I was recently watching Little Women and during the Christmas scene saw them making orange pomanders! I’ve made these years ago, but I thought it’d be fun to make an orange clove pomander topiary since it is such a stunning centerpiece for Christmas. It smells amazing and you can get the main supplies at the grocery store!

how to make an orange clove pomander topiary

the history of orange clove pomanders

Pomanders date back to the Middle Ages, when they were used as fragrant balls made from aromatic herbs, spices, and resins encased in metal or cloth. People believed they warded off illness and bad smells, serving as an early form of aromatherapy.

By the 17th century, pomanders evolved into decorative items for homes, with citrus fruits and cloves becoming popular for their pleasing scent and symbolism of abundance and health. The pomanders were used to cover up bad smells, but usually it was the wealthy could acquire the oranges.

Today, pomanders are cherished as natural, timeless holiday decorations. Plus they’re the perfect cozy craft! Let’s get started on making these!

SUPPLIES

Fresh oranges (I went for the cutie size for my project)
Whole cloves
Ribbon (in coordinating holiday colors)
A small floral foam cone (sized to fit your planter. I got a 9″ tall one)
Wooden dowel or skewer (long enough to fit securely in the planter)
Decorative planter or pot (weighted for stability if needed)
Faux flowers or greenery for filler (optional)

step 1- Prepare the Oranges

To Begin, Prepare the Oranges:

Wash and dry your oranges to remove any residue. This ensures the cloves adhere better and prevents mold.
Decide on your patterns before you begin. Common designs include stripes, spirals, or evenly spaced polka dots. It’s fun to come up with different patterns! An initial would also be beautiful.
Use a toothpick or skewer to pre-poke small holes where you want to place the cloves. This makes it easier to insert the cloves and avoids breaking them.

Tip: For an easier alternative, wrap a rubber band around the orange as a guide to keep lines straight. Or draw a pattern directly onto the orange skin

step 2- Insert the Cloves

Next, Insert the Cloves:

Push a clove into each pre-poked hole until only the bud is visible. Space them evenly for a neat look.

Cover as much or as little of the orange as you like. A fully covered orange creates a stronger fragrance, while partial designs are quicker to make.

Tip: If inserting cloves starts to hurt your fingers, wear a thimble or use a small tool to push them in.

step 3- Prepare the Topiary Base

And now, Prepare the Topiary Base:

Attach the floral foam cone to the wooden dowel or skewer.
Insert the skewer firmly into your planter, ensuring the foam cone is centered and the structure is steady. Add extra weight to the planter with pebbles or sand if necessary. My planter has dirt already in it so I left that to stabilize the topiary.

Tip: Choose a planter that complements your holiday theme and decor.

step 4- Attach the Oranges

Finally, Attach the Oranges:

Use a skewer in the back of the orange to attach it to the foam cone.

Note, I tried tying a little bow to each orange, but they got lost in the next step so I just ended up removing them.
Attach each orange to the foam cone, spacing them evenly.

When I got 10 oranges attached to the foam cone, I decided I liked the look. So I cut off the top of the cone and finished it there.

Add Finishing decorations

Put a velvet bow on the top of the topiary. Use hot glue to attach it.

Use sprigs of fresh greenery like holly, cedar, or pine to fill gaps. I’m using faux flowers in the gaps between the oranges. Secure them by sticking their stems directly into the floral foam or attaching them with hot glue.

after

Here is the finished up orange clove pomander topiary! It looks so festive!

And omg, my kitchen smells so good! The aroma is heavenly- which is definitely my favorite part.

I love that this is a vintage inspired craft that’s easy to make and the scent is natural and amazing.

How Long Do Pomanders Last?

The lifespan of your orange clove pomander depends on several factors, including humidity and air circulation. If kept in a cool, dry space, they can last several weeks to a few months. Over time, the oranges will naturally dry and shrink. To prolong their life, avoid placing them in direct sunlight or damp areas.

Why Make an Orange Clove Pomander Topiary?

This DIY project combines beauty, tradition, and practicality. The natural fragrance doubles as a festive air freshener, while the topiary itself makes a lovely centerpiece or gift. Plus, creating one is a fun and festive activity to enjoy with loved ones.

price breakdown

I spent $5 on oranges, $4 on whole cloves, and $4 on the foam cone. Everything else I had on hand. So that’s a $13 craft!

In conclusion, I’m so happy with how this turned out! Honestly, creating an orange clove pomander topiary is so fun to make and it really brings holiday cheer with the smell. Would you make this? I think it’d be fun to create with kids too!

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