DIY Stovetop Potpourri in a Jar Holiday Recipes + Free Printable Gift Tag 🎄

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Looking for a simple, thoughtful gift idea that’s as cozy as it is cute? Let me introduce you to my new favorite go-to: DIY Stovetop Potpourri in a Jar!

These are easy-to-make mason jar gifts filled with dried fruits, spices, and all the scents of the season. They’re perfect for Christmas, fall, or really any time you want to gift someone a little holiday cheer.

Plus, they’re natural and don’t contain any of those chemicals that sometimes come with store-bought candles and air fresheners. These simmer pots in a jar smell incredible and are super customizable. And the best part? You can make it with things you probably already have in your pantry!

With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a beautiful, unique handmade gift ready to go. And I’ve even included a free printable gift tag to make them look extra polished!

🌸 What Is Stovetop Potpourri?

In case you haven’t tried it before, stovetop potpourri is basically a mix of dried fruits, spices, and herbs that you simmer on your stove in water. As it heats up, it releases an amazing fragrance that fills your whole house with the warm, inviting smells of the season.

Think cinnamon, orange, apples, cloves…basically everything you’d find in the kitchen of a Hallmark movie set. The great thing about stovetop potpourri is that it’s totally customizable, and you don’t need any synthetic scents or chemicals—just natural ingredients right from your pantry.

Let’s dive into the details of how to create this cozy concoction.

🎅Why Stovetop Potpourri in a Jar Makes the Perfect Gift

These little jars are such thoughtful gifts because they’re homemade, natural, and versatile. Each recipe brings a unique scent that can last several hours once simmered on the stove, making any home smell amazing and inviting.

They’re also so pretty to look at! Each jar has that rustic charm that’s ideal for the holiday season, and your friends and family will be impressed by the effort and love that went into each one. These gifts are perfect for teachers, neighbors, or as stocking stuffers—just a little way to share a cozy holiday spirit.

🍊 How to Dry Fruit for Stovetop Potpourri

Dried fruit is key for long-lasting potpourri jars, and the best part? Drying fruit at home is super easy! Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose Your Fruit: Oranges, apples, lemons, and even cranberries work beautifully in potpourri. For a holiday vibe, oranges and apples are perfect choices.
2. Slice Thinly: Slice your fruit into even, thin rounds (about 1/8 inch thick). This will help them dry evenly.
3. Bake Low and Slow: Preheat your oven to 200°F (90°C). Lay the fruit slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 2-3 hours, flipping them halfway through, until the fruit is completely dried out. Your kitchen will smell amazing in the process!
4. Cool and Store: Once dried, let the fruit cool and store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to make your potpourri jars.

🌿 What You’ll Need to Make Stovetop Potpourri in a Jar

Creating stovetop potpourri jars is easy, and you probably already have a lot of these ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Dried fruits like orange slices, apple slices, cranberries, or lemon
• Spices such as cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and nutmeg
• Herbs like fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, or even bay leaves (optional for that woodsy scent)
• Mason jars (the standard 8 oz or 12 oz size works well)
• Printable gift tags and twine for a cute finishing touch (FREE Printable below!)

I love using mason jars because they’re just the right size, plus they look adorable on display. You can fill them with colorful ingredients and add a ribbon and gift tag for an instant festive look!

🎄6 Festive Holiday Stovetop Potpourri Recipes

To give you some variety, I’ve put together six recipes with different scents and seasonal twists. Feel free to mix and match these based on what you have at home!

1. Classic Christmas

• Ingredients: 3 dried orange slices, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 tablespoon of whole cloves, 1 star anise
• Scent Profile: Warm, sweet, and spicy—just like Christmas morning!

2. Apple Pie

• Ingredients: 3 dried apple slices, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, a sprinkle of nutmeg
• Scent Profile: This one smells just like a freshly baked apple pie, perfect for cozy afternoons.

3. Winter Wonderland

• Ingredients: 2 dried lemon slices, 1 sprig of rosemary, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, 1 cinnamon stick
• Scent Profile: Bright, fresh, and woodsy—great for those chilly winter days.

4. Spiced Cranberry

• Ingredients: 2 dried orange slices, 2 tablespoons dried cranberries, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 star anise
• Scent Profile: Fruity and festive with a hint of spice!

5. Gingerbread Cookie

• Ingredients: 3 dried apple slices, 1 tablespoon ground ginger (or a piece of dried ginger root), 1 cinnamon stick, a sprinkle of cloves
• Scent Profile: Sweet and warm—smells like you’ve got gingerbread cookies in the oven!

6. Peppermint Twist

• Ingredients: 2 dried lemon slices, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 tablespoon whole cloves, a few dried peppermint leaves
• Scent Profile: Fresh and invigorating, with a twist of minty holiday cheer!

⭐ How to Make Stovetop Potpourri Jars

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Start by drying your fruits if they aren’t already dried.
2. Assemble the Jars: Layer the dried fruits, spices, and herbs in your mason jars. Try to make the layers look visually appealing, especially if these will be gifted.
3. Seal and Decorate: Add the lid, then tie a ribbon or some twine around the jar. Attach the printable gift tag.

🎁 Free Printable Gift Tag

I made a free printable tag that includes instructions for how to use the stovetop potpourri. You can simply print these out, cut them, and attach them to the jars with twine or ribbon. You can download the printable by clicking download below:

If you prefer to make you own, here are the directions to write on the tags:

Holiday Stovetop Potpourri
Directions: Pour contents into a small pot, cover with water, and simmer on low heat. Add water as needed to keep ingredients submerged. Enjoy the cozy holiday aroma!

💡A Few Final Tips…

• Make Ahead of Time: These jars can be made weeks in advance as long as the fruits are fully dried, so you’re ready to go come holiday season.
• Experiment with Scents: Mix and match ingredients to come up with your own signature scent!
• Gift Tag Options: Try using mini chalkboard tags, craft paper, or holiday stamps to add a personal touch.

So grab some jars, a handful of ingredients, and make some holiday magic! Your friends and family will absolutely love them, and your kitchen will smell amazing in the process. Happy gift-making! 🎄