My Top 3 Holiday Simmer Scents to Make Your Home Feel Like Magic — Including a Signature Pacific Northwest Blend

My favoirte Holiday Simmer Scent Recipes (and How to Turn Them Into Cocktail Magic!)

Can you believe it? Our final Old West Side Social of the year just wrapped up.  I’m still smiling thinking about the conversations, the cozy atmosphere, and the faces—both familiar and new—that make this neighborhood feel like one big, warm family. Thank you for showing up and closing out 2025 exactly the way the Old West Side does best: connected, joyful, and full of heart.

So many of you asked for the simmer-blend recipes you sampled, so here’s the official lineup. These are my top three — simple, fragrant, wildly festive — and yes… every single one doubles as a cocktail infuser.Before we dive in, here’s a quick rundown of the beautiful ingredients you’ll be using.

🌿 Why These Ingredients Matter

CINNAMON — Naturally warming, boosts mood, and creates that classic holiday-lodge aroma.
ORANGES — Cleanses the air, brightens the home, adds a crisp citrus note.
STAR ANISE — Gourmet, nostalgic, and known for calming the senses.
WHITE CLOVES — Bright, subtly spicy, and deeply aromatic — they elevate every blend with a smoother, lighter clove warmth.
PEARS — Soft, sweet, elegant — perfect for infusions and subtle fragrance.
APPLES — Comforting, classic, and beautifully aromatic.

✨ RECIPE 1:  Signature Scent

Cozy • Bright • Crowd Favorite

• 2 orange slices
• 2 apple slices
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 white cloves
• 1 star anise
• A splash of vanilla

Cocktail Infuser:
Add to a mason jar with bourbon or vodka. Steep 24–48 hours. Shake. Serve. Instant holiday magic.

✨ RECIPE 2: Winter Pear & Spice

Elegant • Smooth • Unexpected

• 4 pear slices
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 star anise
• Fresh rosemary sprig
• 3–4 white cloves
• A little ginger

Infuser Upgrade:
White wine or light rum turns this into a grown-up pear cider moment.

✨ RECIPE 3: Cranberry Orange Holiday Glow

Festive • Sweet • Vibrant

• Handful of cranberries
• 2 orange slices
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise
• 2–3 white cloves
• Pinch of nutmeg

Infuser Idea:
Drop into prosecco or mulled wine. It gives the most gorgeous holiday-red hue.

✨ A Holiday Wellness Ritual to Carry With You

As the gorgeous fragrance drifts through your home, simmering potpourri becomes more than a scent — it becomes a full-body wellness ritual. One that softens the edges of the day, slows your pace, and invites you into something more intentional. Cinnamon and white cloves gently warm the body and ease tension. Fresh oranges release bright citrus oils that cleanse the air and spark energy. Star anise grounds the mind with calm and clarity, while pears and apples layer in that nostalgic, heart-deep comfort that makes your home feel safe, cozy, and protected from the world outside.

And here’s the true magic: as these ingredients warm on your stovetop, they actually shift the energy of your space. The air feels lighter. Your mood lifts. Your nervous system exhales. Even your guests feel it the moment they walk through the door — that instant “whatever this is, I never want to leave” feeling.

Let this be your holiday wellness ritual.
A quiet moment where the noise fades, the chaos settles, the house feels alive, and you feel anchored again. In a season that moves fast, this simple tradition invites you to slow down, breathe deeper, savor what’s right in front of you, and fill your home — and your heart — with warmth, clarity, and joy.

Enjoy. 

✨ SPREAD THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT — NOMINATE A NEIGHBOR

With your home now wrapped in that warm, elegant holiday fragrance, it feels like the perfect moment to let that same magic spill outward. Because here’s the truth: the Old West Side — and our friends in Kalama — shine their brightest when we show up for each other. And if you’re anything like me, you can probably think of that one neighbor who deserves a little extra sparkle this season.

Maybe it’s the quiet helper.
Maybe it’s the porch-waver.
Maybe it’s the one who shows up with a casserole when life gets messy.

If someone just came to mind, nominate them. They just need to live locally, and it takes about 20 seconds to drop a little joy into their day. One tiny gesture… one unforgettable smile.

Click here to nominate a neighbor

🎁 Winner announced December 20th on our Facebook page.

Cheers to the Holidays — and I’ll See You in 2026

This year has been full of connection, growth, porch presents, socials, and so much community heart. Thank you for showing up, participating, and making the Old West Side feel like the warmest corner of Longview.

Wishing you the coziest season — and I’ll see you next year. ❤️

💡 Thinking About Selling?

If you’ve been wondering what your Old West Side home might be worth — or whether a quiet, off-market sale might be the right fit — let’s talk.
Your home deserves more than a listing; it deserves a plan.

Gena Graham | HOME REAL ESTATE
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Expert
Community • Lifestyle • Philanthropy

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Kalama, Longview, Ridgefield, or anywhere across Southwest Washington, I’d love to help. I’m Gena Graham — your Realtor, neighbor, and Old West Side expert — and I believe the same heart we put into giving back to our community should go into every single real estate transaction.

Because when you love where you live, the results always speak for themselves. 💛

📲 Call or text me anytime at 360.431.5773  or book an appointment below— let’s find your next home, or sell your current one, while continuing to build this incredible community together.

Click here to book a discovery call 🏡

I’m officially a fan—show me the goods (aka your website)! 🏡💻

Gena Graham is a leading real estate expert in Southwest Washington, specializing in luxury homes and waterfront properties throughout Kalama, Camas, and Ridgefield. With over 10 years of experience and countless happy clients, she's your guide to finding the perfect home in SW Washington's dynamic market.

Legal Disclaimer;Every home is unique. The marketing plan, pricing strategy, and listing timeline referenced above are examples of one personalized launch designed for a specific property. Marketing results and buyer response will vary depending on property condition, market conditions, location, and pricing. No two listings are marketed the same. All marketing plans are custom-built based on your home’s features, goals, and ideal buyer. For a tailored strategy built specifically for your property, contact me directly to schedule a consultation.

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