'Tis the season for comfort, and making my house smell amazing is part of that. This year, I decided to try and make my own simmering potpourri. DIY simmering spices are easy to customize with different scents and flavors, and make great gifts, too.

To start out, I made some dehydrated orange and apple slices with my food dehydrator. I left them on low-and-slow heat until they were dry and crispy.

From there I went in two different directions, one for the oranges and one for the apples. It's so easy to get really creative on what you add to your potpourri mix.

Orange-based simmering potpourri

Dehydrated orange slices, rosemary sprigs, bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and a few drops of orange essential oil.

Apple-based simmering potpourri

Dehydrated apple slices, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, apple pie spice, and vanilla extract.

Gift labels for holiday simmering spices

If you want to give some simmering potpourri as a gift, you can package them up in jars or bags. You can even download our free simmering spices labels and print them at home.

We designed them to fit perfectly on the lid of our 8 oz plastic jars, which are available on Amazon.

After you fill your jars with your potpourri and are ready to decorate them, start by cutting the plaid pattern paper into strips that will serve as ribbons to wrap around the jars.

Wrap the paper ribbon around the 8 oz jar and attach the ends to the top with tape.

Print the round labels onto Avery 22830 round 2.5" labels and apply one to the top, covering the ends of the ribbon.

They are all set and ready for gift-giving!

Using simmering potpourri

To use the simmering spices, just open a jar, dump it into a pot of water, and let is simmer on low on the stove. You'll enjoy having your home smell like you've been baking treats all day long.

Your cute little jars of simmering spices are great for many occasions.

• Inexpensive Christmas gifts for friends, neighbors, teachers, and co-workers, when you want to get a little something but can't afford spend a lot of money.
• Emergency gifts to keep on hand for when someone drops by unexpectedly with a gift and you want to have something to give in return.
• Stocking stuffers for our aunts and grandmothers, who love a nice-smelling home, too.
• Party favors for fall-themed bridal showers, weddings, or birthday parties.