Stovetop Natural Holiday Potpourri

Gingerbread cookies, fresh-cut Christmas trees, and warm spiced cider… the holiday season is here! One of my favorite parts of the holidays are the AMAZING smells that fill the air. Many people use candles to fill their homes with the scents of the season and I admit, I used to be a candle junkie. My mind was changed after some research I stumbled on recently. Now, I am all about stovetop natural potpourri.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, along with researchers at the University of Michigan and South Carolina State, burning some types of candles may pose a health risk. Many varieties of candles have been found to release dangerous chemicals, even some cancer-causing, while burning. Other candle chemicals can trigger asthma. According to researchers, the biggest culprits seem to be paraffin wax candles and those with heavy scent. It’s not all bad news though. There are plenty of other natural alternatives. Naturally scented or unscented 100% soy or 100% beeswax candles are often suggested as safer alternatives. Or to spice it up a little try this easy candle alternative to fill your home with holiday fragrance that is both beautiful and fun: stovetop potpourri.

Potpourri

Potpourri. I’m not talking about the dried perfume-scented floral 1990’s style. Today’s updated version, simmering stovetop potpourri, is gaining popularity for good reason. It’s not only fresh and lovely to look at, but highly aromatic and simple to make.

Follow the simple steps below to two different blends.

Holly Jolly Holiday Blend

Holly Jolly Holiday Blend

• Handful of fresh cranberries
• A few sprigs of fresh cut pine branches
• 2 peppermint candy canes
• 1 fresh sliced lemon
• 1 fresh sliced orange
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks

Spiced Cider Blend

Spiced Cider Blend

• 2 apple sliced (any variety)
• Handful of cranberries
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 tsp whole cloves

Directions: Stovetop potpourri is not an exact science so be creative and have fun with your creations. Place all the ingredients in a pot. Fill the pot half full with water and turn stovetop on low. Make sure the pot handles are away from the reach of kids. Your home will be full of amazing holiday scent in no time.

Tips & Ideas

1. Be sure to check the water level occasionally as it will slowly evaporate while simmering.
2. This same process can also be done in a slow cooker instead of stovetop.
3. Don’t have an ingredient on hand? Play around with what you already have in your pantry. Ground spices will work in place of cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. Vanilla extract also adds a nice sweet note to any blend.
4. As a unique gift idea, gather all the ingredients for stovetop potpourri and put them in a cute muslin bag inside a small pot with instructions.

This season, toss the candles and try your hand at something new- you won’t be disappointed! I would love to hear your favorite scent combinations. Post them below.