Christmas Simmer Pot Gift Jar
Looking for a simple, heartfelt way to bring the cozy scents of Christmas into your home (or gift them to someone special)? This DIY Christmas Simmer Pot Gift Jar is the perfect natural alternative to chemical-laden air fresheners—filled with Christmas Potpourri of dried oranges, apples, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks that simmer into pure holiday magic!
Have you wondered how to make your house smell nice without chemicals or unnatural scents? And do any of these ring a bell? Dried oranges, apples, cranberries, cinnamon sticks? These are all you need for an enchanting DIY simmer pot! You can embrace the spirit of Christmas and create meaningful gifts with our DIY Christmas Simmer Pot. And I’m sure your friends would love to receive a Christmas simmer pot. This guide offers step-by-step instructions, free printable labels, and tips on how to use potpourri in a simmer pot to fill your home with a warm, natural scent.
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This simmer pot gift is made with homemade Christmas Potpourri like dried oranges, apples and cranberries. But why stick to gifting. Using these ingredients and the classic scent of cinnamon, you’ll love making these simple yet thoughtful gifts that family and friends will adore. Also free Printables for your simmer pot gift jar label.
How to use potpourri:
Learn how to make your house smell nice with this homemade Christmas Potpourri. Follow these simple steps to fill your own home with a comforting Christmas aroma all season long! These little simmer pot gifts are super easy and inexpensive to make but are sure to delight your friends and family. They do make a simple but thoughtful Christmas gift. But you don’t have to give them all away you could the ingredients in a bigger jar and use it in your own house all season long. Wouldn’t that make your home smell nice and Christmasy?
A simmer pot is our favorite way to use Christmas Potpourri. Empty the contents of the jar to a saucepan and cover with water. And then simmer over low heat and add more water as needed. Or you could use a simmer pot designed especially for Potpourri.
What you need to make this Christmas Simmer Pot Gift in a jar:
Supplies Needed
- 1 pint-size jar
- an orange, thinly sliced
- an apple, thinly sliced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- Ribbon
- Free Printable Gift Tag/Instructions
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Dehydrator, optional
How to make this Christmas Simmer Pot Gift:
How to Dry the Apple and Orange Slices:
Slice both the apples and oranges into even ⅓-inch thick rounds (any thicker and they won’t dry properly).
Arrange the slices in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet (this allows air to circulate on both sides).
- Oven method: Bake at 200°F (93°C) for 3–4 hours, flipping halfway through, until completely dry and leathery.
- Dehydrator method: Dry at 130–135°F (57°C) for about 10–12 hours, or until crisp.
Let them cool completely before layering into your jars!
Gather Your Supplies:
- Pint-sized mason jars (with lids)
- Festive ribbon or twine
- Cinnamon sticks
- Dried orange slices
- Dried apple slices
- Whole cloves, fresh cranberries (or dried), rosemary sprigs, or any other add-ins you’re using
Having everything ready makes assembly quick and fun!
How to Assemble Your Simmer Pot Jar:
- Start by layering the dried orange slices along the inside edge of a clean quart-sized mason jar (stand them upright for a pretty stained-glass effect when the jar is viewed from the side).
- Add a handful of dried apple slices next – tuck them in around the oranges.
- Sprinkle in the dried cranberries (or fresh ones if using right away) – they’ll add beautiful pops of red.
- Finish by nestling in 4–6 cinnamon sticks (break them in half if needed to fit nicely).
- Screw on the lid
Printable Gift Tags & Finishing Touch:
- Download and print the free printable gift tags here (they’re perfectly sized for your jar lids!):
- Cut each tag out along the outer circle so it fits snugly on top of your metal mason jar lid. The tags already include simple simmering instructions.
- Glue the tag directly to the lid
- Tie a pretty ribbon or twine bow around the rim, and your gift is complete – thoughtful, beautiful, and ready to spread holiday cheer!
There you have it – a simple, beautiful, and completely natural way to fill your home (or a loved ones’ homes) with the warm, inviting scents of Christmas, all for just a few dollars and a little bit of love.
3 Fresh, Seasonal Twists on the Original
All of them use the same easy method: dehydrate the fruit slices, layer everything prettily in a quart mason jar, add a cute tag with simmering instructions, and you’re done!
Variation 1: Cranberry Spice & Everything Nice Simmer Pot
Bright, tart, and festive – the quintessential holiday party in a jar.
Layer in the jar:
- Dried cranberry halves (or whole dried cranberries)
- Dried orange slices
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole nutmeg (or a pinch of ground)
- Star anise
- A few cardamom pods
- Fresh or dried bay leaves (2–3 for subtle depth)
Scent profile: Tart cranberry punch with warm, exotic spices – elegant and addictive.
Variation 2: Cozy Gingerbread House Simmer Pot
Smells exactly like you just baked a batch of gingerbread cookies!
Layer in the jar:
- Dried apple slices
- Dried orange slices
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole cloves
- Whole allspice berries
- A few chunks of crystallized ginger (or 1–2 tsp ground ginger tied in a spice bag)
- Vanilla bean pieces (or a splash of vanilla extract noted on the tag)
Scent profile: Sweet, spicy, bakery-fresh gingerbread heaven.
Variation 3: Winter Forest Pine Simmer Pot
Perfect for anyone who loves the smell of a fresh-cut Christmas tree.
Layer in the jar:
- Dried orange slices
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole cloves
- Fresh or dried rosemary sprigs
- A handful of pine needles (or a few small fresh pine sprigs – they dry beautifully)
- A couple of star anise or juniper berries (optional)
Scent profile: Crisp evergreen forest with warm citrus undertones – like stepping into a snowy woodland.
These make wonderful neighbor gifts, teacher presents, or hostess treats. Mix and match, add your own ribbon and tag, and you have a thoughtful gift that smell incredible!
These simmer pot gift jars are budget-friendly, eco-friendly, and guaranteed to bring smiles when the lid comes off and that first pot starts bubbling on the stove. Make a batch this weekend – your house will smell like holiday magic for days!
Happy simmering, and wishing you the coziest Christmas season yet!
Other Christmas Crafts and Gifts:
✂️ Tutorial
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 wide-mouth pint-size jar
- 1 orange thinly sliced
- 1 apple thinly sliced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- Printable Instructions tag
- Christmas Ribbons
Instructions
How to Dry the Apple and Orange Slices:
- Slice both the apples and oranges into even ⅓-inch thick rounds (any thicker and they won’t dry properly).
- Arrange the slices in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet (this allows air to circulate on both sides).Oven method: Bake at 200°F (93°C) for 3–4 hours, flipping halfway through, until completely dry and leathery.Dehydrator method: Dry at 130–135°F (57°C) for about 10–12 hours, or until crisp.
Gather Your Supplies:
- Pint-sized mason jars (with lids), Festive ribbon or twine,Cinnamon sticks, Dried orange slices (dried, )Dried apple slices, Whole cloves, fresh cranberries (or dried), rosemary sprigs, or any other add-ins you’re using.
How to Assemble Your Simmer Pot Jar:
- Start by layering the dried orange slices along the inside edge of a clean pint-sized mason jar (stand them upright for a pretty stained-glass effect when the jar is viewed from the side).
- Add a handful of dried apple slices next – tuck them in around the oranges.
- Sprinkle in the dried cranberries (or fresh ones if using right away) – they’ll add beautiful pops of red.
- Finish by nestling in 4–6 cinnamon sticks (break them in half if needed to fit nicely).Screw on the lid
Printable Gift Tags & Finishing Touch:
- Download and print the free printable gift tags here (they’re perfectly sized for your jar lids!):
- Cut each tag out along the outer circle so it fits snugly on top of your metal mason jar lid. The tags already include simple simmering instructions.
- Glue the tag directly to the lid
- Tie a pretty ribbon or twine bow around the rim, and your gift is complete – thoughtful, beautiful, and ready to spread holiday cheer!
To use:
- Empty the contents of the jar to a saucepan and cover with water or place contents in a simmer pot and follow directions on the pot
Click HERE to save this Christmas Simmer Pot Mason Jar Craft to Pinterest
