“Christmas in a Jar” Stovetop Potpourri is a thrifty DIY gift idea perfect for friends, family and coworkers. The perfect blend of herbs and spices make the whole house smell like Christmas! 

Chances are your home already smells like apple cider, cinnamon and/or a Douglas fir. Of course it does, it’s December 11 and TJ Maxx has been selling holiday candles since September 1. We have quite the collection of candles are our house, and I say “we” because Austin may be a tad more obsessed than I am. When you walk into our living room, it tends to resemble some sort of Christmas Eve church service, flames a glow. But the only thing better than a holiday candle is THE REAL THING.

I can feel it coming in the air tonight…

If you’re reading this post, you’re probably familiar with stovetop potpourri. Essentially, you simmer a pot of water filled with an array of fragrant herbs and spices to create a cozy smelling home for hours on end. If you’ve never tried it, you must. Stovetop Potpourri is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. So I was thinking recently, why not share that gift with a friend or loved one?

I have such a sweet work family that I love to do something special for them around the holidays. Since we are getting married in February, Austin and I decided to limit our Christmas spending this year. It’s been hard for me because I typically have ordered all my gifts from Amazon or Target by now. But, in the spirit of [thrifty] Christmas, I decided to make these great DIY Stovetop Potpourri Jars for everyone at work.

What You Need

Altogether, I spent about 30 dollars preparing 8 jars. That comes out to less than 4 dollars per jar plus any ribbons or decorations. You can probably do it for cheaper if you’re thrifty. I picked up these small mason jars and tags at Michaels craft store and all the potpourri ingredients from the grocery store.

What You’ll Need Per 1 Mason Jar:

• 3 to 4 cinnamon sticks
• 2 tablespoons cloves
• 2 slices dried orange
• ¼ cup fresh cranberries
• 1 sprig of rosemary (you can also use sage or a bay leaf)

To Prepare Dried Orange Slices

You can likely find dried orange slices as a specialty grocery store but it’s super cheap and easy to prepare these on your own. Preheat the oven to 220 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash and dry naval oranges. Cut into thin slices (about 5-6 slices per orange). Arrange a single layer of orange slices on baking sheet. Place into the oven for 4 hours, turning the slices at every hour. Remove baking sheet from oven and allow to cool completely before adding to jars.

Hand Write the Instructions

I used a gift tag to list the instructions for Stovetop Potpourri. I think hand writing the directions gives these an authentic feel and homemade touch. Include the following message:

1. Pour contents into medium sized saucepan
2. Add 2 jars of water
3. Simmer for up to 8 hours
4. Add water as necessary

Final Thoughts

I recommend storing the jars in the refrigerator or in a dark, dry place. Remember, although you dried the orange slices, the cranberries and herbs are still fresh.  I used fresh rosemary in my jars so they should last about a week. If you use thyme, sage or a bay leaf, you can probably push it to two weeks.

I received so many compliments from these DIY Stovetop Potpourri Jars! I think people really love when you put thought and love into a gift. Not to mention, you can leave this simmer on the stove for hours and the whole house will smell amazing! Well, that about covers it. If you have any questions, please comment below or send me an email. I’d love to hear from you.

Merry Christmas,

Kelsey Renee

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