Since I'm terrified of candles, and didn't have the ingredients on hand to make stovetop potpourri,
we made orange pomander balls this year to make our home smell Christmas-y.
(Although I'm sure the smell Mary, Joseph and Jesus had in the stable was more similar to the stench of rotting diapers that are sitting in our trash can outside...!)
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All you need is an orange and some whole cloves. Just push the cloves into the orange in whatever pattern you like! My fingers are calloused from bare-handed weed battles, but you may want to pre-prick some holes with a thimble to save your fingers some pain.
Push the clove in as gently as you can so the pretty star shape doesn't break!
You can cover the orange completely, create patterns, or just use a few cloves. Traditionally, pomander balls are rolled in a blend of cinnamon and orris root, then left to cure in a cool dark place for 2-3 weeks. I didn't do all that, since I just wanted it for a few weeks here at Christmas. Plus, I have a sinking feeling I can't buy orris root at my local grocery store!
Display your pomander ball in a bowl with additional oranges and pinecones, or tie a ribbon around it to hang from your tree. Mine is perched in a pale blue eggcup on my kitchen windowsill. Wherever you put it though, you will enjoy the beautiful spicy fragrance!
Oh, I love these! They make the house smell SOOOOO good! I usually pre-prick the oranges with a toothpick to try and avoid those sore finger tips! Thanks for reminding me of these - I'm going to do this and put one in each guest room! What a warm welcome that will be!
ReplyDeleteYou take me back, Hanni. We used to make clve oranges for presents when I was. Kid. Great scent but sore on the fingers!
ReplyDeleteOh! Thank you for this post! I completely forgot about these! My Grandma used to make them every single year and I loved how her house smelled! I must re-start the tradition!
ReplyDeleteI have everything on hand, too. Thank you for the suggestion - I'm going to make one.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely do this next week. It's a public holiday here on the 16th and that's usually my day for Xmas decorating!!! Can't wait....lol x
ReplyDeleteVery very cute! Love it!
ReplyDeleteI remember doing these as a kid...yours came out lovely for the tree..
ReplyDeleteHaha, I like the description of the true Christmas smell - I am well acquainted with that bag of diapers smell! :)
ReplyDeleteI remember making these as kids. Thanks for the reminder - it would be a great activity to do with the kids this Christmas. They smell so great, too!
They look so pretty, Hanni. What a nice way to bring in some fresh scent!
ReplyDeleteNot only is that a pretty look but the fragrance must be divine. Merry Christmas to you and yours Hanni.
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