A new season is here, and all we want is a home that feels cozy and smells good when you (and your friends) walk in. You can start a meaningful tradition by creating your own stovetop Fall potpourri by tossing in a variety of spices, herbs and fruits. Here’s how to embrace this natural way to make your home smell amazing in just a few simple steps.
Materials Required:
- 1 orange
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 lemon or lime
- 3 fresh rosemary leaves
- 4-star anise
- 2 mint leaves
- 1 tsp pink pepper
- 1 tbsp dried cranberries
- Water
- Saucepan
- Transparent goodie bags
- Ribbon
- Gift tags
Step One: Prep Your Ingredients
Homemade stovetop potpourris are so simple to make and most of the time you’ll have all the ingredients handy. Start by adding water to a saucepan and cutting the orange, lime and lemon. Put them inside the saucepan along with the cinnamon, rosemary, mint, star anise, pink pepper and dried cranberries.
Related: Here’s What to Plant This Fall for a Bountiful 2023 Harvest
Step Two: Simmer Your Potpourri
The key to any stovetop potpourri is to keep it simmering, not boiling. Simmer your water on the back burner of your stove using the lowest setting just below boiling to gently release the scent into the room for a couple of hours.
Tip: Always check the water level and add a bit more if necessary.
Want to spoil your best friend with your custom Fall potpourri recipe? Pack a gift bag and personalize a cute label for them, starting with:
- Use a large transparent treat bag, your favourite ribbon and a personalized gift tag.
- Fill the bag with the fruits (do not cut them to keep the freshness), herbs and spices.
- Secure the bag with ribbon and finish it with a gift tag.
- Deliver them to your friends as fast as possible, making sure the ingredients stay fresh.
Related: Top 10 Secrets of People Whose Houses Smell Amazing
Useful Tips:
- Simmer your potpourri for hours over 2 days. Just keep refilling the water as needed.
- Use a medium-sized saucepan that fits many kinds of fruits and herbs.
- Keep the lid off; your adorable potpourri needs to release the scent.
- Do you have a slow cooker? Feel free to add this recipe and simmer on low for hours.
- Feeling guilty about food waste? Boil all those extra peels of apples, lemons, and oranges.
- Entertaining at home? Start your stovetop potpourri 45 minutes before your guests arrive for a fresh, clean smell at home.
We hope you love this autumn-inspired stovetop potpourri as much as we do! If you want more cozy ways to make your home smell like fall, check out these organic candles made by Canadian artisans.
Images courtesy of Maca Atencio
