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Health and Beauty

How to make a Christmas pomander

This festive decoration will add a splash of colour and a sweet spicy scent to your home. By Eve Pertile

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Hang pomanders in doorways, on mantelpieces, from your Christmas tree or simply place several in a bowl. Here's how to create your own.

You will need

● Citrus fruit (unbruised) such as a tangerine, orange, lemon and lime
● Skewer or toothpick
● Ribbon for hanging
● Masking tape
● Paper bag or tissue paper
● 1½ tsp each ground nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves or 1 tbsp of allspice (per pomander)
● 1 tsp ground orris root per pomander (optional, but helps preserve the fruit)
● Few handfuls of cloves per pomander
● PVA glue or pin

Using masking tape, mark out the space on the fruit where the ribbon will be tied (you'll need ribbon if hanging the pomander).

To make it easier to insert cloves into the fruit and to prevent your fingers becoming sore, use a toothpick or skewer to lightly pierce its skin. Make holes in vertical lines around the circumference of the fruit. Your cloves should be close but not touching. If you're feeling creative, you can make more interesting patterns but the aim is to cover the fruit with cloves as completely as possible. (Try to use cloves with the heads still on as it will look prettier).

Combine the ground spices and roll the fruit in them before placing it in a paper bag or wrapping in tissue paper.

Store in a dark, dry place for at least four weeks. Check it every now and again to make sure it is still in good condition and drying well.

Your pomander will be ready when it has shrunk and feels light and hollow. If hanging, wrap a ribbon around the space you've left, securing it with glue or a pin. It is now ready to display.