I absolutely love decorating my home to make it cozy for every season, and fall is no exception! There’s something special about a fall simmer pot bubbling away on the stove, filling the house with all the sweet, warm scents of the season. It’s the easiest, non-toxic, and budget-friendly way to set the perfect autumn mood. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re in for a treat!
When I’m creating a cozy fall atmosphere at home, I think about more than just the décor—I want my home to smell like fall, too! A fall simmer pot is the best way to achieve that comforting, autumnal aroma. Unlike synthetic candles, which can be filled with chemicals, a simmer pot uses natural ingredients right from your kitchen. It’s quick, affordable, and makes your home feel warm and inviting.
One of the best parts about a fall simmer pot is how customizable it is. Fresh items like apples, oranges, lemons, and cranberries bring fruity sweetness, while spices like cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise add that warm, cozy vibe.
If you don’t have whole spices on hand, no worries—you can use ground cinnamon, ginger, or allspice instead. The beauty of a simmer pot is how flexible it is!
I start by filling a pot about two-thirds full with water. You can use any pot, but I love using a clear glass one. Not only does it make it easy to keep an eye on the water level, but it also looks beautiful with all those colorful ingredients simmering away on the stove.
Once the water is ready, I add my ingredients. For this particular fall simmer pot, I love using a combination of apple and orange slices, a few cinnamon sticks, and a dash of star anise.
Pop the lid on, set the heat to low, and let it do its magic, filling your home with the most wonderful fall aromas.
It’s important to keep an eye on the water level. A quick tip: set a timer to remind yourself to check it every hour or so. If the water gets low, top it off, and you’re good to go for a few more hours of that delicious fall scent.
I love starting a fall simmer pot early on Thanksgiving morning. While I’m busy preparing, the house is filled with the scent of apples, oranges, and cinnamon—it gets me in the festive spirit and makes the kitchen an inviting place to be.
Plus, it’s a great way to welcome guests, instantly setting a warm, comforting mood as soon as they walk through the door.
Have you made a seasonally-themed simmer pot before? What are your favorite ingredients to use? Let me know in the comments. I love trying different combinations.
And if you’re prepping for Thanksgiving like I am, I’ve got plenty of recipe suggestions to help make the day even more special. From a stuffing recipe you’ll never want to replace, to the best cranberry sauce you’ll ever try, plus a foolproof guide to cooking the perfect turkey—I’ve got you covered. And for dessert, don’t forget the raspberry pretzel pie—it’s a must-try! Hosting Thanksgiving is one of my favorite things, and I can’t wait to share these recipes with you.