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An array of dried orange slices, dried apple slices, ramekins filled with cinnamon sticks, cranberries, star anise, and pinch bowls of crystalized ginger, cardamom, and clove. There are two jars that contain a variety of each of the ingredients for stovetop potpourri.

Holiday Stovetop Potpourri Gift Jars (5 Recipes)

Come learn how make DIY stovetop potpourri in a jar, with free printable gift tag labels and instructions! With dried fruit and cozy aromatic spices, this fun and easy handmade gift idea is perfect for Christmas and the holiday season.
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Equipment

  • Mason jars. 12 oz or 16 oz pint jars are ideal, especially if using dried fruit. For smaller sizes, choose a wider shallow jar instead of tall and narrow
  • Dried fruit, herbs and spices. See stovetop potpourri recipes and ingredient list below.
  • Jute twine, string, or ribbon
  • Free printable gift tag with instructions (at the end of this post!) plus paper of choice. I like to use 80 lb kraft brown recycled cardstock paper.
  • Optional festive embellishments to tie to the jar

Ingredients
  

Apple Cider-Pie Vibes

  • 1 handful dried apple slices (4-8 slices, depending on size of jar)
  • 3-4 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 3-4 whole star anise
  • 1-2 whole vanilla beans
  • 1/2 tsp whole cloves
  • optional: dried or crystalized ginger
  • This recipe smells especially great with fresh cut apples added to the simmerpot at time of use.

Warm Citrus Cranberry

  • 1 handful dried orange slices (and/or dried grapefruit or lemon)
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 2-3 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 2-3 whole start anise
  • 1 Tbsp grated dried ginger (or 6 yo 8 crystallized ginger pieces)
  • 1/2 tsp whole cloves

Earthy Christmas Spice

  • a few sprigs of pine, cedar, and/or rosemary (or a few dried tablespoons)
  • several slices of dried pear, lemon, and/or orange slices
  • 2-3 whole bay leaves
  • 2-3 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tsp whole allspice or cloves
  • a few drops of pine essential oil or Douglas fir essential oil
  • add a splash or vanilla extract at time of use

Chocolate Peppermint Patty

  • A few dried orange or apple slices (mostly for bulk and appearance
  • 1/4 cup dry cocoa nibs
  • 3-4 whole mini candy canes
  • 2-3 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 1-2 whole vanilla beans
  • 1-2 whole nutmeg (or 1 tsp ground)
  • optional: a few drops of peppermint essential oil, and/or a handful of whole dry mint leaves (or 2 tbsp dried) - definitely add these if you skip the candy canes!

Calm and Cozy Delight

  • A handful of dried pear and/or lemon slices
  • 3 Tbsp dried lavender buds
  • 2 Tbsp dried chamomile flowers
  • 1 Tbsp dried grated ginger (or 6 to 8 crystallized ginger pieces)
  • 1-2 whole vanilla beans

Instructions
 

Assembling Stovetop Potpourri Gift Jars

  • Add the stovetop potpourri ingredients to a mason jar of choice
  • Adorn the jar with our free printable label and instructions, secured with twine, string or ribbon.
  • Add optional embellishments to the outside of the jar with twine, such as cinnamon sticks, a sprig of rosemary or pine, or dried orange slice.

How to Use Stovetop Potpourri

  • Pour the jar of ingredients into a pot about halfway full of water.
  • Add any optional fresh additions you desire (e.g. 1 tsp vanilla extract, fresh herbs, cut oranges or apples)
  • Simmer over low heat without a lid.
  • Be sure to keep a close eye on the pot so it doesn’t run dry! It may be a good to set a timer if you’re forgetful. 
  • Add more water to the pot as it evaporates.
  • You can continue to add more water and re-use the same pot of potpourri over several days.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!