Yummy Christmas Smells to Simmer Now & Uncommon Gifts to Give

As soon as the first snow falls or the temperature drops below freezing, holiday and Christmas scents begin brewing here. Everybody has their favorite smells of Christmas (and not so favored since one friend cannot stand the smell of cinnamon). The fragrance that always speaks to me is infused with citrus, cranberry, and rosemary. Delectably Yummy Christmas Smells shares my recipe as well as options that don’t require heating up the kitchen.

Christmas citrus simmer pot with grapefruit, cranberries, rosemary, citrus, cloves - Hello Lovely. #christmasscents #simmerpot #citrussimmerpot
Fresh evergreens and pomander as well as spices mulling…Smells Like Christmas!

Delectably Yummy Christmas Smells: Simmer This Recipe

I love when the cranberries begin to POP, and can’t you just hear the Christmas music in the background too?

Simple pleasures indeed!

Christmas citrus simmer pot with grapefruit, cranberries, rosemary, citrus, cloves - Hello Lovely. #christmasscents #simmerpot #citrussimmerpot
Fresh evergreens and pomander as well as spices mulling…Smells Like Christmas!

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Christmas citrus simmer pot with grapefruit, cranberries, rosemary, citrus, cloves - Hello Lovely. #christmasscents #simmerpot #citrussimmerpot
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Yummy Christmas Candles & Wintry Scents to Enjoy

Cardamom and Vanilla

First, here’s my absolute favorite of the bunch! This holiday scent hails from my childhood indeed. Cardamom and vanilla is subtle, not too sweet or cloying.

Citrus & Slightly Sweet

Oooooohhhhh, the secret is out…a candle under $10 that smells citrusy, slightly sweet and exactly like those Capri Blue they burn inside every Anthropologie!

Here it is:

15.1oz Lidded Glass Jar 2-Wick Candle Bali Sunrise - Opalhouse™
15.1 oz. Bali Sunrise Soy Candle – Fresh evergreens and pomander as well as spices mulling…Smells Like Christmas!

But a name like Bali Sunrise…is it even Christmasy? No cinnamon or cypress, and the name suggests a sandy beach, yet this scent is still perfect in every season.

Winter Woods and simmering spices…Smells Like Christmas indeed!

Winter Spruce Scent Collection
Winter Spruce

Cinnamon, Cloves, Allspice & Orange

Williams Sonoma Mulling Spices
Williams-Sonoma Mulling Spices…certainly a delicious fragrance to simmer.
Williams Sonoma Instant Mulling Spice
Fresh evergreens and pomander as well as spices mulling…Smells Like Christmas!

Uncommon Gifts to Give

Fresh Cut Christmas Trees…certainly smells like Christmas!

Fresh Cut Christmas Tree  Holiday Scented Candle Christmas
Fresh Cut Christmas Tree Candle, SilverDollarCandleCo on Etsy

Holly Berries & Cardamom

How To Make Your House Smell Like Christmas!

Have a favorite recipe to infuse your home with delicious Christmas smells? Here’s my favorite.

Christmas citrus simmer pot with grapefruit, cranberries, rosemary, citrus, cloves - Hello Lovely. #christmasscents #simmerpot #citrussimmerpot
Hello Lovely Studio – Create a welcoming and warm holiday scent on your stove to enhance cozy factor as well bring comfort to cold winter days. Fresh evergreens and pomander as well as spices mulling…Smells Like Christmas!

Ingredients

1/4 Grapefruit, sliced into wedges

1/2 Apple, sliced

3 Cinnamon Sticks

1 Rosemary Sprig

1 Sprig of Pine or Fir

Handful of fresh cranberries

2 1/2 tsp. Cloves

1 Tbsp. Ground Allspice (a mixture of cinnamon, cloves & nutmeg)

Water to cover

Christmas citrus simmer pot with grapefruit, cranberries, rosemary, citrus, cloves - Hello Lovely. #christmasscents #simmerpot #citrussimmerpot
Hello Lovely Studio – Create a welcoming and warm holiday scent on your stove to enhance cozy factor as well bring comfort to cold winter days.

Tweak This Mix to Make It Your Own

No need to be rigid about this mix – if you love the smell of grapefruit like I do, use more! Add ingredients to a heavy saucepan including water to cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and add water as needed . Keep an eye on the water level so it doesn’t reduce and begin to burn.

Christmas citrus simmer pot with grapefruit, cranberries, rosemary, citrus, cloves - Hello Lovely. #christmasscents #simmerpot #citrussimmerpot
Hello Lovely Studio – Create a welcoming and warm holiday scent on your stove to enhance cozy factor as well bring comfort to cold winter days.

It’s fun to plant rosemary in little vintage English marmalade jars, and they also make sweet little holiday trees with fabulous fragrance.

Bonnie Plants 4P5090 Rosemary (4-Pack)
Pack of 4 Fresh Rosemary Plants (Free Shipping!)…certainly fragrant indeed.
Christmas citrus simmer pot with grapefruit, cranberries, rosemary, citrus, cloves - Hello Lovely. #christmasscents #simmerpot #citrussimmerpot
Hello Lovely Studio – Create a welcoming and warm holiday scent on your stove to enhance cozy factor as well bring comfort to cold winter days. Fresh evergreens and pomander as well as spices mulling…Smells Like Christmas!

Fills Up All the Senses

A bonus to this recipe with cranberries is the little popping they do as they begin to cook – you certainly need not be a child to enjoy this sweet result.

Christmas citrus simmer pot with grapefruit, cranberries, rosemary, citrus, cloves - Hello Lovely. #christmasscents #simmerpot #citrussimmerpot
Hello Lovely Studio – Create a welcoming and warm holiday scent on your stove to enhance cozy factor as well bring comfort to cold winter days.

I have maybe broadcast this a zillion times, but my favorite fragrance on the planet is orange blossom – and you can also substitute oranges or clementines for the grapefruit if desired.

Christmas citrus simmer pot with grapefruit, cranberries, rosemary, citrus, cloves - Hello Lovely. #christmasscents #simmerpot #citrussimmerpot
Hello Lovely Studio – Create a welcoming and warm holiday scent on your stove to enhance cozy factor as well bring comfort to cold winter days.

The pan I used is a 5 qt round cast iron Cusinart casserole pan, and you can also find options HERE as well as Here.

Here’s my potpourri simmering away…

Classic as well as a pretty essential for all of your holiday cooking:

Simmer Down Now!

Also, for safe simmering you won’t have to babysit all day – how about using this…?

Christmas citrus simmer pot with grapefruit, cranberries, rosemary, citrus, cloves - Hello Lovely. #christmasscents #simmerpot #citrussimmerpot
Hello Lovely Studio – How To Make Your House Smell Like Christmas…certainly delicious indeed.

For a hefty quantity of ground Allspice at a low price, here’s a possibility too:

Spicy World Allspice Ground 16 Ounce - Huge 1LB Value Pack
16 oz. Ground Allspice…certainly a great value indeed.
Christmas citrus simmer pot with grapefruit, cranberries, rosemary, citrus, cloves - Hello Lovely. #christmasscents #simmerpot #citrussimmerpot
Hello Lovely Studio – How To Make Your House Smell Like Christmas…certainly delicious indeed.

Is there anything more warm and welcoming than the smell of cloves…also find a great value HERE:

Spicy World Cloves, Whole, 1 Pound
Cloves…certainly a favorite scent at Christmas indeed.
Christmas citrus simmer pot with grapefruit, cranberries, rosemary, citrus, cloves - Hello Lovely. #christmasscents #simmerpot #citrussimmerpot
Hello Lovely Studio – How To Make Your House Smell Like Christmas…certainly delicious indeed.

Rosemary and Citrus…certainly a delicious combo

Christmas citrus simmer pot with grapefruit, cranberries, rosemary, citrus, cloves - Hello Lovely. #christmasscents #simmerpot #citrussimmerpot
Photo: Hello Lovely Studio – How To Make Your House Smell Like Christmas…certainly delicious indeed.
Christmas citrus simmer pot with grapefruit, cranberries, rosemary, citrus, cloves - Hello Lovely. #christmasscents #simmerpot #citrussimmerpot
Hello Lovely Studio – How To Make Your House Smell Like Christmas…certainly delicious indeed.
image 0
1880s Marmalade Crock…certainly one of my favorite collectibles indeed.
Christmas citrus simmer pot with grapefruit, cranberries, rosemary, citrus, cloves - Hello Lovely. #christmasscents #simmerpot #citrussimmerpot
Citrus and herbs as well as spices combine for a complex delicious fragrance to lift the mood.
Christmas citrus simmer pot with grapefruit, cranberries, rosemary, citrus, cloves - Hello Lovely. #christmasscents #simmerpot #citrussimmerpot
Hello Lovely Studio – Citrus and herbs as well as spices combine for a complex delicious fragrance to lift the mood.
Christmas citrus simmer pot with grapefruit, cranberries, rosemary, citrus, cloves - Hello Lovely. #christmasscents #simmerpot #citrussimmerpot
Citrus and herbs as well as spices combine for a complex delicious fragrance to lift the mood.
Christmas citrus simmer pot with grapefruit, cranberries, rosemary, citrus, cloves - Hello Lovely. #christmasscents #simmerpot #citrussimmerpot
Hello Lovely Studio – Citrus and herbs as well as spices combine for a complex delicious fragrance to lift the mood.

Need a Large Wood Slice Platter for your rustic vignettes or a centerpiece? Find one HERE.

I used mine as a cake pedestal for this mini layer cake – find the recipe here.

Cherries on a Christmas cake - Hello Lovely Studio.
Fresh evergreens and pomander as well as spices mulling…Smells Like Christmas!

How I love the sights, sounds, and smells of this Christmas potpourri poppin’ on the stove when it’s cold outside! I’ll also be poppin’ into a few of my favorite shops for holiday inspiration such as Trove, where these cuties run the place:

Westies in plaid harness vests on a red tartan blanket - Trove Vintage on Hello Lovely.
Fresh evergreens and pomander as well as spices mulling…Smells Like Christmas!

Also, Warm Your Heart With These

Speaking of cuties, are you acquainted with Pip?

Also, for those of us who grew up watching ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas,’ check this out if you have a few minutes…

Have a favorite Christmas simmer or mulling spice recipe to share?

Be sure to also visit this tour of quiet Christmas gorgeousness!

French Christmas decorating ideas from an amazing house tour of country French design from The French Nest Co. #christmasdecor #frenchcountry #frenchfarmhouse #frenchchristmas #whitedecor
The French Nest Co Interior Design – Fresh evergreens and pomander as well as spices mulling…Smells Like Christmas!
Michele of Hello Lovely on a vintage pickup decorated for Christmas with farmhouse plaids.
Fresh evergreens and pomander as well as spices mulling…Smells Like Christmas!

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

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18 Comments

  1. Joanna
    November 17, 2019 / 2:30 pm

    I’m allergic to scented candles (strongly scented flowers, perfumes, potpourri), so they are a definite No for me! I’ve never thought of simmering cinnamon (yum!) and citrus in the crockpot. I’m going to having some going during my annual Christmas party. It’ll be a nice subtle scent of Christmas that will add to the festive feeling. I keep the music low, so no one has to yell. Instrumental is my go to during a get together. But Bing wins out Christmas Eve and Morn.

    Those two little puppies are sooo cute! Westies?

    • Michele
      Author
      November 17, 2019 / 4:59 pm

      Yes – aren’t they beautiful!?! Haven’t visited them yet this year and hope to get photos when next I shop at Trove. I could not do scented candles for years – headaches. But I think when the quality started to improve with soy and more natural ingredients, I started to explore my options. Nothing like a yummy simmer on the stove though! 🙂

  2. Beth Hodge
    November 19, 2019 / 7:40 pm

    Michelle, have you tried the Nest “Holiday “ candle? They have them at Nordstrom (in the solid red box). It’s the BEST candle! Even though it’s made for holiday, it smells heavenly any time of year. FYI and happy and healthy holidays!

    • Michele
      Author
      November 19, 2019 / 8:15 pm

      I haven’t – thanks, Beth! Peace to you, and thanks for reading. 🙂

  3. November 30, 2019 / 9:38 am

    Thank you for sharing at #ThursdayFavoriteThings. Pinned and shared. Have a lovely week. I hope to see you at next week’s party too!

    • Michele
      Author
      November 30, 2019 / 8:10 pm

      Thanks so much, Marilyn. Happy weekend, friend.

  4. Mumbai
    November 19, 2020 / 8:09 am

    Love all these smells but I am always disappointed from the expensive scented candles, not worth the money.
    This year , for me too early, but I already decorated a bit with silver bauble in diff. sizes and some olivetree and ivy,
    aborvitae branches on a morroccan wrought plate and it looks so nice. I am happy with this little spoil.

    • Michele
      Author
      November 19, 2020 / 4:12 pm

      Love how that natural greenery sounds, and good for you enjoying it sooner than later! Happy Thursday, friend.

      • Mumbai
        November 20, 2020 / 3:53 am

        in time like this I will nothing procastinating particularly it makes me and others happy. Enjoy too this
        very special pre Xmas time dear Michele and stay well.

        • Michele
          Author
          November 20, 2020 / 10:32 pm

          Thank you for reading and adding beauty here, friend. I hope we can somehow enjoy these days ahead in spite of the heartache around the world. Sending peace to you across the miles.

  5. Amy
    November 20, 2020 / 9:20 am

    Really want to try your simmering fruit & spices recipe…the popping cranberries sound fun! Also the Mulling spices & the Bali Sunrise candle are right up my alley. This post got me in the festive spirit as I can just imagine the fragrances of the season as I read this!

    • Michele
      Author
      November 20, 2020 / 10:30 pm

      Yay! To be honest, I still don’t have my sense of smell back completely from the Covid in September. Can taste a little bit, but this will be a very different holiday season indeed and will rely on my imagination. 🙂 So I encourage everyone with their senses intact to savor!

  6. carol rizzo
    November 19, 2021 / 8:47 am

    I look forward to each of your blogs every morning. They are so refreshing……thanks!

    • Michele
      Author
      November 19, 2021 / 10:54 am

      So happy to have you here, Carol. Blessings to you and peace to you this weekend.

  7. November 19, 2021 / 10:02 am

    Do you know where to purchase those huge bells in the back of the truck where you are sitting on the tailgate?
    I tried to find them last year also but no luck.

    • Michele
      Author
      November 19, 2021 / 10:53 am

      Hi Colleen. I own several of them and purchased them from the shop Urban Farmgirl (Rockford, IL). I know several readers who have called and had them shipped. Hope this helps.

      • Colleen Martin
        November 21, 2021 / 9:40 am

        Thanks so much. I will contact them.

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Distressed White French Country Chandelier
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Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
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French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
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