21 Simmer Pot Ideas That Make Homes Smell Like Autumn

The cold air came in through the kitchen window this morning. I pulled my sleeves down over my hands. I put a small pot on the stove before I did anything else.

My kitchen felt bare and a bit chilly when I woke up. The floor was cold under my feet. I wanted the room to feel warm before the rest of the house woke up.

I filled the pot with plain water from the tap. I dropped in a few orange slices and a few cinnamon sticks. The water was still and plain at first, and then the heat started to wake it up.

Steam rose in a thin line over the pot. The smell reached me before the water even bubbled. It felt like the whole kitchen had changed its mood in a few minutes.

I stood there with my hands round a warm cup. I did not need to buy anything fancy for this. I just used fruit and spice I already had in the cupboard.

That is what I want to share with you here. It is about simple pots of water on the stove that make your home smell soft and welcoming. You can try one in the morning or in the afternoon when friends come round.

You will find all 21 ideas right here in this single post, from start to finish, so you can pick one today and try another one tomorrow without hunting for a second part.

1. Orange and Cinnamon Sticks in a Small Pot

This pot is the one I start with most days. It uses orange slices and cinnamon sticks in plain water. It smells sweet and warm at the same time.

I use a small pot so it heats up fast. I fill it most of the way with water. I add three orange slices and two cinnamon sticks.

I put the pot on low heat and I wait for the first small bubbles. The orange softens and the cinnamon starts to give off its smell. You will notice it from the next room.

The smell feels like a cosy autumn day at home. It is soft and not too strong. It makes the kitchen feel lived in and calm.

Typical cost: $4 to $8.

I never leave this pot alone for long while it simmers. I stay close to the kitchen and I look in on it every little while.

I add a splash of water when the level drops low. The pot keeps going for a good while that way. I turn the heat down if the bubbles get too lively.

You can use the same orange slices for a second round later in the day. I just add fresh water and one more cinnamon stick. The smell comes back almost as strong as the first time.

I keep this pot for slow mornings when I want the house to feel warm. It is simple and it never lets me down.

2. Apple Slices and Cloves on the Stove

Apple slices and cloves make a soft sweet smell that fills a room slowly. I like this one on a grey afternoon. It feels gentle and warm.

I slice apples into thin pieces. I push cloves into the apple flesh so they stay put. I drop the slices into a pot of water.

I set the pot on the stove on a low flame. The apple turns soft and the water takes on a light golden tint. The cloves give the steam a warm spicy edge.

My kitchen smells like a fresh apple pie without any baking at all. The smell is mild and it does not rush at you. It just sits in the air in a nice way.

Typical cost: $5 to $9.

I keep the water topped up so the pot never runs dry. I check the level each time I walk past the stove.

I add a few more apple slices if the smell starts to fade. Fresh slices wake the pot up again. I stir it once with a wooden spoon and let it settle.

You can make this pot with any apple you have at home. A red apple gives a sweeter smell and a green apple gives a fresher one. Both work well in the same pot.

This is the pot I choose when I want my home to feel soft and welcoming for guests. It always gets a kind word from someone who walks in.

3. Lemon and Rosemary in a Wide Pot

Lemon and rosemary give a clean fresh smell that wakes up a stuffy room. I use a wide pot for this one. The wide top lets more steam rise into the air.

I cut one lemon into round slices. I add sprigs of rosemary and pour in plain water. I do not peel the lemon because the peel holds a lot of smell.

I bring the water to a gentle simmer on low heat. The lemon softens and the rosemary turns a deeper green. The steam smells bright and a little bit herby.

This pot feels fresh without feeling cold. It suits a kitchen that has been shut up all night. It makes the air feel lighter in a few minutes.

Typical cost: $3 to $6.

I turn the pot handles in toward the stove so they do not stick out. I keep the pot where no one will brush past it by mistake.

I leave the lemon slices in the pot while it simmers. They keep giving off smell for a long time. I take the pot off the heat when the water gets low.

You can add another sprig of rosemary if you want a stronger herby smell. I add it slowly because a little goes a long way. You can add more any time you like.

I reach for this pot after cooking when the kitchen needs a fresh start. It leaves the room feeling clean and calm again.

4. Cranberry and Orange Peel Pot

Cranberries and orange peel make a bright fruity smell with a warm edge. I love the deep red colour in the pot. It looks pretty on the stove too.

I use a small handful of fresh cranberries. I peel one orange in wide strips and I drop the peel in with the berries. I fill the pot with water and set it on the stove.

The cranberries pop softly as they warm up. The orange peel curls a little at the edges. The steam smells fruity and a bit sweet.

This pot feels cheerful and bright. It suits a dull day when the light is low outside. It makes the kitchen feel a little more alive.

Typical cost: $5 to $8.

I let the pot cool right down before I try to move it. I never lift a hot pot full of water with one hand.

I add more water through the day to keep the berries covered. The cranberries keep their colour for hours. I give the pot a gentle stir now and then.

You can save the orange peel from breakfast for this pot. I keep mine in a small bowl by the sink. It works just as well as fresh peel from a new orange.

I make this one when I want a pop of colour and a fresh smell at the same time. It always makes me smile when I pass the stove.

5. Vanilla and Star Anise Simmer

Vanilla and star anise make a soft sweet smell that feels rich and calm. I use this pot in the evening. It makes the whole house feel slow and cosy.

I add one vanilla pod and two star anise to a pot of water. The star anise floats on top like a small brown star.

I heat the pot on the lowest setting I have. The water stays pale and clear as it warms. The smell grows slowly and stays gentle.

The smell is sweet without being heavy. It reminds me of warm milk and soft blankets. It fills the room in a quiet way.

Typical cost: $6 to $10.

I keep the heat low all the time with this pot. I never turn it up high to rush the smell.

I check the water level often because vanilla pots can simmer away fast. I top it up with warm water from the tap. The smell comes back strong each time.

You can use the same vanilla pod twice if you rinse it and let it dry. I keep mine on a small plate by the stove. It still has plenty of smell left for a second pot.

This is my evening pot when I want the house to wind down. It makes the last hour of the day feel soft and unhurried.

6. Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Bay Leaf Pot

Cinnamon, nutmeg and bay leaf make a warm spicy smell that feels like autumn in a pot. I use this one on a cold day. It warms the kitchen from the inside out.

I add cinnamon sticks and a pinch of ground nutmeg. I drop in one bay leaf and I fill the pot with water. I stir it once before I turn on the heat.

The water stays clear as it simmers. The bay leaf floats flat on the top. The steam smells warm and a little bit earthy.

This pot smells strong in a good way. It reaches the hallway and the living room too. It makes the whole house feel like someone is looking after it.

Typical cost: $4 to $7.

I stay in the kitchen while this pot simmers away. I do not go off to another room and forget it is on.

I add a splash of water when the steam starts to thin out. The spices wake up again with the fresh water. I keep the lid off so the smell can rise freely.

You can grate a little fresh nutmeg over the top if you have a whole one. I use just a pinch because it is strong stuff. A small amount gives the pot a deep warm smell.

I choose this pot for cold afternoons when the house feels chilly. It makes the rooms feel warmer even before the heating comes on.

7. Pear Slices and Ginger Pot

Pear slices and ginger make a soft sweet smell with a warm bite. I like this pot for a quiet morning. It feels gentle and a little bit fresh.

I slice one ripe pear into pieces. I cut a small piece of fresh ginger into thin coins. I drop both into a pot of water.

I set the pot on low heat and I watch for the first steam. The pear turns soft and the ginger gives the water a light golden hue. The smell is sweet at first and warm after.

This pot does not shout its smell across the house. It stays close to the kitchen and it feels calm. I like that soft kind of smell on a slow day.

Typical cost: $6 to $9.

I keep my eye on this pot while it simmers and I top up the water before it gets low. I never let the pear slices sit in a dry pot.

I add a few more ginger coins if I want a warmer smell. The ginger builds slowly so I add it a little at a time. I taste the steam with a sniff before I add more.

You can use a pear that is a bit too soft to eat fresh. I save those pears for this pot instead of throwing them away. They give off just as much smell as a firm pear.

I make this pot when I want something soft and a little bit different. It feels like a small treat for an ordinary morning.

8. Pine Sprigs and Orange in a Tall Pot

Pine sprigs and orange make a fresh green smell with a sweet citrus lift. I use a tall pot for this one. The tall sides keep the sprigs standing up in the water.

I trim a few small pine sprigs to fit the pot. I add orange slices and I fill the pot with water. The pine stays green and the orange floats near the top.

I heat the pot slowly on a low flame. The pine gives off a fresh woody smell as the water warms. The orange adds a bright sweet note that lifts the whole pot.

This pot smells like a walk through trees on a crisp day. It feels fresh and clean. It suits a room that needs a bit of outdoor air in it.

Typical cost: $4 to $9.

I keep the pot on a back burner where it sits safe and steady. I make sure the handles point in and the pot cannot be knocked.

I add water often because a tall pot can lose steam fast from the top. I pour it in slowly down the side of the pot. The pine sprigs stay in place that way.

You can trim the pine sprigs from a tree in your garden if you have one. I cut only small tips and I wash them well first. Fresh sprigs give the best smell.

I put this pot on when I want the house to smell fresh like the outdoors. It always makes the kitchen feel bright and open.

9. Apple Juice Spice Pot

Apple juice makes a rich sweet base for a spice pot. I use plain apple juice and water together. The smell is warm and fruity from the first minute.

I pour one part apple juice and two parts water into a pot. I add cinnamon sticks and apple slices. I stir it gently and I set it on the stove.

I warm the pot on low heat until it steams softly. The juice turns a deeper gold as it simmers. The spices give the steam a warm sweet smell.

This pot smells like a warm drink on a cold day. It feels rich and cosy. It fills the kitchen fast and it lingers for a while.

Typical cost: $3 to $7.

I watch this pot close by and I never walk off and leave it bubbling on its own. I keep the heat down and I check it every few minutes.

I add plain water when the level drops so the juice does not get too thick. The pot keeps its sweet smell with the extra water. I stir it once after I top it up.

You can use any plain apple juice you have in the fridge. I pick one with no bits in it so the pot stays clear. A clear juice makes a cleaner looking pot.

I save this pot for days when I want a sweet smell that feels like a treat. It makes the house feel warm and loved.

10. Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot

Pumpkin spice makes the classic autumn smell in a simple pot. I use pumpkin pie spice from a jar. It is quick and it smells warm right away.

I fill a pot with water and I add one spoon of pumpkin pie spice. I drop in cinnamon sticks and cloves. I stir it until the spice spreads through the water.

I set the pot on low heat and I wait for the steam to rise. The water turns a warm brown colour. The smell is sweet and spicy at the same time.

This pot smells like autumn baking without any oven at all. It feels cosy and familiar. It makes the kitchen feel like the heart of the house.

Typical cost: $7 to $11.

I let this pot cool fully on the stove before I move it to the sink. I do not carry a hot pot across the kitchen.

I add more water through the afternoon to keep it going. The spice settles at the bottom so I give it a gentle stir. The smell lifts again each time I stir.

You can add a spoon of vanilla to this pot if you like a sweeter smell. I add it slowly and I sniff the steam first. A little vanilla makes the spice smell softer.

I keep this pot for autumn days when I want the house to feel full of warmth. It is the pot I come back to again and again.

Idea	Main change	Typical cost
Orange and Cinnamon Sticks in a Small Pot	Orange slices and cinnamon sticks simmer in a small pot of water	$4 to $8
Apple Slices and Cloves on the Stove	Apple slices studded with cloves simmer in water	$5 to $9
Lemon and Rosemary in a Wide Pot	Lemon slices and rosemary simmer in a wide pot	$3 to $6
Cranberry and Orange Peel Pot	Cranberries and orange peel simmer in water	$5 to $8
Vanilla and Star Anise Simmer	Vanilla pod and star anise simmer on very low heat	$6 to $10
Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Bay Leaf Pot	Cinnamon, nutmeg and bay leaf simmer in water	$4 to $7
Pear Slices and Ginger Pot	Pear slices and fresh ginger simmer in water	$6 to $9
Pine Sprigs and Orange in a Tall Pot	Pine sprigs and orange slices simmer in a tall pot	$4 to $9
Apple Juice Spice Pot	Apple juice and water with cinnamon and apple slices simmer	$3 to $7
Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot	Pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and cloves simmer in water	$7 to $11
Total	All 10 ideas	$47 to $84

11. Grapefruit and Thyme in a Small Pot

I love how fresh grapefruit smells in a small pot on the stove. It feels bright and clean in the room. A few sprigs of thyme add a soft green smell that works well with it.

I cut half a grapefruit into thin slices and drop them in the pot. Then I add sprigs of thyme from the garden. I fill the pot most of the way with plain water.

I put the pot on low heat and wait for tiny bubbles to rise. The smell starts to move through the room in a few minutes. It makes the kitchen feel fresh and calm.

I never walk away and leave the pot alone on the stove. I stay close and I check the water from time to time. A small pot can dry out fast if you forget it.

You can keep this pot going for an hour or two in the evening. Just add a little more water when the level drops low. The grapefruit keeps its fresh smell for a long time.

A small pot like this costs about $5 to $9 to put together. The grapefruit is the main cost and thyme is cheap. You can use one grapefruit for two pots if you like.

I like the smell of this pot in the living room in the late afternoon. It makes the room feel light after a long day. You can sit with a warm drink and just rest.

If the slices look soft and pale, I swap them for fresh ones. I keep the same thyme and the same water for the new slices. It takes only a minute to freshen the pot.

This is a good first pot if you have never tried one before. It is simple, fresh, and easy to make. Your home will smell bright and welcoming tonight.

12. Dried Orange Slices and Cinnamon Pot

Dried orange slices look so pretty in a pot of warm water. They give off a sweet smell that feels like autumn. Cinnamon sticks add a warm spice smell that fills the house.

I put dried orange slices in the pot with two cinnamon sticks. I add plain water until the slices float free. A small pot works best for this mix.

I heat the pot on low until the water just starts to move. The orange smell comes first and then the cinnamon follows. Soon the whole room smells soft and warm.

I keep an eye on the water and add more when it gets low. I never let the pot sit with no water in it. A quick check every half hour is enough.

You can dry your own orange slices in the oven on a low heat. I cut them thin and let them dry till they feel firm. They keep well in a jar for weeks.

This pot costs about $4 to $8 to make from scratch. Dried slices and cinnamon sticks are both low cost. You can reuse the cinnamon sticks for a second pot.

I start this pot when friends come over in the evening. It makes the entryway smell warm as soon as they step in. It is a small touch that makes people feel welcome.

If the smell gets light, I add one more cinnamon stick. I stir the pot with a spoon and let it warm up again. The smell comes back in a few minutes.

Orange and cinnamon is a classic mix for a reason. It is sweet, warm, and easy to love. I come back to this pot again and again each autumn.

13. Eucalyptus and Lemon in a Wide Pot

Eucalyptus has a cool green smell that wakes up a room. Lemon adds a bright lift that keeps it from feeling heavy. Together they smell clean and fresh in a wide pot.

I lay eucalyptus sprigs flat in a wide pot. Then I add thin slices from half a lemon. I pour in plain water and set the pot on the stove.

A wide pot lets the steam rise in a soft cloud. I keep the heat low so the water just simmers. The smell moves gently through the hall and the kitchen.

I push the pot handles back over the stove so they stay out of the way. That way no one can bump the pot by mistake. It is a small habit that keeps the kitchen safe.

You can use this pot in the morning to freshen the house. I start it while I tidy the rooms. By the time I finish, the whole home smells bright.

This wide pot costs about $6 to $10 to put together. Fresh eucalyptus is the main cost here. A lemon from the shop adds only a little to the total.

I like the green sprigs in the water because they look calm and pretty. They float near the top and move with the steam. It makes the pot feel like part of the room.

When the lemon slices turn soft, I lift them out with a spoon. I add fresh slices and a little more water. The pot is ready to go again in minutes.

This mix is my pick for a dull grey morning. It lifts the mood of the whole house. I always feel a bit brighter when it is on the stove.

14. Clove and Allspice Simmer

Cloves smell deep and warm, like a spice cupboard in autumn. Allspice adds a soft round smell that ties it all together. This pot is small but the smell is strong and cosy.

I drop a spoonful of whole cloves in the pot. Then I add a spoonful of whole allspice berries. I pour in plain water and stir it once with a spoon.

I warm the pot on low heat and let it simmer slow. The spice smell builds bit by bit. It makes the kitchen feel like a warm bake day.

I let the pot cool down a bit before I pick it up to move it. Hot water can splash if you rush. I wait till the steam slows and then I lift it with care.

You only need a little spice for a full pot of smell. Too much clove can feel sharp in a small room. I start small and add more next time if I want it stronger.

A clove and allspice pot costs about $3 to $7 to make. Whole spices last a long time in jars. One small bag can fill many pots through the season.

I use this pot on cool evenings when the house feels still. It warms the air without any fuss. You can read a book near it and enjoy the smell.

I keep the used spices in the pot for a second simmer the next day. I add fresh water and warm it up again. The smell is softer but still nice and warm.

If you love spice smells, this pot will be a firm favourite. It is cheap, simple, and full of warmth. I make it most weeks when the nights turn cold.

15. Fig and Honey in a Low Pot

Fig gives off a soft sweet smell that feels warm and calm. A spoon of honey in the water makes it even softer. This low pot is perfect for a slow evening at home.

I add dried fig slices to a low pot. Then I add one spoon of honey and plain water. I stir it gently till the honey melts in.

I set the pot on low heat and let it warm up slow. The fig smell rises with the steam in a gentle way. It makes the room feel sweet and cosy.

I keep the heat on low the whole time it sits on the stove. I never turn it up to make the smell stronger. Low and slow is the safe way to simmer.

You can use fresh figs too if you find good ones. I cut them in half so they soften fast. They give off the same soft sweet smell.

This fig and honey pot costs about $7 to $11 to put together. Dried figs cost the most in this mix. Honey from the pantry keeps the rest of the cost low.

I like the smell of this pot in the dining room before a meal. It makes the table feel warm and welcoming. Guests often ask what smells so sweet in the house.

If the honey sticks to the side of the pot, I stir it back in. A wooden spoon works well for this job. I wash the pot with warm water when I finish.

Fig and honey feels like a treat for the whole home. It is soft, sweet, and a little bit special. I save this pot for evenings when I want to relax.

16. Chai Spice Simmer Pot

Chai spice smells like a warm cup of tea on a cold day. It has cinnamon, cardamom, and a hint of ginger in the mix. This pot makes the house smell like a cosy tea shop.

I add cinnamon sticks and cardamom pods to the pot. Then I add thin slices of fresh ginger. I fill the pot with plain water and set it on low.

The pot needs a few minutes to warm up and release the spice. First you smell cinnamon, then the ginger comes through. It is a warm mix that fills the kitchen fast.

I stay by the stove while the pot simmers so I can watch it. I keep the pot in sight the whole time. A quick glance at the water keeps it safe.

You can change the mix to suit what you have at home. I sometimes add a star anise for a soft sweet note. It still smells like chai and it still feels warm.

A chai spice pot costs about $5 to $9 to make at home. The spices are the main cost and ginger is cheap. You can make three or four pots from one small set of spices.

I start this pot on rainy afternoons when I stay inside. It makes the house feel warm while the rain falls outside. I sit with a blanket and enjoy the smell.

If the smell fades, I add one more cinnamon stick to the water. I let it simmer for ten more minutes. The spice smell comes back soft and warm.

Chai spice is one of my most loved simmer pots. It feels like a hug from the kitchen. I make it whenever I want the house to feel extra cosy.

17. Cedar Sprigs and Orange Pot

Cedar has a clean wood smell that feels like a walk in the trees. Orange slices add a sweet lift that keeps it bright. This pot smells like autumn woods and fresh fruit.

I place a cedar sprig in the pot with orange slices. I add plain water till the pot is most of the way full. A small pot works well for this woody mix.

I warm the pot on low and let the steam rise slow. The cedar smell comes first and the orange follows. It makes the hall feel fresh and calm.

I check the water level often so the pot never runs dry. I top it up with warm water when it drops. It only takes a moment and it keeps the pot safe.

You can pick cedar sprigs from the garden if you have a tree. I rinse them well before they go in the pot. Fresh sprigs smell stronger than dry ones.

This cedar and orange pot costs about $4 to $8 to put together. Orange is cheap and cedar is often free from the garden. A shop bunch costs only a little if you need one.

I let the smell of this pot reach the front door in autumn. It greets you with a wood smell when you come home. It makes the whole house feel like a forest walk.

When the orange slices look tired, I swap them for new ones. I keep the same cedar sprig in the water. The pot smells fresh again in a few minutes.

Cedar and orange is a quiet mix that grows on you. It is not too sweet and not too strong. I love how it makes my home feel calm and clean.

18. Mint and Lime in a Small Pot

Mint smells cool and green, like a fresh garden in the morning. Lime adds a sharp citrus lift that wakes up the room. This small pot is light and fresh for autumn days.

I put a small bunch of mint leaves in a small pot. Then I add thin slices from one lime. I add plain water and set it on the stove.

I heat the pot on low till the water just simmers. The mint smell rises first and the lime follows. It makes the kitchen smell clean and bright.

I do not leave the kitchen for long while the pot is on. I pop in and out but I keep it in mind. A small pot needs a watchful eye on the stove.

You can use this pot after cooking to freshen the air. I start it when the kitchen still smells of food. In half an hour the room smells like mint and lime.

A mint and lime pot costs about $3 to $6 to make. Mint is cheap and one lime is enough. It is one of the lowest cost pots in this whole list.

I like this pot on the stove in the morning. It makes the start of the day feel fresh. You can enjoy it while you make breakfast for the family.

If the mint leaves turn dark, I lift them out and add fresh ones. I keep the lime slices in for a bit longer. The pot is easy to refresh in one minute.

Mint and lime is a simple pot with a big fresh smell. It is light, clean, and easy to make. I reach for it when I want a quick lift in the house.

19. Dried Peach and Vanilla Pot

Dried peach has a soft sweet smell like late summer fruit. Vanilla adds a warm creamy note that makes it feel cosy. This pot is gentle and sweet for quiet evenings.

I add a small handful of dried peach slices to the pot. Then I add one vanilla pod. I pour in plain water and stir it once.

I put the pot on a low heat and let it bubble very gently. The peach smell comes first and vanilla follows soft. It makes the room smell like a sweet pudding.

I keep the pot on a low flame and I stay close by. I check the water now and then while I sit near. It is easy to keep safe when you stay in the room.

You can use vanilla extract if you have no vanilla pod. I add half a spoon to the water instead. It still gives that warm sweet smell to the pot.

This peach and vanilla pot costs about $6 to $10 to put together. Dried peach is the main cost here. A vanilla pod costs a little more but one pod lasts for two pots.

I let the smell of this pot fill the living room before bedtime. It makes the evening feel soft and calm. You can read or rest while the sweet smell fills the air.

If the peach slices swell up, that is normal in hot water. I leave them in till the smell fades. Then I tip the pot out and wash it with warm water.

Peach and vanilla is a soft pot that feels like a warm treat. It is sweet without being too strong. I make it when I want a calm end to the day.

20. Bay Leaf and Lemon Peel Pot

Bay leaf has a soft herbal smell that feels clean and calm. Lemon peel adds a bright citrus lift to the mix. This pot is simple and it smells like a fresh kitchen.

I put bay leaves in the pot with strips of lemon peel. I peel the lemon in wide strips so they float well. I add plain water and set the pot on low.

I let the pot simmer slow till the steam starts to rise. The bay smell is soft and the lemon is bright. Together they make the kitchen feel fresh and light.

I turn the handles toward the back of the stove for safety. That way they are out of the way of little hands. It is a good habit for any pot on the stove.

You can save lemon peel from lemons you already used. I keep the peel in a small bowl till I need it. It still smells bright even after a day in the bowl.

A bay leaf and lemon peel pot costs about $3 to $6 to make. Bay leaves are very cheap in a jar. Lemon peel from the kitchen adds no extra cost at all.

I use this pot after a big clean of the kitchen. It makes the room smell fresh once the work is done. It is a nice reward after a busy morning.

If the bay leaves look soft and pale, I add one fresh leaf. I stir the pot and let it warm again. The herbal smell comes back in a few minutes.

Bay and lemon is the easiest pot in this list to make. It needs only two things from the kitchen. I love how fresh and simple it feels each time.

Idea	Main change	Typical cost
Grapefruit and Thyme in a Small Pot	Grapefruit slices and thyme in water	$5 to $9
Dried Orange Slices and Cinnamon Pot	Dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks	$4 to $8
Eucalyptus and Lemon in a Wide Pot	Eucalyptus sprigs and lemon slices	$6 to $10
Clove and Allspice Simmer	Whole cloves and allspice berries	$3 to $7
Fig and Honey in a Low Pot	Dried fig slices and honey in water	$7 to $11
Chai Spice Simmer Pot	Cinnamon, cardamom and ginger	$5 to $9
Cedar Sprigs and Orange Pot	Cedar sprig and orange slices	$4 to $8
Mint and Lime in a Small Pot	Mint leaves and lime slices	$3 to $6
Dried Peach and Vanilla Pot	Dried peach slices and vanilla pod	$6 to $10
Bay Leaf and Lemon Peel Pot	Bay leaves and lemon peel strips	$3 to $6
Total	All ten pots together	$46 to $84

21. One-Evening Simmer Pot Plan

This plan sets you up for one calm evening of simmer pots. You buy six simple bits and you are ready to start. I set a small timer so I remember to check the water and the pot.

First, buy a small plain saucepan for $8 to $14. Pick a pot that sits flat on your stove and is easy to lift. You will use it for every simmer pot in this plan.

Next, buy a bag of dried orange slices for $4 to $7. Drop four slices in the pot with plain water for a sweet smell. The bag lasts for many pots through autumn.

Then, buy a jar of whole cinnamon sticks for $3 to $6. Add two sticks to the pot for a warm spice smell. You can reuse the sticks for a second pot the next day.

After that, buy a small bunch of fresh rosemary for $2 to $4. Add a few sprigs to the pot for a soft green smell. Fresh rosemary keeps well in the fridge for a week.

Next, buy a bag of whole cloves for $3 to $5. Add a spoonful to the pot for a deep warm smell. A little goes a long way in a small pot.

Last, buy a plain wooden spoon for $2 to $4. Use it to stir the pot and lift out soft slices. It is a simple tool you will use again and again.

Item	Main change	Typical cost
Small plain saucepan	Use as the pot for every simmer	$8 to $14
Bag of dried orange slices	Add four slices for a sweet smell	$4 to $7
Jar of whole cinnamon sticks	Add two sticks for warm spice smell	$3 to $6
Small bunch of fresh rosemary	Add sprigs for a soft green smell	$2 to $4
Bag of whole cloves	Add a spoonful for deep warm smell	$3 to $5
Plain wooden spoon	Stir the pot and lift out slices	$2 to $4
Total		$22 to $40

For a total of $22 to $40 you get the pot and all the bits you need for a warm autumn smell at home.

Start your first pot tonight after dinner and let the soft smell fill your home while you rest. You will love how calm and cosy the evening feels.

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• 29 Cosy Home Fragrance Ideas for Calm Evenings

Each post has more simple ideas you can try at home this weekend.