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There’s just something magical about walking into a home that smells like fall. The warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of dried oranges, and the comforting spice of cloves instantly wrap you in cozy nostalgia. I’ve tried candles, wax melts, and even essential oil diffusers, but nothing compares to the real thing. That’s why I keep coming back to this fall simmer pot recipe – it’s simple, natural, and feels like love simmering on the stove.
The best part? It doubles as a beautiful (and affordable!) holiday or housewarming gift. I’ll show you how to make your own dried oranges, how to package everything up in glass jars, and where to grab ingredients in bulk if you’re making several. But first, let’s talk about the recipe itself – and why I choose sage as the green herb that ties everything together.
Table of Contents
Why Sage Works in a Simmer Pot
When I think of fall, I think of family dinners, warm kitchens, and my grandma’s Thanksgiving stuffing. Sage was always part of that. The earthy, savory aroma instantly grounds me, and when paired with the sweetness of orange and the spice of cinnamon and cloves, it creates a balance that feels like autumn in a pot.
What makes it extra special for me is that I often use sage, or sometimes rosemary, straight from my garden. There’s something so satisfying about snipping a few sprigs and dropping them into the pot, knowing they grew just steps from my kitchen. Using fresh herbs I’ve grown myself makes the whole process more personal and rewarding. It’s a reminder that the little things we nurture in our gardens can bring so much joy indoors.
Sage gives the blend a depth that rosemary (fresh and woodsy) or bay leaves (warm and resinous) can’t quite replicate. Don’t get me wrong, I use those too, and I’ll share when and why below. But sage? Sage feels like fall’s signature note.
Last year, I had a pot simmering on the stove while my boys ran in and out of the kitchen, bringing with them little armfuls of fallen leaves they had collected. My husband walked in, took one deep breath, and said, “It smells like Thanksgiving in here.” That’s exactly the effect sage has – it transforms your space into a warm, welcoming home.
Side Note: Fresh Herbs in Gift Jars
Most people use dried herbs for simmer pots, but I love sneaking in fresh sage or rosemary from my garden. When I’m making jars as gifts, I’ll often tuck in a sprig of fresh herb – it looks beautiful against the oranges and cinnamon sticks, and it feels a little more personal. To keep everything fresh, I vacuum seal the jars before gifting. (I’ll share more about that process, along with the vacuum sealer I use, a little later.)
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of this recipe – it doesn’t take much. Most of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry, and the others are easy to make or order.
- Dried orange slices – I’ll share how to make them yourself in the oven, but you can also grab some premade ones HERE.
- Cinnamon sticks – Buying these in bulk saves so much money if you plan to gift jars. Buy them HERE.
- Whole cloves – Nothing beats the rich, spiced aroma of cloves. I order them in bulk HERE.
- Fresh or dried sage leaves – Sage gives the simmer pot its earthy depth. You can use your own from the garden, or buy a bundle fresh at your local grocery or farmers market.
- Optional: Rosemary sprigs or bay leaves – Swap these in for a different vibe (more on this later).
How to Make Dried Oranges at Home
Making dried oranges is easier than you think, and honestly, it makes your house smell incredible in the process. Here’s what I do:
- Preheat your oven to 200°F.
- Slice oranges into thin, even rounds (about ¼ inch).
- Pat them dry with a towel to remove excess juice.
- Place slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 2-3 hours, flipping occasionally, until the slices are completely dried.
They’ll darken slightly as they dry, but that just adds to the rustic, homemade look. Store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to use (or vacuum seal them!).
Don’t feel like making them? I totally get it. Some seasons are too busy, and sometimes convenience wins. I’ve linked my go-to dried oranges HERE.
Step-by-Step Fall Simmer Pot Recipe
Alright, here’s the fun part.
- Fill a small pot about halfway with water.
- Add:
- 4-5 dried orange slices
- 3-4 cinnamon sticks
- 1-2 tablespoon whole cloves
- 2-3 fresh or dried sage leaves
- Optional: 1 tsp of vanilla extract > see Best Homemade Vanilla Extract recipe HERE!
- Bring to a gentle simmer on the stove.
- Let it bubble away, adding more water as needed so it doesn’t burn.
That’s it! Within minutes, your entire home will smell like fall.
Rosemary vs. Sage vs. Bay Leaves
I’ve experimented with all three, and here’s what I’ve learned:
- Sage – earthy, grounding, nostalgic. Perfect for cozy evenings and family gatherings.
- Rosemary – fresh, piney, almost like the edge of winter sneaking into fall. I love using this blend when decorating for Christmas, because it bridges both seasons.
- Bay leaves – warm, subtle, slightly resinous. This one reminds me of slow-simmering soups on a Sunday afternoon.
Tip: If you’re making simmer pot jars as gifts, you can mix and match. Create a “Sage Jar,” a “Rosemary Jar,” and a “Bay Leaf Jar” so the recipient gets to try them all. I use these labels!
DIY Fall Simmer Pot Gift Jars
This is where things get fun. Simmer pots aren’t just a treat for yourself – they make incredible DIY gifts for:
- Thanksgiving hosts
- Holiday parties
- Teachers
- Neighbors
- New homeowners (I recently added this one into my girlfriends little homemade product homewarming gift basket and she loved it! I also added in homemade honey lip barm- check out the link HERE for the recipe!)
Imagine walking into a holiday party with a pretty glass jar filled with dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and sage. Add a ribbon and a label that says “Simmer for cozy fall vibes” – it’s thoughtful, affordable, and guaranteed to be used.
Here’s how I package mine:
- Glass jars – I like using wide-mouth jars so everything fits nicely. I use these linked HERE.
- Custom labels – You can design your own on Canva and print at home, or grab pre-made ones HERE.
- Ingredients – Layer the dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and herbs so it looks beautiful through the glass (as pictured above)!
Tie it up with twine or a ribbon, and you’ve got a Pinterest-worthy gift.
Pro Tip: Using a Vacuum Sealer for Simmer Pot Jars
If you really want your simmer pot jars to last, a vacuum sealer is your best friend. This little tool has been a game-changer for me when I’m prepping several jars at once for gifts or stocking up for the season. By sealing the jars, you’re locking in the freshness of the herbs, spices, and oranges, so they stay vibrant and aromatic for months.
Here’s why I love it:
- Keeps fresh herbs fresh – A sprig of sage or rosemary from my garden will still smell incredible weeks later.
- Prevents moisture issues – No one wants soggy oranges or musty cloves. Vacuum sealing keeps everything crisp and dry.
- Perfect for gifting ahead of time – I can make up a batch of jars in October and still gift them at Thanksgiving or Christmas without worrying about the quality.
It’s such a simple step, but it makes a huge difference. I’ll link the vacuum sealer I use HERE so you can try it out too.
Where I Buy in Bulk
If you’re planning to make several gifts (which I highly recommend), it’s way more affordable to buy in bulk. Here’s where I stock up:
I like keeping extras on hand anyway, because I usually end up making myself a simmer pot every few days once October rolls around.
How I Use Simmer Pots at Home
This isn’t just about pretty gifts or Pinterest-worthy projects. Simmer pots have become a part of my family’s rhythm in fall and winter.
- On Saturday mornings, while the kids are playing with Legos at the kitchen table, I start a pot on the stove. The house slowly fills with warmth while we sip coffee and hot chocolate.
- When we have friends over for dinner, I’ll get one going about an hour before they arrive. Without fail, someone always says, “Wow, it smells amazing in here.”
- On busy weeknights, it’s a small ritual that makes home feel calmer, even if the laundry’s piled up and the boys are bouncing off the walls.
It’s not just about the scent – it’s about creating atmosphere. A simmer pot makes a home feel alive.
This fall simmer pot recipe with sage is more than a seasonal DIY – it’s a way to bring warmth, memory, and comfort into your home. Whether you’re making it for yourself or packaging it up as a gift, it’s a simple yet powerful reminder that the best things in life don’t need to be complicated.
So this season, skip the store-bought candles. Grab some oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and sage. Let it simmer while you live your life – whether that’s hosting friends, wrangling kids, or just savoring a quiet cup of tea.
Because sometimes, the little things – like a pot of spices bubbling on the stove – are what make a house truly feel like home.
With love,
Bri & Cat
If you love simmer pots like me, check out My 5 Ingredient Christmas Morning Simmer Pot Recipe!
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