If Christmas had an old-fashioned kitchen fragrance, orange and clove might be it. Orange is bright, fresh, and slightly sweet. Clove is dark, spicy, and warm. Put them together and something wonderful happens.
The Traditional Christmas Orange
Fresh oranges were once a treasured winter treat, particularly in places where citrus fruit wasn't readily available. Receiving an orange in a Christmas stocking might seem simple today, but generations ago it could be something genuinely special.
That tradition still survives in many families.
Oranges also found their way into decorations, garlands, drinks, and holiday recipes.
Christmas Pomanders
One of the prettiest ways to combine orange and clove is by making a pomander. Simply press whole cloves into an orange, creating stripes, swirls, stars, or other patterns. That's it.
Place the finished oranges in a bowl or incorporate them into a centerpiece with evergreen branches, pinecones, and cinnamon sticks. They're beautiful, natural, and wonderfully fragrant.
Try a Christmas Simmer Pot
Orange and clove also make the perfect foundation for a simmer pot.
Add orange slices and whole cloves to water, then toss in cinnamon sticks, cranberries, apple slices, or star anise. Let everything gently simmer. Before long, the house smells as if Christmas itself has been cooking in the kitchen.
A Simple Kind of Christmas
There's something appealing about decorating with things people might have used generations ago. Fruit. Spices. Greenery. Pinecones. Nothing complicated.
Orange and clove remind us that Christmas doesn't have to come from a box marked "holiday décor." Sometimes the prettiest—and best-smelling—decorations are already waiting in the kitchen.
Here are more pretty Christmas ideas from talented artists:
Handmade Lampwork Glass Beads, Halloween Cool Orange
Handcrafted Repurposed Orange Statement Bib Necklace
Orange And Gray Large Jasper Gemstone Pendant
Copper Cat & Merlin Mouse by Johanna Parker
Autumn Pumpkin So Thankful for You Gift Tags
Florida Oranges 5 x 7 note card watercolor print
Mediterranean Coastal Style Decor
Boho Folk Art Women Earrings
Aventurine Necklace and Bracelet in Orange Hues
Life Is Sweeter in Florida Blank Notecard Set
Here are some more places to shop:
Countdown to Christmas 2026 Week 1
Countdown to Christmas 2026 Week 2
Countdown to Christmas 2026 Week 3
Countdown to Christmas 2026 Week 4
Countdown to Christmas 2026 Week 5
And here
Scents of Christmas - Cinnamon
Scents of Christmas - Fresh Pine
Scents of Christmas - Peppermint
Scents of Christmas - Gingerbread
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Julie and the Hairy Harry Dog.
I love how something as simple as oranges and cloves can bring back that old-fashioned Christmas feeling! Such a lovely tradition. Thank you so much, Julie, for sharing another wonderful Christmas post and including my Autumn Pumpkin Thanksgiving Tags. Off to share!
Thank you very much, Julie for including my repurposed orange statement necklace in your lovely post! Sharing.
Thanks Julie, promoted all scheduled throughout the night.
My favorite orange and clove memory is the smell of Hot Totti mix in a hot cup of water for those freezing Midwest winter days. We kids would get our own cups (no alcohol) and the adults would have a much more warming version. <3
Thank you Julie and Harry. I enjoyed your article on orange and cloves. Can’t wait to make it again. Thank you for including my orange lampwork beads in your collection.
I can smell the scents now … it’s so refreshing. Thanks for including my napkins. Pinned & tweeted all.