Christmas decoration idea : Oranges with Cloves

Here’s an idea for a Christmas decoration that will perfume your home: oranges decorated with cloves! Not only do they look great, but they’re also great to make with kids or just over a glass of mulled wine and some Christmas music!

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Where does the tradition of pomanders or oranges decorated with cloves come from?

These oranges decorated with cloves are also called pomanders or pommes d’ambre in French. This is a traditional Christmas decoration dating back to the Middle Ages. The scent of oranges and cloves were used to ward off evil spirits and to stay healthy.

Today, this tradition has been somewhat lost. Too bad, because it’s a great activity to do with the kids before the holidays.

How to decorate oranges with cloves?

There are several methods for decorating oranges with cloves.

The skin of oranges is relatively thick, so you can :

• either remove the zest of the orange to prick only in the white part called ziste which is thinner (the method I chose).
• or prick directly into the orange. In this case, I advise you to pre-prick the orange with a large needle or a toothpick before inserting the clove, as it might otherwise break.

To remove the peel, I use the channel knive of Triangle (see picture below). With this tool, it is super easy to vary the patterns: stripes, stars, circles, squares etc.

My tip: Make candied orange peel with the remaining peelings. Or let them infuse in hot water, with cloves and/or tea. This will make a perfect Christmas tea!

More Christmas recipes

• Dried Oranges and Lemons (homemade)
• Christmas chocolate cookies
• Vanillekipferl or vanilla crescent biscuits

Christmas decoration idea : Oranges with Cloves

Equipment

• 5 or more oranges
• 50 g cloves
• 1 peeler

Preparation

Wash the oranges and dry them well.

Draw lines in the oranges using the peel. Alternate between the patterns.

Prick the oranges with the cloves.

Let these Christmas oranges dry naturally. To do this, place them in a dry, warm room (your living room, for example!).

Find this recipe on video!

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Christmas decoration idea : Oranges with Cloves

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Here’s an idea for a Christmas decoration that will perfume your home: oranges decorated with cloves! Not only do they look great, but they’re also great to make with kids or just over a glass of mulled wine and some Christmas music! 

Print recipe Rate Save

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Kitchen equipment

• 1 peeler

Ingredients 

1x2x3x

• 5 oranges or more
• 50 g cloves

Instructions 

1. Wash the oranges and dry them well.
2. Draw lines in the oranges using the peel. Alternate between the patterns.
3. Prick the oranges with the cloves.
4. Let these Christmas oranges dry naturally. To do this, place them in a dry, warm room (your living room, for example!).

Video