat until the water begins to gently boil.
Step 5: Reduce the Heat
Turn the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer.
As it warms, the steam will carry the cranberry, citrus, herb, and spice aromas throughout your home.
Step 6: Keep an Eye on the Water
Add more water whenever the level gets low.
Never allow the pot to simmer dry, and do not leave it unattended.
When to Use a Cranberry Orange Simmer Pot
This blend is perfect for:
Thanksgiving gatherings
Holiday parties
Decorating the Christmas tree
Cozy evenings at home
November-to-December seasonal transitions
Hosting family and friends
Adding a little extra moisture to dry indoor air
It has enough citrus and rosemary to feel fresh, while the cinnamon and cloves give it that warm holiday feel.
A Simpler Way to Scent Your Home
Wellness does not always have to mean adding another product.
Sometimes it means simplifying.
A simmer pot is one of those small changes that helps bring things back to the basics: real ingredients, simple routines, and a home that still smells incredible.
Back to nature. Back to nourishment. Back to what our bodies know.
If you try this cranberry orange simmer pot, let me know what you think — and save this recipe for the next cozy night at home.
