How to Make a Stovetop Simmer Pot for Fall: Cozy Scents for Your Home

How to Make a Stovetop Simmer Pot for Fall: Cozy Scents for Your Home

There’s something magical about the scent of fall. It’s crisp air, cozy sweaters, and colorful leaves, all wrapped up in one. But even when you can’t always bring that outdoor autumn goodness inside, you can fill your home with warm, nostalgic scents that remind you of the best parts of the season.

I’m on a mission this fall. to resist being 1,200 new fall throw pillows and candles, to the point that I even deleted the Target and Amazon apps from my phone. I’ve been giving into impulse buying far too much, and I’m longing for more contentment. And yet … I do want to mark the start of my favorite season of year. Fall is here! And I want my girls to grow up knowing how special this season is in our home.

One of my favorite ways to do this is with a stovetop simmer pot. A simmer pot is as simple as it sounds—you add water and fragrant ingredients to a pot, let it simmer on low, and your whole house smells like fall in no time. Plus, it’s an affordable way to refresh your space and set a cozy atmosphere without fancy candles or air fresheners.

So, whether you’re getting ready for guests, settling in for a quiet evening, or just want to embrace the season, here’s how to make your home feel like fall with a stovetop simmer pot!

Basic Instructions

1. Fill a medium pot about halfway with water.
2. Add your ingredients (more on those below!).
3. Bring the mixture to a low simmer on the stovetop.
4. Reduce the heat to keep the water gently simmering, and let the pot do its magic for hours.
5. If the water starts to get low, just add a little more so you can keep enjoying the scent.

Fall Simmer Pot Ingredient Combinations

The best part about simmer pots is that they are customizable. You can mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand or what scents you love most. Here are a few combinations to try:

1. Classic Fall

• Ingredients: 1 sliced orange, 3 cinnamon sticks, 2 star anise, 1 tablespoon cloves
• Scent Profile: Warm, sweet, and spicy
• Estimated Cost: $3–$5 per pot
• This one brings that perfect nostalgic feeling—like stepping into your grandma’s kitchen in the fall. The cinnamon and cloves create a spicy sweetness, while the orange adds a touch of freshness.

2. Crisp Autumn Air

• Ingredients: 1 apple (sliced), 3 sprigs of rosemary, a few slices of lemon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Scent Profile: Clean, fresh, and slightly woodsy
• Estimated Cost: $4–$6 per pot
• The combination of rosemary and apple gives a light and refreshing scent reminiscent of walking through an apple orchard. Add in a hint of lemon and vanilla for an extra touch of warmth.

3. Pumpkin Pie Spice

• Ingredients: 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 2 cups of apple cider (optional)
• Scent Profile: Cozy and comforting with a hint of sweetness
• Estimated Cost: $3–$7 per pot (depending on whether you add apple cider)
• If you’re a pumpkin spice lover, this one’s for you. It smells just like a warm pie straight from the oven. The apple cider adds richness, but water works just as well.

4. Woodsy Cabin

• Ingredients: 3 sprigs of pine or cedar, 3 bay leaves, 1 sliced orange, 2 cinnamon sticks
• Scent Profile: Earthy, woodsy, and a little spicy
• Estimated Cost: $3–$5 per pot
• This mix is perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors but wants to enjoy it from the comfort of their home. Pine and bay leaves provide an earthy foundation, while orange and cinnamon keep it warm and inviting.

5. Gingerbread House

• Ingredients: 2 slices of fresh ginger, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 tablespoon whole cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks
• Scent Profile: Sweet, spicy, and rich
• Estimated Cost: $3–$4 per pot
• This simmer pot brings the smell of freshly baked gingerbread cookies into your home. It’s sweet, spicy, and utterly nostalgic—the perfect companion for cozying up with a blanket and a cup of tea.

A Little Nostalgia Goes a Long Way

As the days get cooler and shorter, it’s easy to find ourselves longing for simpler, slower times. The scent of a stovetop simmer pot can instantly transport you back to memories of fall days gone by—those afternoons when you jumped into leaf piles or helped bake a pie.

And while life may not always look the way we expect, a little nostalgia never hurts. It reminds us to slow down, to take a deep breath, and to appreciate the beauty of where we are right now, even if it’s not perfect.

This fall, embrace your home exactly as it is. Whether it’s filled with toys, laundry, or that never-ending to-do list, your space is still a place where warmth and love can thrive. A stovetop simmer pot is just one way to wrap your home in the cozy, inviting scents of fall—reminding you that a warm heart and a fragrant home can make even the most ordinary day something special.

So, grab a pot, throw in some spices, and let the scents of fall take over. Your home deserves to smell as warm and welcoming as you are!