How to Make a Simmer Pot (aka stovetop potpourri)
This post may contain affiliate links and we may earn commissions when you make a purchase through these links (at no extra cost to you). See our disclosure policy for more details.
There’s nothing quite like the scent of something heavenly simmering on the stove.
A simmer pot is such a simple way to fill your house with seasonal scents. It’s nothing fancy, yet it’s one of my favorite rituals for making the house feel like home. And the best part? You can use whatever ingredients you have on hand!
Slicing up an apple? Peeling an orange? Throw your scraps into a pot of water and soon your house will smell warm and inviting (minus the synthetic fragrances).
How to Make a Simmer Pot (aka Stovetop Potpourri)
It’s pretty simple:
- Fill a pot 3/4 full of water and bring to a boil.
- Add your ingredients.
- Reduce heat to a simmer (usually somewhere between Low and Medium).
- Check frequently and add water to keep it above halfway full.
- Enjoy!
Note: I like to set a timer for 30-45 minutes, just a little reminder to check the water level.
My Favorite Seasonal Simmer Pot Recipes
Need a little inspiration? While I absolutely encourage you to experiment with whatever you have in your kitchen, here are a few of my favorite seasonal stovetop potpourri recipes. (This will be a running list, so check back frequently!)
Lavender + Citrus
- approximately 1/2 lemon, sliced
- 1 tsp. dried lavender buds
Strawberry + Basil
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced (or just the strawberry tops/scraps to avoid waste)
- a small handful of basil leaves
- 1-2 lemon slices (optional)
Lime + Mint Green Tea
- 1 lime, sliced
- 1-2 tsp. mint or mint green tea leaves
Holiday Blend
- 2-3 slices orange
- 2-3 slices lemon and/or lime
- 1-2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 1 Tbsp. cloves
Note: This recipe will easily give you 2-3 days of simmering!
Final Thoughts
It’s such a simple little habit, but simmer pots have a way of changing the feel of your whole home. A reminder that cozy doesn’t have to be complicated — it can be as easy as using what you already have and letting it simmer for a while.
If you enjoy little moments like this, I’d love to have you join me for my cozy coffee break newsletter, where I share weekly reflections, simple joys, and gentle prompts to help you slow down and savor the everyday.
Ready for a coffee break?
Life as a mom can feel full in every sense of the word — beautiful, busy, and sometimes a little overwhelming.
If you’ve been craving a few quiet moments in your day … a chance to slow down, reset, and feel a little more like yourself again — you’re in the right place.
Coffee Break With Tonya is my free newsletter, where I share weekly reflections, updates on current projects, and simple joys that I’m loving (and think you will too!).
As a little welcome gift, you’ll also receive a printable journaling page — with a gratitude prompt, a moment to reflect (and maybe doodle?), and a quick mood check-in.
(No spam. No fees. Just a cozy email each week.)
