Autumn by Scent: Simmer Pots and the Warmth of Home

When I was growing up, my mom would fill a pot with water, orange slices, and a handful of cloves. I feel like it was mainly around Christmas, but the air warmed almost instantly. Citrus and spice moved through the house. That memory has stayed with me. Scent curling through the room. Light fading early. The comfort of being inside when it's chilly out.

Simmer pots are a simple way to invite the season in. You can use fresh fruit and herbs, or dehydrated. I use a dehydrator for fruit and rosemary/lavender i grow in the summer, and they work beautifully.

Here are a few easy combinations to try. Use what you have. Add a little, then adjust.

• Apple peel or slices, orange peel or slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves

• Cedar sprigs or a small piece of pine, bay leaf, nutmeg, rosemary

• Pear peel or slices, star anise, allspice berries

• Lemon peel, fresh ginger slices, a few thyme sprigs

I have a banged up old thrifted pot I always reach for. I have also seen clear glass pots that let you watch the steam rise and the colors swirl. It becomes a small sensory ritual. Sight, scent, and the soft sound of a gentle simmer.

If you prefer a flame free way to bring scent into your home, this is a lovely alternative to candles. It can be helpful if children or pets need to stay clear of open flames. Keep the heat low. Check the water often. Top it up as it evaporates. Never leave a simmering pot unattended.

These small blends do not last long, and that is part of the charm. They invite you to pause, to notice, and to let scent tell the story of the season.