If you’re looking for a simple, natural way to make your home smell like the holidays, a holiday simmer pot is one of the easiest and most nostalgic traditions to bring into your kitchen. With just a few fragrant ingredients — think oranges, cinnamon, cloves, and winter herbs — you can fill your entire home with the warm, cozy scent of Christmas.
Whether you’re preparing a simmer pot for your own holiday gatherings or assembling a DIY simmer pot gift for friends and neighbors, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll share a full recipe, tips for prepping mixes ahead of time, and a few Dorai essentials that pair perfectly with this seasonal ritual.
What Is a Simmer Pot?
A simmer pot (sometimes called a stovetop potpourri) is a blend of aromatic ingredients heated gently in water. As the mix warms, it releases natural fragrance that instantly transforms your space. It’s a healthier, cleaner alternative to scented candles or artificial room sprays, and it creates a nostalgic “holiday kitchen” atmosphere that feels warm, welcoming, and festive.
Simmer pots also make beautiful gifts — easy to assemble, inexpensive, and thoughtful. And because the ingredients are so colorful (bright oranges, deep red cranberries, rustic cinnamon sticks), they look just as lovely packaged as they do simmering on the stove.
The Best Holiday Simmer Pot Recipe
This classic Christmas simmer pot recipe uses a blend of citrus, spices, and herbs to create a rich, cozy aroma that lasts for hours.
Ingredients:
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1 orange, sliced
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½ cup fresh cranberries
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2–3 cinnamon sticks
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1 tablespoon whole cloves
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2–3 star anise (optional)
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2–3 sprigs of rosemary or thyme
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4–5 cups of water
Instructions:
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Add all ingredients to a medium pot on your stovetop.
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Pour in enough water to fully cover the mix.
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Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat — avoid boiling.
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Add more water as it evaporates to maintain the scent.
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Let the simmer pot fill your home with holiday fragrance for 2–4 hours.
Pro Tip: Once cooled, you can store the mixture in the fridge and re-simmer it for up to 2–3 days.
This blend creates a warm, citrus-and-spice aroma that’s perfect for Christmas morning, holiday parties, or cozy winter evenings.
How to Make a Shelf-Stable Simmer Pot Mix for Gifting
If you're planning to give simmer pot mixes as holiday gifts, a dried, shelf-stable version is the way to go. Drying the ingredients ensures they last for weeks or even months, making them perfect for stockings, hostess gifts, teacher gifts, and neighbor surprises.
Ingredients for a Shelf-Stable Mix
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Dried orange slices
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Dried apple slices (optional)
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Dried cranberries (or use faux cranberries for color)
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Cinnamon sticks
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Whole cloves
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Star anise
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Dried rosemary or dried bay leaves
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Optional: dried ginger pieces, dehydrated lemon peel
How to Dry Your Citrus & Herbs
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Slice your oranges ¼-inch thick.
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Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
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Bake at 200°F (93°C) for 2–3 hours, flipping halfway through, until completely dry.
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For herbs: spread rosemary or bay leaves on a sheet and bake for 20–30 minutes until crisp.
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Let everything cool completely before packaging.
Drying ensures the mix stays fresh, mold-free, and beautifully fragrant.
How to Assemble Your Simmer Pot Mix
Add your dried ingredients to:
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A glass jar
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A kraft bag
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A clear ornament
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A gift box paired with a holiday card
Suggested blend:
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2–3 dried orange slices
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1–2 dried apple slices
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2 cinnamon sticks
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1 tsp whole cloves
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1 star anise
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A pinch of dried rosemary
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A handful of dried cranberries
Add a small tag with usage instructions:
“Add contents to a pot, cover with water, and simmer on low for a cozy holiday scent.”
Shelf-stable mixes make your gift feel elevated, handmade, and ready to enjoy anytime throughout the season.
How to Use Your Simmer Pot with Dorai Products
If you’re simmering for a few hours, you’ll want a dry, clean, and safe place to rest your pot lid, spoon, or ladle. This is where the Dorai Dish Drying Stone shines. Made from fast-drying Diomat material, it absorbs excess moisture instantly, which keeps your counters clean as you cook.
Use it for:
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Resting utensils while your simmer pot heats
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Cooling your simmer pot when you turn the heat off
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Catching drips or splashes from citrus and spices
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Protecting surfaces from condensation or moisture rings
Because the stone dries so quickly, it’s ideal for long simmering sessions — especially around the holidays when your kitchen sees a lot of activity.
Dorai Stocking Stuffer Ideas to Pair With Your Simmer Pot Gift
If you’re building a thoughtful holiday bundle, a few small Dorai essentials pair beautifully with a simmer pot mix. These stocking stuffers add function, design, and modern style to any kitchen.
1. Dorai Coaster Set
Perfect for holiday mocktails, mulled wine, cocoa, or winter cocktails. They absorb moisture instantly and protect surfaces from condensation — ideal for entertaining season.
2. Dorai Sink Caddy
A practical, clutter-reducing gift for anyone who loves an organized kitchen. It dries quickly, prevents mold, and sits beautifully next to the stove or sink during holiday cooking.
3. Soap Dispenser & Brush Holder Set
A stylish, elevated upgrade for the sink area. It pairs perfectly with winter dishwashing, saucepans, and all the holiday cleanup that comes with hosting.
4. Plant Saucer
A minimalist surface for candles, essential oils, or small kitchen items. It’s compact, functional, and makes a great add-on to a simmer pot gift.
5. Dorai Modern Bar Set
For the entertainers on your list. Pair your simmer pot mix with this sleek, modern bar set for a complete holiday-hosting moment — perfect for cocktail lovers and holiday party hosts.
Why Simmer Pots Make the Perfect Holiday Tradition
There’s something special about the ritual of a simmer pot — gathering ingredients, warming the pot, letting the scent fill your home slowly and naturally. It’s a small moment of calm during a busy season, and it makes your space feel inviting for guests, gatherings, or cozy nights in.
Combine that with a few intentional kitchen upgrades from Dorai, and you get a holiday experience that feels cleaner, calmer, and more beautiful.