This may be an old-fashioned idea, but it is still worth using over and over again as the scent is wonderful and lasts for months. If you have made pomanders before with oranges, why not try using lemons or limes? Another variation is to use bay leaves (see below).

You will need:
an unblemished citrus fruit
2 pieces of 1cm (1/2 inch) wide ribbon
needle
cloves
ribbon loop and bow
tassel (optional)

1. Starting at the top of the citrus fruit, take a 1cm (1/2 inch) wide piece of ribbon and pin it directly into the fruit. Take the ribbon around the fruit lengthways and pin it again at the top. Do the same thing with another piece of ribbon, running at a 45 degree angle to the first.

2. Now make a hole anywhere in the fruit with a needle and push a clove into the hole. Cover the fruit completely with cloves.

3. Pin a ribbon loop and bow on top of the fruit for hanging and add a tassel on the bottom if you like.

4. To attach bay leaves, lay the leaf vertically down the side of the fruit and beginning with the widest part of the leaf, insert the stem of the clove into the fruit just next to the bay leaf, but not through it. The head of the clove should hold the leaf in place but not pierce it. Insert cloves all the way around the leaf.

Craft instructions courtesy of Women's Institute Complete Christmas, Food And Crafts For A Perfect Christmas by Sian Cook, Margaret Williams and Anne Griffiths. Published by Simon and Schuster Ltd. Available from all good book stores.