This Holiday Stovetop Potpourri recipe makes the whole house smell like the Holidays! It’s a perfect Christmas gift for neighbors too!
I love giving Christmas gifts for neighbors this time of year and this stovetop potpourri is a simple way to give a thoughtful gift!
One of my favorite things about this fabulous time of year are the wonderful aromas that come through the kitchen while baking. I’ve got my simple recipe for stovetop potpourri that fills your entire home with sweet spices that literally smells like you’ve been baking all day. Such a great little pot to have simmering for your Holiday parties coming up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Gift Idea. This simple to make homemade potpourri is such a great gift idea for neighbors and friends.
- The House Smells Amazing. When this potpourri is simmering on the stovetop, the entire house smells so delicious.
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What You’ll Need To Make Stovetop Potpourri
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make homemade potpourri at home. See the recipe card located at the bottom of the page for full details and instructions.
- Cinnamon Sticks– Find cinnamon sticks in the spices section of the grocery store. Check your local dollar store too. I’ve gotten them many times there before.
- Whole Cloves– Check the spices section of the grocery store for whole cloves.
- Vanilla Bean– Vanilla beans can also be found in the spices section of the grocery store.
- Orange Peel– Orange peel when simmered with the other spices gives a lovely scent. Be sure to watch water carefully that it doesn’t get low while boiling.
- Whole Nutmeg– Find whole nutmeg in the spices section of the grocery store as well. Again, check your local dollar store too.
- Water for Simmering– When simmering ingredients on the stovetop it is very important to check the water level that it doesn’t get too low.
How To Make Stovetop Potpourri
Pour In Water. Place water into a small saucepan.
Spices. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, vanilla bean and nutmeg.
Orange Peels. Add orange peels.
Boil Water. Turn heat to medium until water starts to boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer as long as desired.
Check Water. Check water level every 1/2 hour that you have simmering. Water needs to be added as needed. Do not let water evaporate. Use potpourri for 2 days (adding additional water as necessary) then discard and make a new batch. Makes 2 Cups Potpourri.
Substitutions
You can make a few substitutions if needed. The spices can be in “ground” form if you don’t have the “whole” spices as I have here. You can absolutely use vanilla extract in place of the vanilla bean. Those beans can be a little pricey. You can also use fresh cranberries in place or in addition to the orange 🙂
How To Gift Stovetop Potpourri
To make Christmas gifts for neighbors, you can add all of the dry pieces to a cellophane bag, wrap with a little Tablespoon (from the dollar store) and a ribbon. Attach the recipe and it makes a simple gift for friends and neighbors 🙂 Check your dollar store for cinnamon sticks and the other spices, it can be an inexpensive gift idea!
Holiday Stovetop Potpourri
Equipment
- Stove
- measuring cups
- cellophane bags if using as gift
Ingredients
- 2 cinnamon sticks or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves or 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 orange peel quartered (fresh cranberries are also great to add as well)
- 1 whole nutmeg or 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Place water into a small saucepan. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, vanilla bean, nutmeg and orange peels. Turn heat to medium until water starts to boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer as long as desired.
- Check water level every 1/2 hour that you have simmering. Water needs to be added as needed. Do not let water evaporate. Use potpourri for 2 days (adding additional water as necessary) then discard and make a new batch. Makes 2 Cups Potpourri