A few months ago, during the holiday season, I discovered the wonders of stovetop potpourri. It became a kind of weekend ritual, before cleaning our home or diving into the day’s work, to get one started and let it go well into the afternoon. It’s also nice to have a few “recipes” at-the-ready so you can get your home smelling lovely for last-minute guests!
I kept coming back to the smell-good concoction pictured above a few months ago because it’s seriously the dreamiest. And around the holidays, you’ll likely have most of what you need in your pantry already. Simply toss a few slices of orange, two or three cinnamon sticks, a handful of cranberries, and a pinch of cloves into a boiling pot of water and, for the rest of the day, your home will smell like the holidays!
With the changing seasons, though, I’ve decided to start mixing it up. Here are two simmers I’ve been loving lately.
Williams & Sonoma Signature Scent
- 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1/2 lemon, sliced
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Apple Cinnamon
- 1 apple, sliced
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 a lemon, sliced
- Pinch of whole cloves, optional
For both, all you have to do is combine the ingredients, along with plenty of water, in a medium pot over low heat (you can also use a crock pot, which I recommend if you plan on letting it go most of the day.) Let them simmer as long as you like – just be sure to check up every so often and refill the water as needed.
These simmers can last several days – I’ll usually use mine for about three before I have to toss them!
Short on time and ingredients? If you’re looking for a quick way to make your home smell nice, but lacking the ingredients, pour a few teaspoons of vanilla or almond extract into a heat-safe mug and place in the oven at 300°F for an hour or so. Be warned, though, that your guests will think you’re baking treats for them, so it may be wise to also always have some cookies on hand!
What are your favorite ways to freshen the air in your home?
xo, Aly