As a child, my mum and I made pomanders out of oranges and cloves every year for Christmas. I love that smell, so spicy and Christmassy! So last weekend I put my kids to work. It kept them focussed and busy for quite some time!

It's such an easy and lovely project, great for all ages (even 19-month-old Ava liked to participate -- pulling the cloves out of the oranges).

There's nothing more to it than an orange, cloves and a wooden toothpick to make it easier to get the cloves in. You can make patterns or just let the kids go crazy -- it won't affect the scent of the pomanders. When finished, you can tie a ribbon around them and hang them somewhere decorative. Or, give them away as presents!

xxx Esther