Make Your Own Pomander Balls
When I lived in Southern California, I was lucky enough to have citrus trees growing right in my backyard. Every Christmas we would create pomander balls from the trees' harvest. It is a lovely tradition that I have kept alive despite now living in the Northeast.
Pomander balls have a rich history dating back to the 1300s. Over the years, pomander balls have been used to ward off infection and have been hung in closets to curtail moths. They were also popular Christmas and New Year's gifts of yesteryear. Pomander balls are a wonderful, easy holiday craft to make with the entire family. Once studded with cloves, some people even preserve them for year round use with a spice mixture that includes orris root, cinnamon, cloves and oils. These preserving recipes are available online.
For a fabulous Christmas centerpiece, display the pomander balls with fresh greenery.
Supply List:
- Citrus fruits - oranges, lemons, grapefruits, limes
- Toothpicks
- Whole cloves
- Greenery for display
See the photo gallery below for step-by-step instructions.
