How to Make Your House Smell Amazing This Fall: 10 Easy Simmer Pot Recipes to Try
Fall is finally here, which means it’s time to embrace all things cosy: oversized sweaters, warm drinks, and the irresistible scent of cinnamon in the air. And while lighting a candle is nice and all, there’s something magical about making your house smell like a fall wonderland with simmer pots. It’s like giving your home a hug that smells like a pumpkin spice dream.
So, how do you make your house smell amazing this fall? Get ready to grab a pot, some water, and a few ingredients from your pantry because we’re diving into the art of simmer pots—aka your new favourite fall home fragrance hack. Bonus: simmer pots are all-natural, budget-friendly, and so simple that even if you’re not the Martha Stewart of homemaking, you’ll totally nail it.
Let’s talk about the how before we get into the fun recipes. Here’s the deal: a simmer pot is basically a stovetop potion where you simmer water and aromatic ingredients, and in return, your house gets filled with the essence of autumn. Think of it as a DIY air freshener—without the chemicals. You can leave it simmering for hours, and it’s safe as long as you keep an eye on the water levels (don’t let it dry out or you’ll burn the pot—trust me, it doesn’t smell as good as it sounds).
Ready to get started? Let’s dive into these 10 simmer pot recipes that will leave your home smelling like fall paradise.
1. Classic Fall Harvest Simmer Pot
This is like fall in a pot. Combine apple slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and a couple of orange peels. The apples give it that fresh orchard scent, while the cinnamon and cloves bring warmth and spice. It’s basically the fall equivalent of comfort food for your nose.
Pro tip: Add a splash of vanilla extract to give it a baked apple pie vibe.
2. Pumpkin Spice Latte Simmer Pot
Yes, you read that right—you can make your home smell like your favorite fall drink. Throw in a few cinnamon sticks, a handful of coffee beans (for that coffeehouse feel), and a dash of nutmeg. Toss in a pumpkin slice or two if you’re feeling fancy. It’s basically a PSL for your whole house.
No barista skills required.
3. Citrus & Cinnamon Delight
Looking for something bright but still cozy? Combine orange slices, a cinnamon stick, and a few star anise. The citrus adds freshness, while the spices make it feel like you’re curling up with a warm blanket on a crisp fall morning.
It’s a perfect balance between fresh and cozy—kind of like fall itself.
4. Autumn Woods Simmer Pot
Imagine a walk through the woods with crunchy leaves underfoot. Combine cedarwood (or a few sprigs of pine if you have it), rosemary, and whole cloves. This combo gives off a rich, woodsy aroma, like being in a cozy cabin in the middle of nowhere—without the whole roughing-it part.
5. Warm Vanilla Chai Simmer Pot
If you’re obsessed with chai lattes, this one’s for you. Combine cinnamon sticks, cloves, a couple of slices of fresh ginger, and a splash of vanilla extract. The ginger adds a spicy kick, while the vanilla keeps things sweet and comforting. It’s like having a chai latte on repeat—without the caffeine jitters.
And yes, you can totally sip an actual chai latte while this simmers. I won’t judge.
6. Cranberry Orange Bliss
This one smells like Thanksgiving in a pot. Toss in a handful of fresh cranberries, a sliced orange, and a cinnamon stick. The tartness of the cranberries pairs beautifully with the sweet citrus, making it feel like you’re already prepping for a holiday feast.
You’ll have guests asking for your cranberry sauce recipe when they walk in—just roll with it.
7. Spiced Apple Cider Simmer Pot
There’s nothing more fall than apple cider. To recreate that iconic scent, simmer apple slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and a bit of nutmeg. Add a few drops of vanilla extract to enhance the cozy factor.
Pro tip: After a few hours, add a splash of actual apple cider for a stronger scent—it’s like doubling down on fall.
8. Gingerbread Cookie Simmer Pot
Skip the baking and still get the delicious aroma of gingerbread cookies. Simmer cinnamon sticks, ground ginger, a couple of whole cloves, and a dash of molasses if you have it on hand. It’s sweet, spicy, and smells like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen all day.
No cookie sheet required!
9. Spiced Pear & Vanilla Simmer Pot
For something a little different but equally autumnal, simmer pear slices, cinnamon sticks, a splash of vanilla extract, and a few whole cloves. The pear adds a subtle sweetness that’s less intense than apple but still fall-worthy.
It’s a low-key fall fragrance—think of it as the perfect background scent for a lazy Sunday.
10. Cinnamon & Bay Leaf Simmer Pot
Last but not least, this simple but powerful combination will leave your home smelling amazing. Toss in a couple of cinnamon sticks, a few bay leaves, and a handful of whole cloves. The bay leaf adds an earthy, slightly herbal scent that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of cinnamon.
This one’s ideal if you like to keep it classic without getting too fruity.
How to Make a Simmer Pot:
- Fill a small pot about halfway with water.
- Add your ingredients (the fun part).
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer on low.
- Add more water as needed (you don’t want your masterpiece to burn).
These simmer pot recipes are so simple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. Plus, they’re completely customizable—feel free to experiment with your favorite fall ingredients, and trust your nose. The best part? You can impress friends and family with how amazing your house smells, and they’ll think you’ve been baking or crafting seasonal magic all day.
So go ahead, pick a recipe (or two!), throw on your favorite flannel, and get that stove simmering. Fall never smelled so good!
P.S. Just don’t blame me if you suddenly crave a pumpkin spice latte while your house smells like a fall wonderland.
