The most simple way to make your home smell like Fall is to toss some citrus, cinnamon sticks, and herbs into a pot of water and simmer!
A Fall simmer pot is one of my favorite ways to welcome in the season! When the leaves begin to turn gold, amber, and burnt red and the cool breeze gently reminds us of Summer's descent, it is time to turn out homes into a cozy haven. Simmer pots are the most easy and natural way to fill our homes with the scents of the season. The best part is that you can customize the scent profile to your preference and mix it up!
The basics of a Fall simmer pot include a sturdy pot of course, water, citrus or fruit slices (can be peels, as well), cinnamon sticks, and some herbs. From here you combine the ingredients over a simmer on the stove and all the cozy vibes to warm your home. You can really set the atmosphere by having your simmer pot on the stove, opening a window to allow the crisp breeze in, draping a blanket over a chair or couch, lighting a beeswax candle or flameless candle, and having a warm drink or meal cooking in the crock pot. It's all about the ordinary details that add up to special moments.
Cozy Tips for Fall Simmer Pot
- You can use basically any combination of a citrus, apple, and spice or herb you would like for a simmer pot. Below are a few of my favorite Fall simmer pot recipes.
- There are not real measurements for the simmer pot, but in general 1-2 apples or 1-2 oranges/lemons sliced along with a handful of spices/herbs do the trick for a robust scent.
- While the slices of citrus and apple look beautiful in the pot, I have used the peels of fruit to avoid waste and they have worked just fine in the simmer pot.
- Ground cinnamon will work, but the cinnamon sticks are the best for a simmer pot. This is a great affordable option that will last you through the season!
- Fresh herbs do work best in a simmer pot.
- Adding extracts, such as vanilla extract or almond extract will add a nice sweetness to a simmer pot if prefer a more sweet scent.
- As long as you have water in the pot, the simmer mix will last for about 4 days or so. Just refill with water as needed.
- You can make a bag of simmer pot ingredients and gift them to a neighbor or friend with a cute seasonal tea towel and homemade cookies or bread!
- For More cozy simmer pot ideas, check out here! And Summer simmer pot ideas!
Supply List for Fall Simmer Pot
- Sturdy Medium Size Pot (This is a great option with a variety of colors and similar to mine I use every day)
- Water
- Cinnamon Sticks
- Whole Cloves or Star Anise
- Apples
- Lemons
- Oranges
- Fresh Rosemary
- Vanilla Extract or Almond Extract
Apple Pie Simmer Pot Recipe
- 4-6 Cinnamon Sticks
- 1 Apple Sliced or Chopped
- 1 Lemon Sliced
- 2 Sprigs of Fresh Rosemary
- 1 tablespoon of Vanilla Extract
Autumn Breeze Simmer Pot Recipe
- 4-5 Cinnamon Sticks
- 1 Apple Sliced or Chopped
- 1 Orange Sliced
- 2 Sprigs of Fresh Rosemary
William Sonoma Autumn Simmer Pot Recipe
- 3 Lemons Sliced
- 3-4 Sprigs of Rosemary
- 1 tablespoon of Vanilla
- 3 Cinnamon Sticks
The Cozy Details
Begin to fill your pot ¾ of the way to the top.
Add in the combination of your choosing of apples, citrus, cinnamon sticks or spices and herbs.
Place on the stove over medium high heat to bring to a gently boil.
Then lower to medium low and allow to simmer uncovered.
Breath in the scents of Fall and take a few minutes to embrace the tiny details of the season and your surroundings!