It is commonly said that smell is the strongest scent tied to memory. I find that it can create a lot of peace, or chaos, in my home. I wish I could say that my home was always clean and ready to welcome guests but that just isn’t the case. I have three small children, an even larger farm dog, and a farmer for a husband. So often, as soon as the house is clean, it often becomes dirty again. This is just a part of the life we have chosen and most days I can accept it without difficulty. but other days, I find the external chaos spills over to inner chaos. 

While most days I have a candle burning for my “year-round” scent I really enjoy changing it for the holidays. I feel that this stovetop potpourri kicks off the fall and holiday season without starting the Christmas music in November. You can also make your own dry mix as gifts which I will commonly have my kids in charge of as there is a lot of grace with this recipe. If you don’t have all the ingredients, don’t go to the store just use what you have, it will still smell like you are ready for the lull of fall. 

• 2–3 oranges (fresh or dried)
• an apple or 2
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon cloves
• 1-2 nutmeg seeds
•  stars of anis
• a few drops essential oils of choice, sweet orange is our top choice
• And any other fruit, herbs, and spices you would like.

1. Add all the ingredients to a big pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
2. Let the potpourri simmer for as long as desired, making sure to top it off with more water from time to time.

Just add everything into a big pot and let it simmer away! Top it off with water as needed.