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As the temperature starts to drop and the leaves begin to change, it’s time to bring the warm and comforting scents of fall into your home. And what better way to do it than with simmer pots? Simmer pots have quickly become our favorite fall hack for creating a welcoming and cozy atmosphere.
WHAT ARE SIMMER POTS?
Simmer pots, also known as stovetop potpourri, are combinations of natural ingredients (like fruits, spices, and herbs) simmered together in a pot of water. The heat from the stove causes the water and ingredients to release a delightful aroma that fills your home.
HOW DO SIMMER POTS WORK?
As the ingredients inside the simmer pot heat up, their essential oils start to evaporate. These oils, filled with the plant’s fragrance, mix with the steam from the water and are carried throughout your home, creating a natural and delightful aroma.
BENEFITS OF USING SIMMER POTS
Simmer pots are an easy and natural way to fill your home with the scents of the season. They’re also a fantastic way to utilize leftover fruit peels, spices, and herbs. Plus, unlike commercially produced air fresheners, simmer pots don’t contain harmful chemicals or synthetic fragrances.
SIMMER POT RECIPES FOR FALL
The scents of fall are so comforting. Here are 10 recipes to fill your home with the cozy aromas of the season. Feel free to play around with the ingredients and quantities to create a scent that’s perfect for you.
To make any of these simmer pots, simply add all the ingredients to a pot of water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Keep an eye on the water level and add more as needed. Enjoy the comforting scents of fall filling your home.
1. Classic Apple Cinnamon
- 1 apple, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon of whole cloves
2. Pumpkin Spice
- 1 small pumpkin, cubed
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 -2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice
3. Autumn Woods
- Pine needles or pine essential oil
- 2-3 drops of cedarwood essential oil
- 1 sprig of rosemary
4. Spiced Orange
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon of whole cloves
- 1 star anise
5. Vanilla Chai
- 4 cups of water
- 2 chai tea bags
- 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
6. Cranberry Delight
- 1 cup of fresh cranberries
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
7. Cozy Maple
- 2 tablespoons of maple syrup
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
8. Herbal Harvest
- 1 handful of dried lavender
- 1 handful of dried chamomile
- 1 sprig of rosemary
9. Ginger Spice
- 1 piece of fresh ginger, sliced
- 1 teaspoon of whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
10. Smoky Campfire
- 2-3 drops of liquid smoke
- 1 sprig of rosemary
- 1 teaspoon of whole cloves
11. The Classic Fall Blend
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 apple, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
CREATING YOUR OWN CUSTOM SIMMER POT BLENDS
Making your own simmer pot blends is a fun and creative way to celebrate the season. The possibilities are endless – just remember to include a variety of ingredients to create a balanced aroma.
TIPS FOR USING SIMMER POTS EFFECTIVELY
To get the most out of your simmer pot, let the ingredients simmer on low heat for several hours. Remember to add more water as it evaporates to prevent the pot from drying out.
Pro Tip: Using a Crockpot
For added safety and convenience, consider using a Crockpot instead of a stove top pot. This allows you to leave the simmer pot unattended without worrying about it drying out or becoming a fire hazard. Just set it on low and let the scents fill your home safely and effortlessly.
OTHER WAYS TO CREATE A WELCOMING HOME IN THE FALL
While simmer pots are a fantastic way to make your home smell amazing, they’re just one part of creating a welcoming fall atmosphere. Consider adding cozy textiles, seasonal decor, and warming lighting to your space as well.
More Autumn Inspiration
Explore more articles on seasonal living in fall for extra inspiration and ideas on embracing the beauty of the season.
- 10 Sacred Ways to Celebrate the Season of Autumn
- Easy DIY Autumn Spice Sugar Scrub
- Slowing Down in Autumn: 9 Beautiful Ways to Find Joy in the Season
- Drinks for Autumn: Sip on These 6 Delicious Autumn-Inspired Drinks
- Homemade Chai Tea: A Cozy Delight for Autumn Celebrations
- Autumn Season: 8 Tips for Hosting a Magical Fall Gathering
