Homemade Holiday-scented Stove Top Potpourri

heating DIY stove-top holiday potpourri
  • 1-2 hours
  • Beginner
  • 25-50
What You'll Need
Stainless steel pot
Apple cider
Orange
Cutting board
Knife
Mixing spoon
Vanilla extract
Pumpkin spice
Clove
Cinnamon sticks
Rosemary
What You'll Need
Stainless steel pot
Apple cider
Orange
Cutting board
Knife
Mixing spoon
Vanilla extract
Pumpkin spice
Clove
Cinnamon sticks
Rosemary

For many people, the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year. Between the delicious food and jolly festivities, it's no surprise that we love it so much. One of the most memorable things about the holiday season is the familiar scents. There's nothing quite like relaxing in a home full of cozy, comforting aromas.

Instead of waiting for the next holiday party to experience this moment, try making a homemade potpourri on your own stove top. This is an easy and inexpensive way to create a holiday vibe without baking up a storm. The great thing about stove top potpourri is that the scents are released as you make it. There is no need to wait for the potpourri to dry afterward. Plus, the DIY aroma can be customized to your liking. Because it combines a variety of ingredients, this potpourri does not have to be used solely on Thanksgiving or Christmas. Instead, it is appropriate for the entire holiday season. It is also inexpensive and beginner-friendly.

Step 1 - Gather Your Materials

potpourri ingredients

To start making your stove top holiday potpourri, round up your materials from the kitchen. Because many of the necessary ingredients and supplies are common household items, there is a good chance you'll already have most of them on hand. Even if you have to make a trip to the grocery store, each batch requires only a small amount. As a result, this project is an extremely budget-friendly way to fill up your home with pleasant scents.

Step 2 - Combine Apple Cider and Rosemary

mixing potpourri

Pour the apple cider into the small stainless steel pot. For best results, fill the pot halfway. Keep in mind that the apple cider will eventually evaporate so if you try to add only a tiny amount, it may quickly dissipate and burn your pan and all its contents. Likewise, do not completely fill up the pot with apple cider because it will take a lot longer to evaporate. Plus, you'll be adding other ingredients, and if you fill the pot you won't have room for everything.

While rosemary is typically used to add flavor to home cooking, it is used here for a pleasant, herbal aroma. It will add a sense of comfort and cooking to your holiday-scented potpourri. Add rosemary to the cider. You can add as much or as little as you'd like. Adding 2-3 tablespoons should give you a desirable result. However, for best results, you should use fresh rosemary. The scent will be more concentrated and significant.

Step 3 - Add Cinnamon Sticks

adding cinnamon to potpourri

Place two or three whole cinnamon sticks into the pot. When heated, the cinnamon sticks will emit a cozy aroma that reminds many people of fall and winter. While you can certainly replace the cinnamon sticks with ground cinnamon, whole sticks are fresher. They are also more visually pleasing, as they add a natural color and texture to the potpourri.

Step 4 - Sprinkle Spices

adding spices to potpourri

Add a few shakes of clove, nutmeg, and any other baking spices that you have on hand (without clashing scents of course). When combined with cinnamon, these spices create a medley of comforting holiday aromas. There is no minimum or limit as to how much you can add of these spices. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking. When heated, the spices will dissolve in the apple cider.

Step 5 - Pour in Some Vanilla

adding vanilla extract to potpourri

No holiday baked good is complete without a bit of vanilla extract. When combined with the apple cider and baking spices, vanilla gives off a familiar, sweet scent. Add a few drops or teaspoons to your stove-top potpourri. Just be careful to add it slowly and refrain from pouring too much into the pot at one time.

Step 6 - Slice Orange

slicing an orange

Using a cutting board and knife, cut a few slices of orange. You will only need a minimum of three slices. However, you can add a few more if you like. The juices of the orange will mix with the apple cider, creating sweet and fruity aromas. It brings in a different twist, making this potpourri appropriate for many different holidays.

Step 7 - Add the Oranges

adding orange slices to potpourri

Drop the oranges into the pot. You do not have to squeeze the slices. When you boil the mixture, the orange juices will be extracted naturally.

Step 8 - Heat the Potpourri

heating potpourri

Place the pot over medium heat. Keep a very close watch on the potpourri. Do not let it boil, as it may burn the ingredients. When the mixture starts to simmer, reduce to low heat to slowly release the pleasant scents. Because the odors are emitted as you make it, there is no need to wait and let the ingredients dry before using. Technically, you have been using it during this entire time!

You can continue to heat the potpourri over very low heat for 20-30 minutes. Make sure to check in frequently, as the apple cider will eventually evaporate. Once it does, turn off the heat. You can leave the potpourri in the pot until you are ready for cleanup.

Final Thoughts and Tips

heating DIY potpourri

Your homemade holiday potpourri can be customized to your liking. Feel free to add extra ingredients such as cranberries, basil leaves, and pine branches. You can also skip specific ingredients to create your own personalized blend. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it because that is exactly how you'll discover the perfect homemade stove top potpourri for the holidays.

Time: 10 minutes || Cost: $5-10