How to Make Your Own Simmering Potpourri

By Sherril Steele-Carlin

Simmering potpourris are bringing the fresh scent of herbs and spices into homes all over the world. Just about every store from K-Mart to Macy's carries little packets of scent to be added to your own boiling water. Making your own custom scents is simple and a lot of fun!

You can modify the recipes to your own taste, and create your own signature scent. Your home will smell wonderful and unique. Did you know that many real estate agents recommend you leave a spicy potpourri boiling in your home when prospective buyers are looking at it? Why? Because the spicy aroma conjures up memories of cookies and pies baking in the oven, giving your home a warm, cozy feeling. Does it work? I don't know, but simmering potpourris sure do smell good, no matter the time or reason you use them!

What is a Simmering Potpourri?

A simmering potpourri is a heat-resistant container you fill with water and bring to a boil. Then, you add in a few spoonfuls of scented mixtures. As the mixtures heat in the boiling water, they release their scent, and fill your home or office with fresh and refreshing aromas. They can be relaxing, rejuvenating, or just smell wonderful! As you create your own mixtures, you will discover your own favorite scents. That's the best part of making your own mixtures-you can experiment to your heart's content.

What You Need

Depending on the recipe you choose, you will need whole spices, essential oils, dried fruit and seeds. Most of the necessary ingredients can be found at your local hobby or craft store. Some can even be found at the supermarket, in the spice and produce sections. Flowers from your garden can also be used in many recipes. Make sure your mixture is dried thoroughly before you use it as a simmering potpourri.

Simmering Potpourri Recipes

Country Spice Potpourri

  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice
  • 1 teaspoon star anise
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon stick
  • 2 cups rock salt, 1 vanilla bean, snipped
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract

Grind the cloves, allspice, star anise, and cinnamon stick coarsely with a mortar and pestle. Combine with the remaining ingredients. Add 2 tablespoons of the mixture to 1 cup or more of boiling water. I especially like this mixture; it smells just like you have spent the day baking in the kitchen. Just like Christmas! I'm sure this is the one the realtors like the best, too.

Back of the Stove Simmer

  • 1/2 cup whole cloves
  • 1/2 cup whole allspice,
  • 1/2 cup whole coriander seed
  • 1/2 cup broken cinnamon sticks
  • 1/2 cup dried orange peel pieces
  • 1/2 cup dried lemon peel pieces

Mix all ingredients well, then add a tablespoon to a boiling kettle on the back of the stove. Works well on woodstoves, too!

Peaches and Cream

  • 1 1/2 cups sandalwood
  • 1 oz. peach oil
  • 1/2 oz. vanilla oil
  • 1 pound dried peaches, cut up, (use blemished fruit if you can)
  • 6 oz. deer's-tongue leaves
  • 1/2 cup whole nutmeg, crushed
  • 1/4 cup whole cloves
  • 6 cups peach colored statice flowers.

Mix together sandalwood and oils. Mix in remaining ingredients, and stir occasionally for a few weeks. After the mixture is dried, use about 1 tablespoon in a simmering pot.

Vanilla and Cream

  • 4 drops vanilla oil
  • 1 1/2 drops tonka oil
  • 1 1/2 drops musk oil
  • 1/4 cup angelica root
  • 1/4 cup vetiver
  • 1 1/2 cups white flowers (roses work well)
  • 1 1/2 cups deer's-tongue leaves
  • 1 cup orange petals
  • 1 cup red clover blossoms
  • 1 cup sweet woodruff
  • 1/3 cup orange peel
  • 2 or 3 tonka beans, diced
  • 1 vanilla bean, minced

Add the oils to the vetiver and angelica root. Allow these to mix together and become absorbed, then add the remaining ingredients. Use about 1 tablespoon in a simmering pot.





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