Orange and clove pomanders

Oranges or even Satsuma’s and clementine’s remind me of Christmas all year round, maybe it’s because I used to get a Satsuma in my stocking when I was little.  Or it could just be that I love the sweet smell that accompanies cloves and cinnamon each year.  Either way the orange has played a significant part in Christmas as I have been using it in many different ways.  You may or may not remember that I made my first batch of soap thanks to Kirstie Allsopp and her amazing craft book.  I chose to scent them with Orange and Cinnamon which turned out really well and they look fab wrapped up in cellophane and ribbon.   I have also had a go at drying slices of orange out to decorate gifts and such.  This was so easy to do and it’s a cheap way of making things look pretty.   My favourite thing to make at Christmas is Orange and Clove pomanders, place them in your fruit bowl or hang them from ribbon.  They smell amazing and will fill your room with their festive scent.

You will need;

Oranges

Cloves

Pin

Tissue

Ribbon

Take your orange and attach the ribbon by tying it around twice(see pictures).  Now starting at the top of the orange where the skin is exposed; carefully insert a pin to make a very tiny hole.  Gently push a clove into the hole and repeat the step.  You can either be random and place your holes anywhere or stick to a design.  I like to keep them in a straight line as I find it easier and I’m quite fond of keeping things simple.