Holiday Stovetop Simmer Pot: The Easiest Way to Make Your House Smell Cozy

Close-up of a stovetop simmer pot: orange slices, fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves and star anise simmering in water.

Before guests arrive, put a pot of fruit and spice on the back burner. It costs almost nothing, and it makes the whole house smell like the holidays.

You'll need

  • 1 orange
  • A handful of cranberries
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • A few cloves
  • 1 star anise
  • A rosemary sprig (optional)
  • Water

How to make it

  1. Add everything to a medium saucepan and cover it with water.
  2. Bring it to a boil, then turn it down to the lowest simmer.
  3. Top it up with water every 30–45 minutes so it never runs dry.

Safety first

Never leave a simmer pot unattended, and keep the handle turned in. Use an oven mitt when moving the pot. The handles get hot.

Make it last

Refrigerate the cooled mixture and reuse it for 2–3 days. Add a fresh orange slice to brighten it.

Gift idea

Pack the dry ingredients in a jar with a tag. Pair it with our olive wood spoon rest ($28). See more in our stocking stuffers. New here? Use WELCOME15 for 15% off your first order.

Warmly, Mira

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