Easy Christmas Simmer Pot Ideas (Free Printable Gift Tags)

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The holidays are a time of family, friends, feasts, and SMELLS. The smell of the house during the holiday season brings back so many nostalgic memories of freshly baked cookies, pine boughs, and oranges. These things would make the whole house smell amazing. Check out these easy Christmas simmer pot ideas (free printable tags).

You can assemble items that you collect in your backyard or from the grocery store. Maybe you have items in your pantry that could be simmered to smell amazing? I love using fresh ingredients and spices like whole cloves and cinnamon sticks. These wonderful smells of Christmas and Yule are perfect to simmer for a holiday party. Simmer pots are a fun thing to do any time of year from summer to winter and everything in between. 

The History Of Simmer Pots

Simmer pots are thought to have originated in the Middle Ages when people would simmer herbs and spices in water to create a potpourri that would fill their homes with a pleasant scent. Simmer pots were also used to keep food warm, as they could be placed on a stove or in the fireplace.

In the 19th century, simmer pots became popular in the United States. They were often used to make potpourri, but they were also used to make mulled wine and other winter drinks. Simmer pots were often made of ceramic or metal, and they often had a decorative design.

Today, simmer pots are still popular, and they are used for a variety of purposes. They can be used to make potpourri, mulled wine, and other winter drinks. They can also be used to make simple meals, such as soup or stew. Simmer pots are available in a variety of materials, including ceramic, metal, and glass. They are also available in a variety of sizes and shapes.

Simmer Pot Items For Gifts

Assembling simmer pot items into a mason jar or some other decorative container is a great way to spread the holiday cheer. The items can then be artfully arranged in a pot (even a slow cooker on warm would work). If using perishable items such as fruits or plant material make sure you let the person know to use it right away. Write a note and attach it to the jar with suggestions for sliced fresh oranges, berries, or anything that might spoil. Try using dried fruit like dried orange slices or other dried citrus fruits. 

Simmer pots with natural Christmas potpourri make excellent teacher gifts, neighbor gifts, and family gifts. You can easily customize each of these beautiful gift ideas to share the holiday spirit. Save your food jars, fill them with goodies to simmer, and tie the top with a festive ribbon. Add some simple instructions like the free printable gift tags I’ve made up for you, and slip them into a gift bag. Who wouldn’t love to have the smell of fresh Christmas trees and citrus fruit? 

How To Begin Selecting Items For A Simmer Pot

Begin by selecting natural ingredients that are pleasing to your nose and have a nice visual appeal. Muted tones, bright reds & greens, neutral colors – any of these color schemes would be a great gift idea or make your home smell delicious. Simmering these items produces a scent that activates the brain to feel more focused, relaxed, and happy. 

Head Outside And Forage To Make A Simmer Pot

Your yard can hold an abundance of great-smelling items. Get outside before the snow falls and collect what you can.  You can always freeze some of these things to use later (evergreens freeze great). 

• Hardened pine sap
• Juniper branches
• Pine branches
• Mint Leaves
• Sage Leaves
• Rose hips
• Cedar boughs
• Any type of evergreen
• Sprigs of Lavender
• Rosemary

Use What You Have In The House To Make A Christmas Simmer Pot

I bet there are some items in your pantry that would add so much to these easy Christmas simmer pot ideas (Free Printable Gift Tag)

.  Do you have any of these scents of the season…?

• Whole cloves 
• Whole cardamom pods
• Cinnamon sticks
• Whole spices
• Essential oils
• Fennel seeds
• Fresh cranberries
• Fresh or dried orange slices
• Lemon and lime slices
• Star anise
• Orange peels (leftover from snacking)
• Apple slices
• Candy canes

Order Online or Buy Items At The Grocery Store

Browse the aisles of your favorite stores to find interesting items to use in a simmer pot. Pick some of your favorite things – vanilla, honey, and dried fruits for this simple recipe. 

Liquids For An Easy Christmas Simmer Pot

There are plenty of choices to use for the liquid portion of a simmer pot. Here are some suggestions:

• Water
• Juice
• Apple Cider
• Wine
• Bourbon
• Hot Chocolate
• Water with drops of essential oils

Ingredients For An Easy Christmas Simmer Pot Ideas (Free Printable Gift Tags)

Easy Christmas and Yuletide simmer pots are simple and quick to throw together. Make it for yourself or give a wonderful gift of Christmas smell to someone you care about. They are so versatile. Here is what I used.

1. A couple of small branches of a cedar tree (or any evergreen – even a piece from a live wreath or Xmas tree)

2. Sprig of fresh sage (from the garden or grocery store)

3. Handful of fresh cranberries

4. One orange sliced

5. Hunk of pine sap (picked off a pine tree and stored in a jar)

6. Handful of rose hips (these are often made into teas)

Instructions On How To Make An Easy Christmas Simmer Pot Ideas (Free Printable Gift Tags)

Putting together a simmer pot gift is simple and makes a beautiful DIY Christmas gift. 

• Begin by gathering up the items to put together. It should be fun and simple. Don’t worry if you don’t have the same as me or want to substitute anything. 
• If given as a gift, I love using old pasta sauce jars. They are a great size and a great way to reuse an item. Fill it with the evergreen first and then layer the other items, using your fingers to position things. It doesn’t have to be perfect – this is a natural and rustic-inspired gift. 

• Add a piece of fabric to the top and secure it with a rubber band. Finally, tie it with a festive ribbon and add the free printable instruction tag.
• To use your simmer pot gift, Arrange the contents in a small saucepan and cover with about four (4) cups of water. (Use a large pot if you are simmering a lot)
• Turn the stove on low heat and simmer for 2-3 hours. Be sure to check the water level so it doesn’t run dry.

• Refill it and simmer it for a couple of hours more if desired and then discard it. 

Why Should You Choose A Simmer Pot

For starters choosing a simmer pot is a natural way to add wonderful smells to your own home. It is the best way to add aromatics without the harsh chemicals and scents that can be found in candles and potpourri. Simmer pots use simple ingredients mixed with fresh water and then slowly heated on the stovetop releasing the natural oils and creating a wonderful scent.

This is one of my favorite ways to enhance every season. Choose from mixes such as lavender and mint in the summer, cloves, and cinnamon in the autumn, evergreen and oranges in the winter, and fresh berries and vanilla in the spring.

Another fun and festive project is these Magical Yule Bags. They make great gifts. Check it out!

Here are some other Holiday traditions that our family celebrates.

Do’s & Do Not’s Of An Easy Christmas Simmer Pot Ideas (Free Printable Gift Tags)

1. Do not let the water dry up. Make sure you use plenty of fresh water or whatever liquid you are using.
2. Do not use ground spices, I feel like they muddy the water and do not smell as nice.
3. Do not be afraid to experiment and use whatever smell you like.
4. Do not use too many drops of essential oils –  a couple of drops should do if you need to. This recipe provides all the aroma you need.
5. Do use plenty of dry ingredients (dried fruits, evergreen branches, dried herbs, and whole pods) if you are making jars for handmade gifts
6. Do add a tag explaining what to do with the simmer pot gift. 
7. Do use different colors, textures, and shapes.
8. Do -have some fun!

Wrapping Up Easy Christmas Simmer Pot Ideas (Free Printable Gift Tags)

Making a simmer pot for your stove this Christmas season is such a fun and festive activity. It only takes a minute of prep to have your entire house smelling like warm spices and fresh evergreens. If you are interested in a dehydrator, this is the one I use and love. I am able to dry citrus fruits to use in these easy Christmas simmer pots as well as all the herbs from the garden.

Print out the free printable tags to add to your simmer pot gifts this season and spread the cheer of holiday scent. This is a perfect thing to simmer on your stove during the beautiful season of Winter and the Winter Solstice. What are some are your favorite smells of the season? I love evergreens and oranges. 

Cheers,

Sarah

Check out these other Christmas Favorites…

• Norwegian Christmas Bread WIth Cardamom
• No Chill Norwegian Butter Cookies With Chocolate Chips
• Holiday Traditions And Why They Are So Important
• How To Make A Chili Charcuterie Board Like A Boss

How To Guide For Easy Christmas Simmer Pot Ideas (Free Printable Gift Tags)

Yield: One Pot

Easy Christmas And Yule Simmer Pot Ideas With A Free Guide

Print

A fun, natural, and wonderful-smelling simmer pot of all things Christmas.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Active Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Estimated Cost Free-$5

Materials

• A couple of small branches of a cedar tree (or any evergreen - even a piece from a live wreath or Xmas tree)
• Sprig of fresh sage (from the garden or grocery store)
• Handful of fresh cranberries
• One orange sliced
• Hunk of pine sap (picked off a pine tree and stored in a jar)
• Handful of rose hips (these are often made into teas)

Instructions

1. Begin by gathering up the items to put together. It should be fun and simple. Don't worry if you don't have the same as me or want to substitute anything. 
2. If given as a gift, I love using old pasta sauce jars. They are a great size and a great way to reuse an item. Fill it with the evergreen first and then layer the other items, using your fingers to position things. It doesn't have to be perfect - this is a natural and rustic-inspired gift. 
3. Add a piece of fabric to the top and secure it with a rubber band. Finally, tie it with a festive ribbon and add the free printable instruction tag.
4. To use your simmer pot gift, Arrange the contents in a small saucepan and cover with about four (4) cups of water. (Use a large pot if you are simmering a lot)
5. Turn the stove on low heat and simmer for 2-3 hours. Be sure to check the water level so it doesn't run dry.
6. Refill it and simmer it for a couple of hours more if desired and then discard it. 

 

Notes

1. Do not let the water dry up. Make sure you use plenty of fresh water or whatever liquid you are using.
2. Do not use ground spices, I feel like they muddy the water and do not smell as nice.
3. Do not be afraid to experiment and use whatever smell you like.
4. Do not use too many drops of essential oils -  a couple of drops should do if you need to. This recipe provides all the aroma you need.
5. Do use plenty of dry ingredients (dried fruits, evergreen branches, dried herbs, and whole pods) if you are making jars for handmade gifts
6. Do add a tag explaining what to do with the simmer pot gift. 
7. Do use different colors, textures, and shapes.
8. Do -have some fun!