Few winter traditions feel as quietly comforting as making pomanders. With just oranges, whole cloves, and a bit of time, this centuries-old craft brings fragrance, beauty, and a sense of calm into the home. Pomanders are simple by design, yet deeply tied to holiday rituals, seasonal decorating, and the idea of making a home feel warm and cared for during the darkest months of the year.

In a season often filled with noise and excess, pomanders offer something slower and more tactile—a reminder that small, handmade details can still carry meaning.

The History of Pomanders

Pomanders date back to medieval Europe, where they were valued as fragrant objects long before modern air fresheners or perfumes existed. Early pomanders were often small metal containers filled with aromatic substances and worn or carried to mask unpleasant odors and, according to belief at the time, protect against illness.

Over time, the practice evolved into something more accessible and domestic. Citrus fruits—particularly oranges—became the natural vessel of choice. Studded with cloves, these fragrant orbs were easier to make at home and served the same purpose: scenting personal spaces and adding warmth to indoor environments.

What began as a practical solution eventually became a seasonal tradition, especially associated with winter holidays, when fresh greenery and natural fragrance were used to brighten closed-up homes.

Why Pomanders Are Traditionally Made with Oranges

Oranges aren’t just traditional by chance—they’re uniquely suited to pomander-making.

The peel contains natural oils that release a bright, citrusy scent when pierced. Cloves, with their warm, spicy aroma, nestle into the peel and slowly draw moisture from the fruit as it dries. Together, the two create a balanced fragrance that feels distinctly wintery without being overpowering.

Oranges also hold their shape well as they dry, shrinking gradually rather than collapsing. This makes them ideal for both decorative use and long-term storage, especially compared to softer or thinner-skinned fruits.

How Traditional Pomanders Are Made

At its core, making a pomander is a slow, deliberate process. The orange peel is gently pierced, and whole cloves are pressed into the surface one by one. Some people space the cloves evenly across the entire fruit, while others create simple patterns—lines, spirals, or sections divided by ribbon.

This isn’t a craft meant to be rushed. The repetitive motion encourages you to slow down, making pomanders particularly well suited for quiet afternoons, family gatherings, or evenings by the fire. It’s as much about the experience as the finished result.

Common traditional approaches include:

• Covering the entire orange in evenly spaced cloves
• Creating vertical lines with ribbon in between
• Forming simple geometric or floral patterns

Each pomander ends up slightly different, which is part of the charm.

Fresh Pomanders vs. Dried Pomanders

Pomanders change significantly over time, and understanding the difference between fresh and dried versions helps you decide how to use them.

Fresh pomanders

• Have a brighter, juicier citrus scent
• Are best used for short-term display
• Work well in bowls, on tables, or as temporary decor

Dried pomanders

• Develop a deeper, warmer fragrance as moisture evaporates
• Shrink slightly and become firm to the touch
• Can last for months when properly dried

Historically, dried pomanders were preferred because they could be stored and reused throughout the winter season, making them both practical and economical.

Using Pomanders Around the Home

Pomanders are wonderfully versatile and fit easily into many areas of the home, especially during winter when spaces tend to feel more enclosed.

They can be:

• Hung from ribbon in windows, doorways, or closets
• Displayed in bowls or trays on entry tables and mantels
• Tucked into drawers, linen closets, or pantries
• Added to wreaths or garlands for scent as well as texture

Because they don’t rely on flame or electricity, pomanders are a gentle way to add fragrance to spaces where candles aren’t practical.

Pomanders as Part of Holiday Traditions

For many families, pomanders are tied to memory as much as scent. They’re often made alongside children, grandparents, or friends, becoming part of a shared seasonal ritual.

Pomanders can also play a role in holiday decorating:

• Hung as simple ornaments on a Christmas tree
• Used as place-setting accents at a winter table
• Tied onto gift packages as a natural embellishment

Because they’re handmade, they naturally slow the pace of holiday preparation, encouraging intention rather than perfection.

Variations on the Traditional Pomander

While oranges remain the classic choice, other citrus fruits can be used sparingly as variations.

Mandarins and clementines offer a sweeter, lighter scent but dry more quickly due to their thinner skins. Grapefruits are larger and more dramatic but take longer to dry and produce a more subtle fragrance.

These alternatives can be interesting to experiment with, but the traditional orange-and-clove combination remains the most reliable for both scent and longevity.

Tips for Longevity and Care

To help pomanders last:

• Allow them to dry slowly in a cool, well-ventilated space
• Turn them occasionally during the first week
• Avoid sealing them in airtight containers while drying

If a pomander develops mold, it’s best to discard it. Once fully dried, store pomanders in a breathable container or display them openly to enjoy their fragrance.

Over time, the scent will fade, but the pomander can still be kept as a decorative object long after its fragrance has softened.

Pomanders are a reminder that some of the most enduring traditions are also the simplest. With little more than an orange and a handful of cloves, you can create something that scents your home, marks the season, and connects you to generations of winter rituals.

In the quiet months when we spend more time indoors, these small, handmade touches help make a home feel warmer, calmer, and more intentional—exactly what winter calls for.