How to Make Your Home Smell Like Fall (Naturally!)

There’s something magical about the scent of fall—the warm, spicy aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and crisp apples filling the air as the weather turns cool.

Sure, candles are an easy way to bring in those cozy autumn vibes, we’ve got a seasonal candle line of our own, but there’s another, more natural way to make your home smell like fall: a stovetop simmer.

Using real cinnamon sticks, citrus peels, and spices, you can create a simple, all-natural simmer pot that will make your home smell like a crisp autumn day. And the best part? You probably already have the ingredients in your kitchen!

So, let’s get your fall simmer going.

Fall Simmer Ingredients

• Water
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• Peel of 1 orange (or baked citrus slices—see below for a tip!)
• 7 whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice

Optional Add-Ins for a Custom Scent

• Apple cider (for extra apple-y goodness!)
• Dried lavender (for a relaxing fall twist)
• Star anise (adds a touch of warmth and depth)
• Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger (for extra spice)
• Lemon peels (for a fresh, bright note)

💡 Pro tip: Dedicate a pot to your annual fall simmering because, let’s be honest, things might get a little funky over time.

How to Make a Fall Simmer Pot

1. Fill a pot halfway with water and place it on the stove.
2. Add your natural ingredients—get creative!
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down to very low.
4. Let it simmer for 30–45 minutes while your home fills with the scent of autumn.

✨ You will not believe how incredible this smells!

Simmering Tips & Tricks

✔ Set a timer for 30 minutes so you don’t forget about it.
✔ Keep an eye on the water level—you may need to add more over time.
✔ Want to beautify your simmer? Preheat your oven to 250°F, place thinly sliced orange discs on parchment paper, and bake for 2–3 hours. They’ll look gorgeous in your simmer pot.
✔ Need a thoughtful hostess gift? Fill a mason jar with your go-to simmer ingredients, seal it with a lid, and tie some twine around the top. Voilà—the gift of coziness in a jar!

Now, it’s your turn! What are you putting in your fall stovetop simmer? 🍂