It’s beginning to smell like holidays. More and more shops are decorating their windows, the streets are full of Christmas lights and here in Trieste people are buying their first Panettone, yummy! But, what I really love about this season, are the actual smells. Spicy cinnamon and cloves, fresh orange and apple, warming vanilla and chocolate, it’s really hard to choose which one’s best! As the weather gets colder and colder, creating a cozy atmosphere at home makes a big difference, so I opt for naturally scented candles to change the mood.

Recently, though I came across another natural option, which promises to fill your home with festive scents, quicker and stronger than any candle. Stove simmers are created by filling a pot with water and adding some natural ingredients to create a nice smell, then you just leave it simmering in low heat and your house fills with the scent. Add water as needed later on. You can use the same mix for a couple of days and although it will turn to look really ugly it will keep working. It’s easy and effective and it’s a must- try for the holidays! Here are some recipes you could try :

Scent 1: Light and fresh

1 lemon: half  in slices, half with cloves in it

Bay leaves

2 cinnamon sticks

Scent 2: Spicy and Fruity

1 orange, cut in 2 halves, with cloves in both halves

2 cinnamon sticks

some fresh cranberries

Scent 3: Warm and Welcoming

1 apple

2 cinnamon sticks

1 tablespoon vanilla extract