Natural Home Holiday Fragrances and DIY Potpourri

Fun DIY natural home and holiday fragrance sprays, pot simmers, potpourri, and more that you can make in just a matter of moments!

When I was growing up, my mom always had air fresheners in the house and they came in those aerosol spray bottles that we all know to be pretty awful now. We had scented candles and sprays and all sorts of other home fragrances that I’m sure were terrible for us. These days, I prefer to rock the DIY route when it comes to making my house smell amazing!

Natural Fragrances and DIY Potpourri

Today I’m sharing some fun DIY natural home fragrance sprays, pot simmers, and more that you can make in just a matter of moments. Whether you want to bring the smell of the holidays to life, cover up the fact that you accidentally burned the dinner rolls, or just want to create a beautiful atmosphere for your family and guests, you’re going to love these.

8 Stovetop Potpourri Recipes

1. DIY Fruit Rind Air Fresheners

Did you know you can make delicious-smelling home fragrances right from citrus rinds? I love how these look and I can just imagine how good they would smell. Definitely trying these out this holiday season. (via Free People)

2. Natural Room Scents

This awesome pot simmers are easy to make and you can make them in big batches to keep your home smelling amazing all season long. Store some in the fridge for when company’s coming or you just want your home to smell amazing, or you can even FREEZE them for later. So clever. (via The Yummy Life)

3. Holiday Stove Top Potpourri

Delicious, plump cranberries and savory spices take the stage in this stovetop simmer recipe, along with yummy pears. Pop this on the stove before your guests arrive and enjoy! (via Purely Katie)

4. Personalized All Natural Room Scents

There are so many ways to customize this home fragrance recipe AND they would make for great gifts. Make up a big batch and hand them out to your dinner guests as they head home. (via Thistlewood Farms)

5. Make the House Smell Like Christmas

Cranberries and tangerines are two of my favorite holiday scents. I can just imagine how delicious my house will smell when I try this recipe. No matter what time of year it is, when I smell tangerines or clementines or any orangey sort of citrus, I’m transported to the holidays. Yum! (via Half Baked Harvest)

6. Homemade Lilac Room Spray

Mmm, the smell of lilac makes me so happy. Lilacs are my favorite flower and I’m always counting down the days until they are back in season. You can bring the smell of lilacs back into your home any time of the year with this recipe. (via At The Picket Fence)

7. DIY Holiday Aromatic Wax Fire Starters

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, you’re going to love this DIY. These aromatic wax fire starters will make your whole house smell just like Christmas. This is a great way to get that fabulous Christmas tree scent in your home, even if you’re rocking a faux tree this year. (via Hello Glow)

8. Lemon Rosemary Stovetop Potpourri

I love this combination of lemon and rosemary. I never would have thought to try this combo before, but now I’m totally hooked. The rosemary adds something seriously special that fills your home with holiday warmth. (via Made in a Day)

Simmer Pot Ingredients for Making Natural Simmer Pot Blends

1. Essential Oils:

   • Aromatic Powerhouses: Essential oils, the aromatic maestros, infuse your simmer pot with heavenly scents, transforming any space into a fragrant haven.

2. Star Anise:

   • Exotic Elegance: Star anise brings an exotic touch, releasing a warm and subtly sweet aroma that adds a layer of sophistication to your simmer pot mix.

3. Cinnamon Sticks:

   • Spicy Warmth: Cinnamon sticks, the cozy companions, lend a spicy warmth, evoking the feeling of a comforting hug with every whiff.

4. Dried Flowers:

   • Floral Whispers: Dried flowers add a delicate touch, releasing gentle floral whispers that transport you to a serene garden in full bloom.

5. Citrus Fruits:

   • Zesty Zing: Citrus fruits, including vibrant orange peels, bring a burst of freshness and zesty zing, infusing your simmer pot with the lively and uplifting essence of sun-kissed oranges and lemons.

6. Vanilla Extract:

   • Sweet Serenity: Vanilla extract, the sweet serenity agent, introduces a comforting, sweet aroma that wraps your space in a blanket of calm and relaxation.

7. Lemon Peels:

   • Citrus Sunshine: Lemon peels, the vibrant citrus stars, release a burst of sunshine, adding a crisp and invigorating element to your simmer pot blend.

8. Herbs and Spices:

   • Savory Symphony: Herbs and spices, the savory orchestra, create a complex and inviting melody of scents, turning your simmer pot into a kitchen concert of enticing aromas.

9. Orris Root:

   • Earthy Elegance: Orris root brings an earthy elegance, introducing a grounding and subtle floral note that complements the other ingredients harmoniously.

Each ingredient plays a unique role, turning your simmer pot into a delightful concoction of scents that will elevate your space with warmth, freshness, and a touch of aromatic charm.

Equipment for Homemade Potpourri and Simmer Pot Recipes

1. Mason Jars:

   • Charming Vessels: Mason jars, the charming vessels of simmer pot magic, not only hold your delightful concoction but also add a rustic and homey touch to the visual appeal of your aromatic creation.

   • Seal the Aroma: With their airtight seal, mason jars keep the aromatic symphony trapped inside until you decide to release it, ensuring a burst of delightful scents when opened.
   • Gift-Worthy: They double as gift containers! Fill them with simmer pot ingredients, tie a ribbon, and you’ve got a thoughtful and fragrant present ready to go.

2. Slow Cooker:

   • Aromatic Alchemist: The slow cooker, your aromatic alchemist, takes the simmer pot experience to the next level. It gently brews and blends the ingredients, allowing their scents to mingle and create a fragrant masterpiece.
   • Hands-Off Convenience: With its ‘set it and forget it’ convenience, the slow cooker frees you up to tackle other tasks while it works its magic, infusing your space with delightful aromas.
   • Perfect for Parties: Hosting a gathering? The slow cooker is your secret weapon, effortlessly filling the air with inviting scents, setting the perfect ambiance for any occasion.
   • Versatile Wonder: From warming up your favorite potpourri to crafting soothing spa-like scents, the slow cooker is a versatile wonder that can be your year-round aromatic companion.

Whether you’re capturing scents in mason jars or letting the slow cooker orchestrate a fragrant symphony, these pieces of equipment turn your simmer pot recipes into a delightful experience for the senses.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!

Desiree Fawn

Désirée is the Canuck mama behind So Fawned Lifestyle. Blogger, social media wrangler, go-to girl. Living the life with her partner Rich and awesome daughter Gretchen, she spends her days typing and drinking copious amounts of tea, and watching Gilmore Girl reruns.