When the weather turns cold, there’s something comforting about a pot quietly bubbling on the stove, filling the house with a deep, layered scent that feels lived-in and intentional. Winter simmer pots are simple, affordable, and customizable, and they beat artificial sprays every single time. No flames to babysit, no overpowering chemical smells, just real ingredients doing what they’ve always done best.

What Is a Winter Simmer Pot?

A simmer pot is exactly what it sounds like. You add water and fragrant ingredients to a pot, bring it to a gentle simmer, and let the steam carry the scent through your home. This isn’t about exact measurements or perfection. It’s about building a scent that matches the season and your mood.

Winter blends warm, spicy, citrusy, and slightly earthy. Think kitchens that smell like something good is always happening, even if nothing’s in the oven.

Classic Winter Simmer Pot Ingredients

You don’t need anything fancy. Most of these are already sitting in your kitchen.

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, or grapefruit add brightness and keep heavier spices from smelling too dense. Cinnamon sticks are the backbone of most winter blends, warm and familiar without being sugary. Cloves add depth, but go easy, a little goes a long way. Star anise brings a subtle licorice note that feels old-world and cozy. Fresh rosemary or pine needles give that evergreen, just-cut-tree vibe without smelling like a cleaning product.

Easy Winter Simmer Pot Combinations

Orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise create a classic winter kitchen scent that works all season long.

Apple slices, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of vanilla extract feel like baking without turning on the oven.

Lemon slices, rosemary sprigs, and a few peppercorns give a clean, woodsy scent that’s perfect if you don’t love sweet smells.

Cranberries, orange peel, and cinnamon sticks look beautiful in the pot and smell festive without screaming holiday.

How to Use a Simmer Pot Safely

Add all ingredients to a pot and cover with water. Bring to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat so it barely bubbles. Never let it boil dry. Check the water level every hour or so and top it off as needed. You can reuse the same ingredients for a day or two, but once they lose their scent, toss them and start fresh.

If you don’t want the stove on, you can also use a small slow cooker on low.

Related: The Old Ways of Drying Fruit & Simple Seasonal Crafts to Try

Why Simmer Pots Just Feel Better

Simmer pots don’t just make your house smell good. They create atmosphere. They say “someone lives here,” not “someone sprayed something.” They pair beautifully with wax melts, incense, and seasonal décor, especially during winter when everything else feels a little quiet.

When the weather turns cold, there’s something grounding about a pot gently simmering on the stove, filling the house with a warm, familiar scent. Winter simmer pots are simple, affordable, and easy to customize, and they’re a solid alternative to sprays and plug-ins.

No complicated steps. No exact measurements. Just real ingredients doing what they’re supposed to do.

What a Winter Simmer Pot Is

A simmer pot is water plus fragrant ingredients heated on low. As it warms, the steam carries the scent through your home. That’s it. You’re not cooking anything, just letting the ingredients slowly release their aroma.

Winter blends usually lean warm, citrusy, and slightly spicy without being sweet or overpowering.

Related: DIY Cinnamon Pinecones: The Easiest Way to Make Your Home Smell Like the Holidays

Common Ingredients That Work Well

Most simmer pots start with fruit. Oranges, lemons, or apples are easy and reliable. Cinnamon sticks add warmth without smelling sugary. Cloves bring depth but should be used sparingly. Star anise adds a subtle, earthy note. Fresh rosemary or pine gives a clean, woodsy edge that feels natural, not artificial.

Use what you like. Skip what you don’t.

Easy Winter Simmer Pot Combinations

Orange slices with cinnamon sticks make a classic, all-season winter scent.

Apple slices with cinnamon and a small splash of vanilla smell like baking without being heavy.

Lemon slices with rosemary create a clean, fresh blend that works well if you don’t enjoy sweet scents.

Cranberries with orange peel and cinnamon look good in the pot and smell bright without being over the top.

How to Use a Simmer Pot

Add everything to a pot and cover with water. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat so it barely bubbles. Check the water level occasionally and add more as needed. Don’t let it boil dry.

If you prefer, a small slow cooker on low works just as well.

Why Simmer Pots Are Still Popular

They’re simple, inexpensive, and flexible. They make your home smell good without overpowering it, and they feel more natural than most store-bought options. In winter especially, that kind of low-key warmth goes a long way.It’s simple, old-fashioned, and honestly kind of magical in the best way.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

Nothing says “holidays in the South” quite like that warm hit of cinnamon when you walk through the door. And even better? Making your own cinnamon pinecones costs next to nothing and gives you better scent, better style, and way more personality than the overpriced store-bought ones. Pinecones are basically free décor scattered all over the yard, and with a little love, they become the coziest winter touch for your home.

Gather Your Pinecones

Start by collecting a good pile of pinecones. If they’re fully open, dry, and looking pretty, perfect. If they’re closed up or damp, don’t stress. That just means they need a little drying time later. Try to avoid cones that look moldy or soggy. Texas folks like us usually have pine trees everywhere, so this step is practically free. If you don’t have easy access to a wooded area, craft stores sell bags of plain pinecones that work just as well.

Bake Them First (Trust Me, This Step Matters)

This is the part everyone skips, but it’s the real secret behind good-looking, long-lasting pinecone décor. Baking gets rid of hidden bugs, dries up sticky sap, and helps the cones fully open. Heat your oven to 200°F, line a baking sheet with foil, and spread your pinecones out in a single layer. Bake them for 30 to 40 minutes, keeping an eye on them so they don’t burn. You’re aiming for dry and toasty, not crunchy. Once they’re done, let them cool completely.

Related: The Old Ways of Drying Fruit & Simple Seasonal Crafts to Try

Mix Your Cinnamon Scent

Time for the part that makes the whole project worth it. You can use cinnamon essential oil, cinnamon fragrance oil, or a blend like cinnamon, clove, orange, and vanilla. Fragrance oils usually smell stronger and last longer, especially for holiday home scent projects. In a small spray bottle, mix 20 to 30 drops of oil with 2 or 3 tablespoons of water. If you want a bold scent, go wild and add more drops. There is no “too strong” here unless you prefer something subtle.

Coat and Seal for Maximum Scent

Place your pinecones inside a gallon-size Ziploc bag or an airtight container. Spray your scent mixture over them until they’re lightly coated. You don’t need them dripping wet—just enough for the fragrance to cling. Seal the bag tightly and let the pinecones sit for at least 24 to 48 hours. If you want them extremely strong, leave them sealed up for several days. The longer they rest, the more intense that holiday aroma becomes.

Related: The Surprisingly Spicy History of Gingerbread

Let Them Dry and Display

Once they’re fully scented, take the pinecones out and let them air-dry on a towel for a couple of hours. After that, they’re ready to make your home smell like cinnamon heaven. Add them to bowls or baskets, tuck them into wreaths or garlands, place them on decorative trays, or even use them for product photos for Mama Crow’s. They bring that cozy rustic charm without looking cheap or store-bought.

Optional: Dress Them Up

If you want extra flair, brush the tips with white paint for a snow-kissed look, add glitter if you love sparkle, or tie twine bows around a few for a farmhouse vibe. It’s totally up to your style.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

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One of the best perks of being an Amazon Influencer is getting our hands on the season’s hottest items months before everyone else even knows they exist. By the time December rolls around, I already have a secret stash of what’s trending, what’s worth the hype, and what’s about to sell out.

And y’all know me — Christmas decorating is a full-time sport around here. I’m always hunting for pieces that feel festive, fun, and a little bit “Lisa.” Here are a few things I’ve been watching (and honestly fighting the urge to buy immediately).

A Sign That Basically Screams My Name

“It’s Either Serial Killer Documentaries or Christmas Movies” Rustic Wooden Sign

If you know me at all, you already understand why this jumped straight into my cart. It blends my two moods perfectly — true crime binge nights and Hallmark-Christmas-movie-marathon days. It’s cute, farmhouse-style, and one of those things that everyone points at and laughs because… well, it’s me.

The Pre-Lit Tree That Has Me Considering a Fifth Tree

Mountain Pine Flocked Tree with Remote (7.5 ft)

Now this tree? She’s stunning. Fully flocked, pre-lit, pre-decorated, and classy in a way that makes me want to rearrange furniture just to make room. The lights are gorgeous, the flocking looks expensive, and the remote control is just small-town luxury at its finest.

Oversized Velvet Ornament Balls

Set of Three 32-Inch Inflatable Velvet Christmas Balls

These are downright adorable. Think huge statement ornaments you can toss in the yard, foyer, porch, or any corner that feels a little too plain. They look plush and high-end, and the size alone makes them an instant conversation starter.

Lighted Gift Boxes for Under the “No-Gift” Trees

Three-Piece Lighted Holiday Gift Box Set

I don’t put presents under every tree in the house — some of them are strictly decorative. These lighted boxes are perfect for filling that empty space in the cutest way possible. They glow, they sparkle, and they make a tree look finished without any wrapping paper at all.

The Garland Everyone Is Talking About

Thick, Realistic Faux-Cedar Garland (5 ft)

This garland is all over the place this year, and for good reason. It looks natural, drapes beautifully, and instantly gives that rich, cedar-forest vibe without shedding all over the floor. I’ve been eyeing it hard for mantels, entry tables, and stair rails.

A Christmas Wax Warmer That Fits Right Into Mama Crow’s

Tannenbaum Tree Wax Melt Warmer

You already know I had to include something that pairs perfectly with Mama Crow’s Wax Melts. This warmer looks like a little Christmas tree and blends right in with holiday décor. It’s festive without being cheesy, and the glow is soft enough to feel cozy at night.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

How Folks Dried Fruit in the Past

Long before anyone had an electric oven humming in the kitchen, people still knew how to preserve fruit for decor, remedies, and good smells around the home. Drying citrus, apples, berries, and herbs wasn’t for looks back then — it was practical. But the methods they used feel right at home in today’s cozy winter crafting.

Most families used steady, gentle heat to dry things out. That warmth usually came from the hearth or a wood-burning stove. Fruit slices sat on boards, wire racks, or were strung up and hung near the fire. Some homes had a small cabinet built beside the stove that acted like a modern dehydrator — just slow, low heat drifting in from the chimney. When the weather was dry, folks also used sunlight and good airflow to finish the job.

How the Method Translates Today

The idea hasn’t changed at all. Low heat, slow evaporation, and a whole lot of patience. The only difference is we now use an oven set to 200°F instead of a fire that’s been burning since dawn.
Drying fruit today is easier and cleaner, but the end result — that rustic, warm, handmade charm — is exactly the same as what women were making generations ago.

How to Dry Citrus the Modern Way

Drying fruit today gives you those pretty slices for simmer pots, wreaths, Yule logs, garlands, and potpourri.

Basic Method

• Slice oranges ¼ inch thick.
• Pat them dry.
• Bake on parchment at 200°F for 3–4 hours, flipping every hour.
• Cool on a rack.

This works for lemons, limes, blood oranges, apples, pears, and even cranberries with a tiny poke in the skin.

Old-Fashioned Drying, Step-by-Step

If you want to create a real vintage-style project, you can dry fruit the old way:

By the Hearth: Place slices on a board near a warm fireplace.
Hung on String: Thread slices and hang where there’s steady warmth.
In the Sun: Set slices outside on a screened rack protected by cheesecloth.
Near a Wood Stove: Use the warming shelf or crack the stove door.

It’s slow — but beautifully authentic.

Seasonal Crafts You Can Make Right Now

Winter is the best time for natural crafts. The air is crisp, the mood is cozy, and dried citrus looks perfect in low golden light.

Dried Orange Garland

Thread dried slices with twine or jute. Add cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, or small wooden beads between slices. Hang across a mantel or window for a soft farmhouse look.

Simmer Pot Mixes

Bundle your dried fruit in little jars or small gift bags with cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. These make beautiful gifts, and they smell like comfort the second they hit warm water.

Winter Potpourri

Mix dried oranges, pine needles, cinnamon, cloves, rosemary, cedar tips, and dried berries. Add a few drops of essential oil if you want it stronger.

Yule Log Decorations

Decorate a Yule log with dried oranges, rosemary branches, cinnamon sticks, cranberries, and a few fresh pine clippings. It’s gorgeous on a mantel even if you don’t burn it.

Wax Melt or Candle Embellishments

Place dried citrus slices inside a clear jar candle or decorate your packaging with a slice tied to twine for a rustic, handmade finish.

Natural Ornaments

Tie dried citrus slices with ribbon or jute and hang on your tree. Add a few cloves to the flesh side for an old-world look.

Seasonal Table Décor

Scatter dried fruit, pinecones, and cinnamon sticks down the center of a table runner. Add a few candles and it becomes instant winter magic.

Why These Crafts Feel So Meaningful

There’s something grounding about taking natural ingredients and turning them into warm, beautiful pieces for your home. It’s simple, affordable, and connects you with generations who did the very same thing — not for trends, but for tradition.
Drying fruit and crafting with winter botanicals adds a sense of calm to the season, and everything you make brings a little of that magic into your home.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.