If you love the smells of Christmas, this DIY Christmas Stovetop Potpourri is perfect! A mix of cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon and all kinds of Christmas spices, your house will smell amazing! And it’s perfect to put together as a DIY mason jar gift! Instructions and free printable gift tag included!
What are the Best Scents of the Christmas Season?
There is so much to love about the Christmas season. I mean, SO much. But one of my favorites is the smells of Christmas.
The gingerbread cookies, the pine from the Christmas trees, cinnamon sticks, peppermint hot chocolate… oh my goodness.
I think the scents of Christmas are sometimes the most under-rated, but did you know that of all the senses, our sense of smell has the most connection to our memories?
Pretty cool, right?
My Favorite Christmas Scents
So, since this is our first Christmas in our new house, I’m sort of overdoing all the things around here. We were so boxed in during those years in our small house, selling our small house, moving…but we are finally here and I’m making up for lost time.
And the smells are just intoxicating. We don’t have a live tree, but I’ve made live garland, with the smells of the cypress. This year, I went with a cinnamon and orange theme, and the house is smelling so good. But if that wasn’t enough…
Christmas Stovetop Potpourri
One of the things I am just LOVING this year that has totally put me in the Christmas spirit is Christmas stovetop potpourri. I don’t know, there’s something so nostalgic and old-fashioned about having a pot of cranberries, orange slices and cinnamon sticks simmering on the stove.
There are lots of different recipes you can use for potpourri, and I plan on trying them out all winter, but this is a classic one and one of my favorites. What I especially love is that this one makes an adorable gift.
Putting Your Christmas Potpourri Recipe Together
You can find lots of different versions of this recipe, and I tweaked it to have some of my favorite smells. The great thing about a potpourri like this is that if the scent it too strong, you can mellow it out by adding a little more water. If it’s not strong enough, you can sprinkle in some more spices or add some more cinnamon sticks.
This recipe is super-flexible, and you can custom-create it to suit your tastes.
Ingredients
1/2 cup of cranberries (more if you want)
2 clementines
1 tbsp of whole cloves
1/4 tsp of nutmeg
1/4 tsp of allspice
1/4 of ginger
3 cinnamon sticks
2 -3 sprigs of fresh pine or rosemary
1 tsp vanilla (optional)
The kinds and amounts of spices are totally adaptable, but this is a nice mix of aromas.
Directions
Cut the clementines in slices and break the cinnamon sticks (to release the scent). Pour everything in the sauce pan, add water to cover the mixture (about 2-3 cups), give it a mix, and simmer on low.
That’s it! You can add water if it starts getting low, and you can store it in the fridge if you want to use it again the next day.
But get ready – your house is gonna smell amazing.
DIY Mason Jar Christmas Stovetop Potpourri Gift
I love, love, love giving mason jar gifts. They are so thoughtful and so easy to put together. Here are 28 more DIY mason jar gifts that you can put together and give as well! This Nativity Story Trail Mix is also another really fun and popular choice!
If you’re planning on giving the Christmas stovetop potpourri as a gift, here are some simple instructions to follow.
Supplies
1 pint size mason jar
Small jar for spices (or little baggie)
Little baggie for cloves
Baker’s twine or jute string
Decorative embellishments
Free Printable Gift Tag
Tips for Packing the Christmas Stovetop Potpourri Mason Jar Gift
You can do this any way you want, but I’ve found that this way looks the prettiest and the items fit the best.
1| Put one clementine in the jar and the 3 cinnamon sticks on one side of the jar so the sticks touch the bottom of the jar. You can also take a cinnamon stick or 2 and tie it on the outside as some extra embellishment. Also, you can break the cinnamon stick and put them inside the jar in pieces. Totally your preference.
2| Put the pine or rosemary twigs on the other side.
3| Pour in half the cranberries so they fill in the gaps.
4| Add your second clementine. Then add the rest of your cranberries. Give jar a little shake so everything settles in.
5| Add your spices. See next section for more details on that!
Packing the Spices
You can do the spices in a few ways. First, you can put the whole cloves and all the ground spices together in one baggie. You can gather them in the corner of the baggie, trim it and then tie with bakers’ twine or jute string.
This will look really cute and is really easy!
I found these cute bottles at Dollar Tree, so that’s what I used for the spices. You can get a pack of 6 for $1!
To put it together, I put all the ground spices in a ziplock and mixed them together. Then, I gathered them in the corner of the baggie, cut the corner and poured them into the jar.
They don’t fill the whole jar, so I put the cloves in to top off the jar. The rest of the loose cloves I just sprinkled inside the jar. It’s all going in the pot anyway.
You could also put the loose spices in the jar and keep it half full or just add some more (it’s fine to put some extra).
There should be room to put the spice bottle inside the jar if you’d like, but I liked how it looked tied on the outside. It’s really just a decorative thing. In the end, it all gets mixed in the pot.
Decorate and embellish however you like! I tied cinnamon and a pine sprig with jute string. Then, I added the gift tag, spice bottle and a dried orange tied with raffia.
Christmas Stovetop Potpourri Free Printable Gift Tag
I’ve also created a free printable gift tag you can include in with your gift! Just fill out the box at the end of the post to grab them!
For quick and easy to read directions, see the recipe tag below!
Updated Christmas Simmer Pot Tags!
This year (2024), I decided it was time for an update!
Additionally, I created a ‘recipe’ card separate from a ‘Merry Christmas’ card. You can use both or just one when you gift this! I like to include the recipe as well, just in case the recipient wants to make another batch!
Now you can get the new design in 2 sizes – a small size of 2.75″ x 3.75.”. You can get a larger size of 3.5 ” x 5″, if you want to use a larger jar.
For the small jars, I used these fun mini canisters with bamboo lids from Big Lots!
For the larger jar, I used a pretty cool find from Dollar Tree!
When you fill out the box, you have access to both the old and new tags!
I recently had a reader message me about tags for her Jewish friends, who don’t celebrate Christmas. To that end, I also included a version that says ‘Holiday Simmer Pot’ and “Holiday Stovetop Potpourri.’
These are also included in the download.
Christmas Stovetop Potpourri
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cranberries
- 2 clementines
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 2-3 sprigs of pine or rosemary (optional)
- 1 Tbsp whole cloves
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp vanilla (optional)
Instructions
1| Cut clementines in slices.
2| Break cinnamon sticks in half (to release stronger scent)
3 | Pour clementines, cinnamon sticks, pine or rosemary, and spices into a saucepan. Cover with water. Add vanilla if you desire.
4| Set stove to simmer and give ingredients a quick stir.
5| Sit back and enjoy how amazing your house will smell!
**If water starts getting low, just add more to continue to enjoy.
Notes
If you're making a DIY mason jar gift, you'll also need:
1 pint mason jar
String (raffia, jute, bakers twine, etc).
Ziplock baggie
Mini spice bottle (optional)
Choice of decorative embellishments
Free printable gift tag
Gift can be made ahead of time and store in the refrigerator.
Ingredients that have simmered on the stove can also stored in refrigerator after use if you want to use it again the next day!
Christmas Stovetop Potpourri – a New Tradition and Favorite
I have a feeling this is something you’re gonna love to do every year. It’s so easy, but those smells will put you in the Christmas spirit like nothing else.
And every time you smell it, it will bring back amazing Christmas memories. If you’re giving it as a gift, get ready to have some really happy friends, neighbors, and teachers. Your gift is giving them more than you know – memories of Christmas.
Don’t forget to grab your free printable tags!
Thoughts? I’d love to hear them! Leave a comment below!
I love this idea! This is going to be my homemade Christmas gift this year. I would like to be able to print out the directions card. Can you send it to me? Thank you so much!
Hi Lorraine – thanks so much for reaching out! This is one of my favorite gifts to give out! If you scroll to the bottom of the post, you’ll see a box to fill out, where you’ll be immediately downloaded to the file for the tag. Let me know if you need other assistance! Have a wonderful day! 🙂
I requested the download however I did not receive it via email. how do I get it please?
Hi Kim,
Once you fill out the box (At the very end of the post, not the generic one in the middle .It’s the box specifically for the tags)… just wait a few seconds and you’ll be immediately redirected to the PDF download! Also, you should get a welcome email – that has the link to the Subscriber Library and password – you can find it in there as well!
I was not redirected to the PDF download. I’ve waited 10 minutes
Hi! I just tested it on mobile and desktop and the signup box is working properly. There are a few auto-subscribe boxes through the post… make sure you’re filling out the one at the very end of the post that is specifically for this printable! Let me know how that works out!
How far in advanced can these be made?
Good question! You can make these about 4-5 days in advance if they are refrigerated. It should stay fresh as long as your cranberries do. The pine might be the questionable ingredient as far as how long it lasts, but I would think it should be fine if kept cool for a few day. … you could also substitute rosemary and that should last the 4-5 days! I’ve always done mine the night before but a few days in advance should be OK!
I made this for gifts! Super cute! I’m just not getting much of a fragrance when I boil/ simmer. I dried my oranges a d cranberries. Could this be why? Any idea what I’ve done wrong?
That definitely could be why! I use fresh oranges and cranberries. Maybe try that? Sometimes a little splash of vanilla can help, too!
How far ahead can you make these jars if stored in the fridge? Thank you
It’s mostly the life of the cranberries and greens to consider – the oranges and spices would be fine. You should be able to put these together up to 4-5 days in advance! I always wanted mine to be super-fresh, so I did it the night before. If it’s 4-5 days, I might use rosemary instead of pine, only because we know for certain that will last!
Excited to give as gifts 🎄
I’m so glad to hear that, Shirley! These were my friends/neighbor gifts last year and they were a big hit! I’d love to hear how it goes! 🙂
Can’t seem to find where I could download the tags? There isn’t anything at the bottom of the post except this comment box.
Hi Laira- I’m sorry you’re seeing the box! I just double checked on mobile and desktop, and the box is there. Sometimes ads make things a little difficult to distinguish. The buttons for the signup are in turquoise with a black “Yes Please” button. The box itself is grey, and it’s immediately above the very last line of the post, which is in bold, “Thoughts? I’d love to hear them! Leave a comment below.” You should find the box there!
may i get a copy of the recipe card
Hi Grace, if you scroll all the way to the bottom of the post, you’ll find a box that you can fill out to be directed to the download! The buttons in the box are turquoise and black, and the box is grey!
Thanks so much for this! What a perfect gift. The gift tags are an extra bonus.
So appreciate you sharing.
Thank you so much for commenting, Holly! It made my day! Merry Christmas!
Hi There,
Just wanted to express my sincere thanks for providing this great idea, and sharing your experience. Spreading kindness is wonderful.
Warm Regards,
Jessica
Thank you so much for the kind comment, Jessica! I truly appreciate you coming by and taking the time to reach out! Hope you enjoy it all!
Can you slice the fruit and put in jars with the other ingredients?
Hi Sara, I personally haven’t done that because I wasn’t sure how well it would store or last. I like to make the gifts a little bit ahead of time, and I’d be concerned about how the juices would impact the other ingredients in the jar.
I hope that helps!
Where do you find dry pine springs?
Hi Whitney!
I cut them from a tree in my yard! But if you have any walking trails nearby, you can probably snag a few there. Or, a lot of time, Christmas tree lots will let you forage and pick up the leftovers from the ground!
Hope that helps! Thank you for stopping by!
I put several of these together today for my coworkers. They came out just as beautiful as yours (something that doesn’t always happen when copying an online idea! 😂). I can’t wait to give them out tomorrow. Thanks for the detailed instructions and pictures, and for sharing such a great idea!
I will say that as I was slowly putting the cloves in the tiny bottles I had my doubts about them coming back out easily. We shall see what the feedback is. But I figured the cuteness of the tiny bottles trumps any aggravation of getting the contents out! 🥰
Thank you for this feedback, Tessa! I’m so glad you enjoyed the project! And yes, I’d love to hear if the cloves are an issue! They weren’t for me, but I’ll for sure add a note in the instructions that it might be a possibility! Merry Christmas, Tessa!
Looking for printable tag
Hi Jennifer,
Scroll alllll the way to the end of the post. You’ll see a box specifically for these printable tags (not a generic sign-up box). Fill it out and you’ll be immediately directed to the download! Let me know if you have other issues!
Great recipe and absolutely loved putting these together as small gifts. Just so you are aware though, whatever program you used to put together request box for the gift tags does not work with Mac. I am on a MacBook Air and nothing shows where the box should be located.
Oh no! I’m so sorry, David! Go ahead and fill out the box – you’ll get a welcome email as a subscriber and the info for the Subscriber Library. You can find the tag in there as well!
I always am looking well ahead for ideas for Christmas gifts for “The Girls” Christmas gifts. I think this will be a wonderful idea for this year.
This is one of my most favorite projects! I’ve given these out several times and they are always a hit!
I can’t figure out how to download the tag
Hi Christine,
Just scroll down to the bottom where you fill out the box with your email address. Fill it out, and just hang on a second. You’ll be immediately redirected the page where you can download it. Just click the link on that page!
please provide card
Hi! Scroll to the very end of the post and you’ll see a box where you fill out your email address – do that and you’ll be immediately redirected to the download!
Need card.
Hi! Scroll to the bottom of the post and you’ll see the box where you can fill out the box – you’ll be immediately redirected to the download!
I would love the download!
Hi Terri! Just scroll all the way to the bottom of the post, and you’ll see the box where you can grab it! 🙂
Great idea!
So glad you liked it, Anne! Thank you for letting me know! 🙂
Looking forward to gifting this to some friends
This was one of my favorites to gift also! Enjoy, Marilyn!
Thank you for sharing this. Can’t wait to give as gifts.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying it, Brandy! Thanks for letting me know! 🙂
Just found this idea, so excited to make these for my co-workers this year!
If using 1 tsp vanilla, where do you suggest it is added?
Happy to say I had no problem getting the printable card downloaded 🙂
Hi Donna! Thanks for reaching out! I would only add it to the water mixture, not as part of the gift. It’s an optional ingredient, so the recipient can choose to add if they would like! I hope that helps! 🙂
I would love the download for the printable card! Love this idea!
Hi Kimberly! The sign up box for the card is at the VERY end of the post… I just checked – it’s there and it’s working! It’s not the box for an email address that shows up in the middle of the post. This box is specific for the cards. I hope that helps!
I love this craft! Beautiful and Easy!
template please
I love this idea and can’t wait to make them!
I’m so glad, Kimberly!
where did you get your pine😩 or did you just pick it off a tree
Hi Serena!
I just picked mine off of a tree in my yard! You could also go to a nursery or place where they sell live Christmas trees and see if you can gather some cuttings!
Thank you for this great gift idea! I made them for the women of my church and handed them out as part of a devotion I shared on 2 Corinthians 2:15-16. ❤️
Oh I love this SO much, Kelly! Thank you so much for sharing this with me! And I love that you connected it to Scripture -my absolute favorite! Have a fantastic Christmas season filled with so much love!
Heading out shortly to get ingredients for this. Hearing though that finding cinnamon sticks this late in the game.
Am I the only one not seeing when to add the cranberries on direction gift card? I would assume that they are added with the oranges???
Barb
Barb, you are 100%correct! This tag has been downloaded thousands of times and you’re the first to point this out! Thank you! I will correct it (but it probably won’t be before Christmas.). But I so appreciate you letting me know! And yes, the cranberries are dumped in the pot along with the oranges (and everything else). There’s no specific or directions for them – just add them with the other ingredients!
Gift Tag
Hi Debi,
Scroll to the bottom of the post and you’ll see a specific box for the tags (not a generic sign up as a subscriber). Fill out that box, hang on a few seconds, and you’ll be immediately redirected to the download!
I can’t wait to give these for Christmas!
So glad you enjoyed them, Jennifer! In my experience, they are always a hit! Merry Christmas!
Thank you for the great little something gift idea to give for Christmas. The name tags are cute. Merry Christmas 🎄
I appreciate your comment so much, Dawn! Thank you for taking the time! Merry Christmas to you as well! 🙂
PRINTABLE TAG
Scroll to the bottom of the post and you’ll see a specific box for the tags (not a generic sign up as a subscriber). Fill out that box, hang on a few seconds, and you’ll be immediately redirected to the download!
Love this potpourri. Make it every year
I’m so happy to hear this, Maggie! It’s one of my very favorite simmers as well as DIY gifts! Thank you so much for letting me know! 🙂
Love!
Thank you, Stephanie! Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
It’s not free if you have to pay for it with your email address. Perhaps another way to advertise it would be better. I DO NOT give you permission to sell my email or to add me to your email list
Hi Pricilla!
I never sell email addresses that I receive – they are for my newsletter only. You’ll receive a welcome email when you sign up – and you can immediately unsubscribe! Unfortunately, there isn’t a more seamless way to do this – I hope that helps!
This is a great gift and I am looking forward to making them. I printed the recipe and filled out the box to get the tags, but I was not redirected to a downloadable print and did not receive a welcome email with a link? Just wondering if there is another way to get it?
Hi! Make sure you’re filling out the box at the end of the post. There is a generic sign up in the top/middle of the post – the one that will redirect you to the tags is at the bottom of the post. After you submit, hang on a few seconds and you’ll be redirected to the link. Let me know if you still have trouble!
I could not see the box or I got out of it,
Hi Karen! Scroll alllllll the way to the end of the post! The box is just about the last thing in the post!
I love this gift for our office staff! Thank you for sharing the gift tag!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for letting me know! 🙂
I can’t wait to try these for my Co-Workers. Thank you!!
They are so easy and look so classy! I’m sure they will love them – it’s one of my favorite DIY gifts!
I can’t wait to make these for friends and neighbors!!
I’m so excited! They are always a hit! Enjoy this easy DIY gift!
Making these for my co-workers! Can I please have the printable tag and directions?
Hi Megan! Scroll to the very bottom of the post, fill out the box specifically for these tags (not a generic subscribe box), hit enter, wait a few seconds and you’ll be redirected to the download! Let me know if you run into any issues! Merry Christmas!
I need the tags please!
Hi Shelly! Scroll to the very bottom of the post, fill out the box specifically for these tags (not a generic subscribe box), hit enter, wait a few seconds and you’ll be redirected to the download! Let me know if you run into any issues! Merry Christmas!
Thanks so much for this idea. I’m planning to give these to my neighbors. Since some are Jewish, would you consider adding tags next year that say Happy Holidays (as an option)?
It took an afternoon for a non tech savvy person to make tags!
Thanks for that input, Joann. I went ahead and added a ‘holiday simmer pot’ version to the printable set. I realize you already did your own, but they are there if you need them! I appreciate the suggestion!