Step aside, scented candles — this all-natural Holiday Potpourri will have your home smelling like heaven. We have been making this Potpourri during the holidays for years. Our house never smells as welcoming and inviting as it does when we simmer this simple blend of ingredients on the stove. It couldn’t be simpler to have the aromas of the holidays wafting through the whole house. We love Christmas so the holiday season begins on November first for us every single year. The moment Halloween is over, we simmer a beautiful pot of Potpourri immediately and get into the holiday spirit. There is no exact recipe for this so please measure everything with your heart.

What stands out

This cranberry Holiday Potpourri is the ultimate way to fill your home with cozy, festive vibes, no candles needed. A simple combo of cranberries lemons, earthy cinnamon, and fresh rosemary bring the warmth of a holiday hug to your home. Every guest will be instantly transported to a winter wonderland when they step through the door. Whether it’s Christmas, Thanksgiving, or just a random wintery night that needs some extra cheer, this simmer pot will have your home smelling like heaven — even if all you’ve done is boil water!

How to Prepare

To a pot add: 1 bag of cranberries, lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and a sprig of rosemary.

Then add enough water to fully cover the ingredients.

Put the pot on the stove over medium heat and bring it to a boil.

Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer so the smell permeates throughout the house.

Kitchen tip

We love this potpourri because you can find all of the ingredients at your local grocery store or online.

Swaps

You can add as much or as little as you like of each ingredient to this Holiday Potpourri. There is no exact recipe for this so, please measure with your heart.
You can add other fruits like orange slices, apple slices, or even pomegranate seeds for different fragrances and colors.
If you don’t have star anise skip it or substitute it with a pinch of ground cloves, nutmeg, or allspice for a warm scen t.

Serve it with

Have this Holiday Potpourri wafting through the house as you serve an assortment of holiday appetizers, such as our Holiday Butter Board or Charcuterie Board our Cheese Ball or Antipasti Wreath.
Serve a variety of beautiful holiday cocktails or mocktails, like our Viral Snow Globe CocktailHomemade Hot ChocolateHoliday Candy Cane Prosecco or Guava Martini.

Questions

strong Can we use other fruits instead of cranberries?

Yes, you can add other fruits to this Holiday Potpourri, such as orange slices, apple slices, or even pomegranate seeds for different fragrances and colors.

what other spices can we use instead of star anise?

If you don’t have star anise, you can skip it or substitute it with a pinch of ground cloves, nutmeg, or allspice for a warm, spiced scent.

How long can we let the simmer pot simmer?

You can let it simmer on low for several hours, as long as you keep an eye on the water level and add more as needed. You can also turn it off after an hour and reheat it later or the next day.

Can we use a slow cooker instead of the stove to make this holiday potporri?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker set on low or warm to achieve the same effect. Just fill it with the ingredients and water, and leave it uncovered to let the aroma fill the room.

Ingredients

1 bag cranberries, fresh or frozen
3 lemon slices
2 cinnamon sticks
3 pieces star anise
1 sprig rosemary
water

Equipment

Medium Pot
Nakiri Knife
Cutting Board

Method

Add all the ingredients to a pot.
Make sure you add enough water to cover all the ingredients fully. Add the pot on the stove on medium heat and allow it to come to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer so the smell can permeate all throughout the house.
You can let it simmer for a few hours or simply turn it off after an hour and use it the following day as well.
We personally love doing this on Christmas and Christmas Eve. It’s also beautiful on Thanksgiving or any other holiday as well so enjoy.