Clove pomanders: an old-fashioned festive delight
Clove pomanders: an old-fashioned festive delight
There is something quietly special about the scent of oranges and cloves drifting through a room. Clove pomanders are an old-fashioned herbal craft that is simple to make and lovely to create with friends or family.
These scented decorations are made from whole clove buds pressed into fresh fruit, usually oranges. They are wonderfully fragrant and make a thoughtful gift. Gather a few in bowls around the house to add a real festive-season aroma, or hang them in windows or on your tree.
In a hurry?
Stud a fresh orange with whole cloves in any pattern you like, roll it in warm spices, then leave it to dry for a couple of weeks. You will have a beautifully scented pomander that lasts for the season.
What you will need
- Fruit – oranges work beautifully, but you can also use grapefruit, lemons or apples. Choose firm, good-looking fruit.
- Whole clove buds – around 28 g of cloves for each piece of fruit (this will depend on the size of your fruit).
- Powdered spices (optional) – these help preserve your pomander and deepen the scent. Think cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom and ground clove, plus a little orris root (Rhizoma Iridis) if you have it.
- A skewer or small nail – to make holes in your fruit for the cloves.
- Ribbon – for hanging your pomanders, unless you are placing them into a bowl.
How to make your clove pomanders
Step 1: Prepare your fruit
- Poke small holes into the fruit where you would like to place the cloves, using a skewer, toothpick or small nail.
- Create a pattern with the holes and cloves – stripes, zigzags, spirals, stars, or cover the entire fruit by placing the cloves close together. The better the coverage, the better your pomander will preserve.
- Press in the cloves, pushing a clove firmly into each hole so it sits securely against the fruit.
- Add a ribbon once you are happy with your design. Tie it around the fruit for hanging, or simply leave the pomander plain if you plan to display it in a bowl.
Drying and preserving your pomanders
- Mix your spices in a shallow bowl: a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom and ground clove works well. Add about 1 teaspoon of orris root if you are using it.
- Roll the pomander in the mixture, completely covering the outside of the fruit with the powdered spices.
- Leave to dry for a couple of weeks to make your pomander last longer. Keep it in the bowl with the spices and toss gently every day, turning so all sides get good air circulation.
- Alternatively, dry in a paper bag. Place the pomander and spices in the bag and give it a gentle shake each day to move the spices around.
- Tap your clove pomander occasionally – you will know it is fully dry when it makes a hollow sound.
Good to know
- Because pomanders are made from real fruit, they will gradually darken as they dry. This is normal.
- If you notice any soft, mouldy spots, compost the pomander and make a fresh one.
- Orris root is a natural fixative that helps the fragrance last longer, but your pomanders will still be beautiful without it.
How to enjoy your clove pomanders
- Gather several pomanders in a bowl as a natural festive centrepiece.
- Hang them in windows, on door handles or on your tree for gentle wafts of warm, spicy scent.
- Tuck one into a wardrobe or linen cupboard to add a soft, cosy fragrance.
- Wrap a dried pomander in tissue paper and give it as a simple, heartfelt seasonal gift.
Who this is perfect for
- Anyone who loves natural, low-waste festive decorations.
- Families looking for a simple, hands-on craft to do together.
- Hosts who want to add a gentle, welcoming scent to their home.
- Friends who appreciate slow, thoughtful handmade gifts.
Clove pomanders are a lovely reminder that some of the most beautiful seasonal rituals use the simplest ingredients. Take your time, breathe in the scent of citrus and spice, and enjoy creating something naturally special for your home.