Some Christmas traditions never go out of style, and orange and clove pomanders are one of my favourites.

The combination of fresh citrus and warming cloves instantly fills your home with the unmistakable scent of Christmas. They’re wonderfully simple to make, require just a handful of ingredients and create beautiful handmade decorations that can be displayed throughout the festive season.

Whether you remember making pomanders as a child or you’re introducing the tradition to your own family for the first time, this is one of those slow Christmas activities that brings everyone together around the kitchen table.

How to Make Orange and Cloves Pomanders – a simple Christmas craft for kids.

These simple yet pretty little decorations are perfect for little hands to make and are a lovely tradition to start as a family.  Both of my children (5 and almost 3) were able to make these with little or no help (I helped to secure the ribbons) and we have lots of festive fun doing this activity together.

What you need:

• oranges or clementines – we used clementines as the are easier for younger children to handle
• whole cloves
• sparkly pins (optional)
• ribbon

What you do:

• secure a ribbon around the orange or clementine as shown in the pictures.
• to stop the ribbon slipping while Doodles (5) and Oodles (2) were inserting the cloves I secured it with a pin at the top where the ribbon crosses over.
• insert the cloves along each edge of the ribbon. Alternatively insert cloves all over the orange skin between each ribbon, the cloves can be a little sore on little fingers so it may be easier for younger children to just push them into the orange along the ribbon edge.
• to add a little sparkle or more colour, alternate cloves with pins.
• display in a bowl or basket or hang from twigs or Christmas tree.

Ways to Use Pomanders and Dried Orange Slices at Christmas

Once your orange slices are completely dry, there are so many lovely ways to use them around your home. Their warm colour, natural texture and gentle citrus scent make them perfect for simple, traditional Christmas decorating.

One of the things I love most about dried orange slices is just how versatile they are. With their rich golden colour, delicate citrus scent and natural beauty, they add warmth to almost any Christmas decoration. Whether your style is simple and rustic or traditional and festive, they’re an easy way to bring a little piece of nature indoors.

Decorate Your Home

• Add them to Christmas wreaths
• Thread them into natural garlands
• Hang them as Christmas tree ornaments
• Arrange them along a mantel display
• Add them to bowls of festive potpourri

Add a Handmade Touch

• Use them as natural gift tags
• Tie them around napkins for Christmas dinner
• Add them to festive table settings
• Decorate Christmas candles and lanterns
• Include them in handmade gifts

Try combining dried orange slices with cinnamon sticks, pinecones, evergreen foliage, velvet ribbon or natural twine for a beautifully simple country Christmas look.

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✨ New for Christmas 2026

If you love creating a slow, handmade Christmas, I’ve added a beautiful collection of free Christmas printables to help you enjoy the season even more.

One of my favourites is the Christmas Crafts Companion, filled with gentle planning pages, nature-inspired craft ideas, handmade decoration inspiration and keepsake pages for recording your favourite festive projects.

It’s the perfect companion to this dried orange slice tutorial, giving you a place to gather ideas, plan future craft projects and preserve the traditions that make your Christmas unique.

You can download the Christmas Crafts Companion free here

LITTLE CHRISTMAS TRADITION

One of the loveliest things about pomanders is that no two ever look exactly alike.

Some families create neat geometric patterns, while others simply fill the fruit with cloves as they chat around the table. Years later, it’s often these small handmade decorations that become the memories we treasure most.

Beautiful yet so so simple!

Have lots of festive fun!

Ciara x

FAQ

What is a pomander?

A pomander is an orange (or other citrus fruit) studded with whole cloves. Traditionally they were made to perfume the home and today they’re a much-loved handmade Christmas decoration.

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How long do pomanders last?

If kept somewhere cool and dry, they gradually dry out and can last for many weeks throughout the Christmas season.

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Can children make pomanders?

Yes. They’re a wonderful Christmas craft for children, although younger children may find it easier if an adult makes small holes with a cocktail stick before inserting the cloves.

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Can I use clementines?

Absolutely. Smaller citrus fruit are often easier for little hands to hold and decorate.

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Can I add ribbon?

Yes. Ribbon not only looks beautiful but also allows the finished pomanders to be hung on the Christmas tree or around the home.

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Where can I find more handmade Christmas ideas?

Download the free Christmas Crafts Companion for more festive craft inspiration, planners and keepsake pages.

Explore the Christmas Collection Further

If you’ve enjoyed this printable, I’d love to invite you to explore the rest of our growing Christmas Companion Library. Each beautifully illustrated collection has been thoughtfully designed to help you create a calmer, more organised and more meaningful festive season. Whether you’re planning Christmas, preparing festive meals, embracing Advent, slowing down to savour the season or making magical family memories, there’s a companion waiting for you.

Explore the collection: Christmas Printables Hub, Free Christmas Planner Companion, Christmas Kitchen Companion, Christmas Eve Companion, Christmas Bucket List Companion, Slow Christmas Companion and Advent Companion

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Christmas companion free to download?
Yes! This printable companion is completely free to download and print for personal use.

What are the terms of use for these printables?
Our printables are created for personal use and enjoyment. Please don’t sell, share or redistribute the printable files themselves — you’re always very welcome to share a link to the original page instead. You can read our full Printable Terms of Use here.

What size are the printables?
All pages are designed in A4 format and print beautifully at home. Most printers can also scale them to US Letter if needed.

Can I print just one page instead of the whole companion?
Absolutely. You can print the entire companion or simply choose the pages you’ll use most.

How can I use this Christmas companion?
Many readers keep the pages in a Christmas binder or seasonal planner, while others print individual pages for the fridge, family noticeboard or kitchen.

Are there more Christmas printables available?
Yes! Visit our Christmas Printables Hub to explore the growing Christmas Companion Library, including planners, kitchen companions, bucket lists, Advent printables, Slow Christmas resources and more.

Can I share these printables?
You’re very welcome to share a link to this page with friends and family, but please don’t redistribute the PDF itself. That helps support Our Little House in the Country and keeps these printables free.

🖨️ Create Your Christmas Companion Binder

If you’re planning to print several of our Christmas companions, a few simple supplies can make it easy to create your own beautiful Christmas binder to enjoy year after year.

(This section contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Our Little House in the Country.)

• 📗 A4 Display Book
• 📁 A4 Ring Binder
• 📄 Plastic Document Wallets
• 📎 Adjustable Hole Punch
• 🖊️ Fine-liner Pens
• 📑 Divider Tabs

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