Next Up

9 Inviting Simmer-Pot Combos for Holiday Parties

By: Food Network Kitchen

Bubbling away on the stove, these ingredient mixes make your home smell sweet, warm and welcoming.

1 / 10

Simmering Scents

Everyone thinks about the food, decor and music when it comes to planning a holiday gathering — but you shouldn't overlook the power of scent. A simmer pot is a clever, all-natural way to waft a pleasant aroma throughout your entire house. Just put the ingredients into a saucepan, cover with water and let simmer. The heat and steam will welcome your guests — or even help them feel like they've been transported somewhere else.

By Karen Cohen for Food Network Kitchen

2 / 10

Woodland

Fresh pine branches, cracked cardamom pods, orange slices and sage mimic the scent of crisp, woodsy air in winter.

3 / 10

Pumpkin Spice

With this mixture of ginger slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves and allspice simmering on the stove, everyone will think you've got a pumpkin pie baking in the oven.