We often feel comfortable about the way an orange feels in your hands on a cold December afternoon.
The skin has that soft shine, the scent lifts before you even pierce it, and the cloves release a warm spice that settles into the whole room.
Christmas orange pomanders might seem small, but they carry a quiet kind of magic that lingers.
If you’re searching for a holiday project that feels nostalgic, smells heavenly, and doesn’t require anything complicated, this one fits beautifully.
Pomanders, which date back to medieval Europe, were originally used as protective charms, often filled with spices and herbs to ward off illness.
Over time, these little orbs made their way into holiday décor, becoming a beloved part of Christmas traditions.
Besides, oranges were a special treat back then, so using them in this craft made them even more meaningful.
The warmth of the clove and citrus combination has remained a timeless symbol of the season, with their soothing scent creating an inviting atmosphere in any room.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget the small joys of life, but making pomanders is a wonderful way to slow down and connect with the season.
The combination of citrus and spice makes them a perfect addition to any home, whether displayed on the tree, in a wreath, or just resting on a table.
They also make fantastic gifts. Their natural, warm fragrance lasts much longer than many other holiday scents, giving you weeks of that cozy, festive feeling.
Here’s everything you’ll need:
Tips: Firm oranges are important because they dry better and last longer. Soft oranges can spoil quickly or mold.
Before you start poking holes, take a moment to think about the design. You can go with classic stripes, spirals, or even a snowflake pattern.
If you prefer something simple, vertical lines always create a clean, neat look. If you’re in the mood for something more playful, let your imagination run wild.
Using a toothpick or skewer, gently poke small holes where you plan to place the cloves. You don’t need to go too deep, just enough to help the cloves stay in place.
This step is crucial for keeping your cloves from breaking or bending. Take your time, as this sets the foundation for your design.
Now comes the fun part! Start pressing the cloves into the holes, one at a time. The scent will hit you right away thanks to perfect combination of citrus and spice.
You can make each hole deep enough to secure the cloves firmly or leave them slightly poking out for a more textured look.
If you’d like to hang your pomander, now’s the time to tie a ribbon around it. You can use festive red, green, or natural twine to add a finishing touch.
Just tie a simple bow at the top or wrap it around a few times to secure it. If you prefer a more classic look, a plain ribbon works just as well.
For an added layer of fragrance, you can roll your pomander in ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or even extra cloves. This will give it a deeper, spicier scent while also helping to preserve it.
If you’re planning to give the pomanders as gifts, this little extra step makes them feel even more special.
Now, place your pomanders on a plate or in a well-ventilated area to dry for 3-5 days. Make sure to turn them regularly so air circulates evenly.
As they dry, the cloves become more firmly set in place, and the orange will shrink slightly, giving it a lovely, aged look.
The drying process allows the scent to deepen and linger longer.
Once your pomanders are ready, there are countless ways to incorporate them into your home décor. Here are a few ideas that never go out of style:
Hang them on the tree
Pomanders make beautiful ornaments. Their rich scent fills the room every time you walk by, making them a perfect addition to your tree.
Create a centerpiece
Place a few pomanders in the center of the dining table, or group them with candles and greenery for a charming holiday display.
Their natural look fits perfectly with rustic or farmhouse-style décor.
Hang them in the closet or pantry
Pomanders work wonders as air fresheners. Tuck one into your closet or pantry, and you’ll enjoy a subtle, festive scent every time you open the door.
Gift them
You can easily turn these pomanders into thoughtful gifts. Just add a little ribbon and maybe a personal note, they make a lovely, handmade present for neighbors or friends.
If you want your pomanders to last throughout the season, here are a few tips for preserving them:
With proper care, your pomanders can last anywhere from two weeks to a couple of months, filling your home with that signature holiday scent.
If pomanders get moldy too quickly happens, they probably didn’t have enough airflow during the drying process. You can try placing them in a drier, cooler spot and turning them more frequently.
Additionally, cloves fall out easily, you may have made the holes too large. Next time, use a smaller toothpick or skewer, and avoid poking the holes too deep.
Yes, but they won’t last as long. Oranges hold moisture better, which helps the pomanders keep their fragrance.
Depending on how you dry and store them, they can last anywhere from 2–6 weeks.
Absolutely! Just supervise with the skewer or toothpick, and they can enjoy pressing the cloves in and decorating.
Cloves naturally repel insects, so there’s no need to worry about bugs.
Refer to: Full Guide to Making Your Own Christmas Simmer Pot
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