DIY Orange Pomanders and Natural Citrus Garland Decor

Rustic Christmas Crafts with Florida Oranges

This holiday season, why not bring a touch of natural elegance and festive fragrance into your home with DIY orange pomanders and dried citrus garlands? These traditional decorations not only add charm and warmth to your holiday décor, but they also fill your space with the sweet, spicy scent of Florida oranges and cloves—bringing back nostalgic Christmas memories or creating new ones.

These crafts are easy, fun, and eco-friendly, using nothing more than fresh oranges, whole cloves, and a few simple tools. They make wonderful gifts, centerpieces, or accents for your Christmas tree or mantel.

How to Make Orange Pomanders

Materials Needed:

• Fresh Florida oranges

• Whole cloves

• A toothpick or skewer

• Ribbon (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Choose firm Florida oranges — the fresher and firmer, the better, as they’ll last longer.

2. Use a toothpick to poke holes in your desired design (lines, spirals, dots, or even stars).

3. Push whole cloves into each hole. The more cloves you use, the more fragrant your pomander will be.

4. Once decorated, you can leave the orange to dry naturally on a windowsill or hang it using ribbon. After a few days, the fruit will dry out and shrink slightly, preserving its scent and beauty for weeks.

Pro tip: Roll the orange in a spice mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice after adding the cloves to boost the aroma and help the drying process.

How to Make a Dried Orange Slice Garland

Materials Needed:

• Fresh Florida oranges

• Sharp knife

• Baking sheet and parchment paper

• Twine or string

• Large sewing needle or hot glue gun

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).

2. Slice Florida oranges into 1/4-inch rounds, removing seeds and excess moisture with a paper towel.

3. Place slices on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 3–4 hours, flipping every hour until completely dried.

4. Let them cool. Then thread them onto twine using a large needle, spacing them out evenly.

5. Optional: Add accents like cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, or star anise between slices for a rustic, festive look.

Hang your citrus garland along a banister, over a fireplace, or around the Christmas tree for a warm and handmade holiday touch.

A Tradition Worth Keeping

These orange crafts are more than just beautiful decorations—they’re a way to slow down, enjoy the season, and create with your hands. Whether you’re decorating your own home or crafting gifts for loved ones, Florida oranges bring natural brightness and aroma to every project.

For fresh, premium Florida oranges perfect for crafting and eating, visit floridaorange.com.

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