RD.COM Holidays & Observances Thanksgiving

6 Stovetop Potpourris to Make Your Home Smell Like Fall

Juliana LaBiancaUpdated: Jun. 07, 2021

Vanilla spice and everything nice!

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iStock/Diane Diederich

Easy as apple pie

Fool holiday guests into thinking you’ve just finished baking a pie by whipping together this mouth-watering recipe: Add 2 sliced apples, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to a pot. Stir in 2 cups of water and bring mixture to a simmer. This potpourri (as well as all those below) can simmer stovetop for as long as you’d like, so long as you continue to add water to prevent the ingredients from burning. Bon appetit! (Related: Looking for a stress-free Thanksgiving? Get our FREE guide for an unforgettable Thanksgiving. You’ll get easy recipes, kid-friendly crafts and games, inspiring traditions, and more ideas for the best holiday yet.)

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iStock/Ls9907

M-apple cinnamon

Maple, apple, and cinnamon—what more could a fall lover ask for? Create this scent by adding 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 tablespoon maple extract, and 1 sliced apple to a pot. Stir in two cups of water and bring to a simmer, adding water as needed.

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iStock/joanna wnuk

Vanilla spice and everything nice

Stir up a sensual vibe with vanilla: Bring 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 cloves, and 2 cups of water to a simmer. Add water as needed. These homemade air fresheners smell like your favorite stores.

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iStock/fcafotodigital

The spice is right

This recipe—a true medley of spices—will make your home smell as cozy as possible. Add 1 whole nutmeg, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 tablespoon whole cloves, and a dash of vanilla extra to a pot, along with 2 cups water. Bring to a simmer, adding water as needed.

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iStock/Ekaterina Minaeva

Cran-orange

Add 1 cup cranberries, 3 orange peels (eat the oranges or save them for later!), 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, and 2 cinnamon sticks to a pot. Stir in 2 cups of water and bring to a simmer. Add water as needed.

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iStock/wmaster890

Fresh rosemary

Give your home a fresh woodsy scent with this rosemary, lemon, and cinnamon trio. Add 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, 2 tablespoons cinnamon, and 1 sliced lemon to a pot. Add water and bring to a simmer.

Originally Published: September 06, 2016

Originally Published in Reader's Digest