Every year, right after Thanksgiving, my house starts to smell like Christmas. It’s not from candles or sprays — it’s from a simmering pot of DIY Christmas Potpourri bubbling on the stove. The scent of oranges, cinnamon, cranberries, and cloves fills every corner, wrapping you in that unmistakable holiday warmth.
The first time I made it, I was trying to save money on store-bought potpourri. I tossed together leftover orange peels, a handful of cranberries, and a few cinnamon sticks, and within minutes, my kitchen smelled like a cozy Christmas morning. Now, I make it every year and even gift jars to friends — it’s the easiest, most thoughtful homemade holiday touch you can create.
If you’ve enjoyed my Christmas Bread Recipe or Christmas Fruit Cake, you’ll love how this potpourri brings the same festive spirit into your home — but in scent form.
DIY Christmas Potpourri
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and water to a medium pot. Bring to a simmer over low heat, then reduce and let it gently bubble. Refill with water as needed.
- Stir in vanilla extract or almond extract for added scent. Add pine sprigs or rosemary for a woodsy touch.
- For dried potpourri jars: oven-dry ingredients at 200°F for 2 hours, or air dry overnight. Layer in jars and label with simmering instructions.
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!The Story Behind My Homemade Potpourri
From Kitchen Scraps to Holiday Tradition
This DIY Christmas Potpourri started as a happy accident — a way to use up orange peels and leftover cranberries. But when I realized how cozy and natural it made my home smell, it became a yearly tradition. I like to make a few jars ahead of time, tie them with ribbon, and hand them out as last-minute gifts.
If you love simple, homemade crafts that double as decor, try my Christmas Crunch Snack Mix. It’s another easy project that feels festive and fun.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s all-natural, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. You can simmer it on the stove, use it in a slow cooker, or dry it to create a jar of potpourri that lasts for weeks. Plus, it looks beautiful in glass jars — the mix of oranges, cranberries, and spices instantly gives off cozy Christmas charm.
Ingredients for DIY Christmas Potpourri
- 1 large orange, sliced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 3–4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 2–3 star anise pods (optional but beautiful)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups water (plus more as needed)
For dried potpourri jars:
- Dried orange slices
- Dried cranberries or rose hips
- Whole cinnamon sticks
- Pine sprigs or dried rosemary for greenery
How to Make Christmas Potpourri
Step 1: Simmer on the Stove
Add orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and water to a medium pot. Bring to a simmer over low heat, then reduce and let it gently bubble. The longer it simmers, the stronger the scent becomes — just keep adding water as needed.
Step 2: Add Extra Scents
Stir in vanilla extract or a splash of almond extract for extra warmth. You can even toss in a sprig of pine for that “fresh tree” aroma.
Step 3: Dry and Gift
To make jarred potpourri, dry your ingredients in a low oven (200°F) for about 2 hours, or air dry overnight. Layer dried oranges, cranberries, and spices in glass jars. Add a tag that says “Simmer with 2 cups of water for holiday cheer.”
If you love making edible or aromatic gifts, try my Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters — they pair perfectly with a jar of this potpourri in a Christmas basket.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Potpourri
Keep It Simmering Gently
A low simmer is all you need — boiling too hard can burn the fruit. Check every 30 minutes and add more water as it evaporates.
Customize the Scent
Love sweet smells? Add apple slices or a drizzle of maple syrup. Prefer something crisp and fresh? Add rosemary or eucalyptus.
Reuse and Refresh
You can reuse the same batch for two or three days — just keep adding water and simmering again.
For more cozy home ideas, read my post on One Pot Potato Soup — it’s another recipe that fills your home with comfort and warmth.
How to Gift DIY Christmas Potpourri
Jarred Potpourri Gifts
Fill small mason jars with dried orange slices, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks. Add a handwritten tag that says:
“Simmer with water for instant Christmas joy.”
Tie it with red ribbon or twine, and it’s ready to gift.
Simmer Kits
Layer the ingredients in clear cellophane bags with a small card listing simmering instructions. Add a few candy canes or a sachet of cocoa mix for a complete winter gift.
I often pair these with a small loaf of my Christmas Bread — the aroma and flavor combination is pure holiday perfection.
Potpourri Variations
- Apple Cinnamon Blend: Add apple slices, cloves, and nutmeg for a classic cider scent.
- Citrus Spice Mix: Use lemons and oranges with star anise for a fresh, spicy aroma.
- Peppermint Twist: Add crushed candy canes or peppermint extract for a minty note.
- Woodsy Christmas: Combine pine sprigs, cedar chips, and rosemary for an outdoorsy scent.
If you enjoy making homemade gifts, my Pistachio Pudding Cookies are another easy and festive option to bake alongside this project.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does the scent last?
When simmering, the scent can last for several hours. Dried potpourri jars stay fragrant for up to a month.
2. Can I reuse the potpourri?
Yes! Store the cooled mixture in the fridge overnight and simmer again the next day.
3. Can I use dried spices instead of whole?
Whole spices last longer, but ground ones work too — just add them in small amounts.
4. What if I don’t have fresh cranberries?
You can use dried cranberries, apple slices, or even a few drops of cranberry essential oil.
Conclusion
DIY Christmas Potpourri is one of the simplest ways to fill your home with the scent of the holidays. It’s natural, budget-friendly, and beautiful enough to gift. Whether simmering on the stove or dried in jars, it brings instant Christmas cheer and warmth to any space.
I love making a big batch, keeping some for myself, and sharing the rest with friends and neighbors. It’s a thoughtful little gift that says, “I made this for you.”
For the perfect cozy combo, simmer a pot of this while baking my Christmas Bread and Frosted Christmas Brownies. The smell alone will make your home feel like a holiday wonderland.