There is nothing quite like walking into a home that smells like the holidays. It instantly triggers happy memories and makes your space feel cozy and inviting. That is exactly why I love making DIY Christmas simmer pot gift jars for my friends and family.
As a mom of three, my house is often chaotic during the holidays. I try to avoid artificial candles and plug-ins around the kids and pets. Instead, I fill our home with a natural Cinnamon apple scent using Aromatic holiday spices.
This project is my secret weapon for neighbor gifts. I will show you my favorite Stovetop potpourri recipe for Christmas that you can make in bulk. If you have ever wondered, “Do I need to dehydrate fruit for simmer pot gifts?” the answer is yes, and I will teach you exactly how to do it safely.
📸 [Image-1: A stunning, high-resolution photo of the finished simmer pot gift jars lined up on a rustic wooden table, next to a bubbling pot on the stove releasing steam.]
🎁 Free Download: Holiday Simmer Pot Gift Tags
Make your holiday gifting stress-free! Click here to download my free PDF printable gift tags with instruction labels. They fit perfectly on standard mason jar lids.
📝 Key Mechanics
Before we start slicing and styling, here is the hardware you need to make sure everything stays put: Stovetop safe pot, Heat Source, Water, Dehydrated Fruit, Wide-Mouth Mason Jars, Airtight Lids.
Supplies & Tools List
Base Decor & Ingredients:
- Fresh Oranges, Apples, and Cranberries (for immediate use)
- Dehydrated citrus garnish (must be dried for gifts!)
- Whole Cloves
- Bay Leaves
- Fresh Rosemary or Pine Sprigs
Tools & Hardware:
- Knife & Cutting Board
- Baking Sheet & Parchment Paper
- Jute Twine or Velvet Ribbon
Step 1: Ingredient Prep (The Chop & Dry)
This is the most critical step for gifting. You cannot put fresh fruit into a sealed jar for a neighbor, or it will mold within days. You need to create Dehydrated citrus garnish.
Slice your oranges and apples thinly, about 1/4 inch thick. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Place the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake them in the oven at 200°F for 3 to 4 hours. Flip them every hour so they dry evenly and don’t burn.
📸 [Image-2: A top-down shot of orange and apple slices arranged on a baking sheet, half-dried and looking rustic.]
Step 2: The “Immediate Gratification” Pot
While your fruit dries for the gifts, make a fresh pot for yourself. This is my go-to Natural Christmas home fragrance recipe.
Slice one fresh orange and add it to a small saucepan. Toss in a handful of fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary. Fill the pot with water until the ingredients are floating.
Bring the water to a boil, then turn the heat down to low. Let it simmer gently. Your kitchen will smell magical in minutes.
Step 3: The Assembly Line (Gift Jars)
Once your oven-dried fruit is cool and crisp, set up your assembly line. We want to layer these jars so they look like high-end boutique items. This creates beautiful Mason jar Christmas crafts.
Start by placing the heavy spices at the bottom. I like to use a mix of cloves and star anise.
Next, slide the dried orange slices down the side of the jar. Position them facing outward against the glass. This ensures the pretty fruit is visible and hides the loose spices in the middle.
Fill the center void with your cinnamon sticks. You want the jar to look packed and bountiful.
📸 [Image-3: Close-up shot of a hand placing a dried orange slice vertically into a mason jar using tweezers or fingers.]
Step 4: Packaging & Tagging
Seal the jar tight with the lid. The contents are now shelf-stable for about a month.
Wrap a piece of jute twine or velvet ribbon around the neck of the jar. Attach a small tag with instructions.
I always write: “Add contents to a pot of water. Simmer on low. Refill water as needed.” These make excellent Budget neighbor gifts.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a simmer pot last?
A fresh simmer pot usually lasts 2-4 days. You must keep adding water so it doesn’t burn. Store the pot in the refrigerator at night and reheat it the next morning.
Can I do a simmer pot in a crockpot?
Yes! A Slow cooker air freshener is actually safer than the stovetop. Put the ingredients in your mini slow cooker, fill with water, and leave the lid off. Set it to high until it steams, then turn it to low.
Is simmering cinnamon safe for dogs?
Generally, the steam from Boiling spices on stove like cinnamon is safe for pets. However, ensure they cannot reach the hot water. Always keep essential oils out of the mixture if you have sensitive pets.
What to do with leftover simmer pot ingredients?
Once the scent fades, you can compost the natural ingredients. Strain the water down the sink and toss the boiled fruit and spices into your compost bin.
Final Thoughts
This project is one of my favorite holiday traditions. It brings the warmth of the season into your home without any harsh chemicals. Plus, having a few of these jars ready to go makes you the most prepared neighbor on the block.
Whether you keep them for yourself or use them as Homemade holiday hostess gift ideas, I hope you enjoy the process. Happy crafting!
-Nancy
