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Simmer&Stir Blog – Natural Scents & Botanical Recipes
Welcome to Simmer & Stir — a place for seasonal inspiration, natural home fragrance and simple botanical recipes. Discover simmer pots, potpourri, herbal drinks, homemade syrups and easy ideas for bringing the scents and flavours of the season into your home.
Potpourri
Discover natural potpourri recipes, tips, and ideas to gently scent your space. From seasonal blends to DIY gift inspiration, explore eco-friendly ways to freshen your home with dried flowers, herbs, and spices.
How to Dry Flowers and Keep Their Colour
Preserve more of your flowers’ colour and shape with practical tips for silica gel, air drying and pressing.
Astrid van Essen
5 min read
How to Make Potpourri: A Dried Garden in a Bowl
Arrange whole dried roses, petals and leaves into a beautiful bowl of potpourri, with an optional gentle scent.
Astrid van Essen
5 min read
How to Make Scented Pinecones Naturally for Autumn and Christmas
Learn how to clean, dry and scent pinecones for a simple natural autumn or Christmas decoration, with blend ideas and essential safety advice.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read
Thoughtful Christmas Gifts with Crystals for Healing — A Meaningful Way to Share Calm and Care
Discover thoughtful Christmas gift ideas using crystals for healing and natural herbs. From calming sachets to simmer blends, explore meaningful, mindful presents that nurture wellbeing and warmth.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read
How to Make Autumn Equinox Potpourri with Epsom Salt
Discover how to make Autumn Equinox Potpourri with Epsom Salt. Create a soulful, scented atmosphere with these easy, customisable blends.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read
Cute Travel Essentials: Mini Epsom Salt Potpourri with Essential Oils
Discover the ultimate travel essential: Mini Epsom Salt Potpourri. Perfect for freshening up on-the-go, this Mini Epsom Salt Potpourri is a must-have!
Astrid van Essen
3 min read
How to Make Potpourri: A Natural Way to Freshen Your Home
Discover how to make potpourri for a natural way to freshen your home. Learn simple steps to create your own potpourri and enhance your space.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read
Seasonal Epsom Salt Potpourri: 5 Botanical Styling Ideas
Five seasonal botanical styling ideas for decorative Epsom salt potpourri, from spring petals to autumn spice, with links to the full base method.
Astrid van Essen
2 min read
How to Display Epsom Salt Potpourri: Containers and Gift Ideas
Choose containers, protected surfaces and gift packaging for decorative Epsom salt potpourri. Practical placement advice without heating or bath reuse.
Astrid van Essen
2 min read
How to Make Potpourri: Dried Flowers, Herbs and Seasonal Blends
Make potpourri with fully dried flowers, herbs and citrus. A practical base recipe, seasonal ideas, storage advice and tips for refreshing the scent.
Astrid van Essen
2 min read
The Best Herbs & Flowers for Dried Potpourri (and How to Grow Them at Home)
Discover the best herbs and flowers for potpourri to fill your home with natural fragrance. Learn how to grow the best herbs and flowers for potpourri.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read
Mood-Based Simmer Pot Recipes: Natural Scents for Every Feeling
Discover how mood-based simmer pot recipes can naturally transform your home! Find classic, exotic, and creative simmer pot ideas to suit every feeling.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read
Create Your Personalised Stovetop Pot Pourri: Natural Scents for Unforgettable Moments
Discover how Personalised Stovetop Pot Pourri can create unforgettable moments with natural scents. Learn about crafting your unique potpourri today!
Astrid van Essen
2 min read
Seasonal Simmer Pot Recipes: Four Simple Blends
Four seasonal simmer pot recipes with clear quantities, water guidance and supervised hob instructions for gentle botanical home fragrance.
Astrid van Essen
2 min read
How to Dry Flowers for Potpourri and Botanical Crafts
Choose, harvest and dry flowers for potpourri or crafts. Compare air drying, pressing and silica gel, and learn how to store botanicals without damp.
Astrid van Essen
2 min read
Ditch the Detergent: Why Natural Home Fragrance Hacks Are the Safer Choice
Explore why Natural Home Fragrance hacks are the safer choice for a beautifully scented home. Discover Natural Home Fragrance alternatives today!
Astrid van Essen
4 min read
Epsom Salt Potpourri: 3 Fragrance and Botanical Pairings
Three floral, citrus and woody directions for decorative Epsom salt potpourri. Pair dried botanicals with a suitable fragrance and follow the base guide.
Astrid van Essen
1 min read
12 Sacred Herbs for Spiritual Bathing: Cleanse, Soothe & Uplift Mind and Body
Discover the power of Herbs for Spiritual Bathing. Cleanse, soothe, and uplift your mind and body with 12 sacred herbs for spiritual bathing.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read
10 Cocktail-Inspired Potpourri Blends for Summer Vibes
Discover 10 Cocktail-Inspired Potpourri Blends to infuse your home with summer vibes. Perfect for parties or gifts, these blends are a must-try!
Astrid van Essen
6 min read
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