The History of Orange and Clove Pomanders (and Why We Still Love Them at Christmas)

There are scents that simply feel like Christmas, and one of the most timeless pairings is the glorious blend of orange and clove. Bright, juicy, warming and spicy, it’s a fragrance that instantly transports us to festive markets, candlelit gatherings, and cosy winter evenings at home.

But this much-loved Christmas scent has a story that stretches back centuries, long before modern fragrance design, diffusers, or seasonal home collections existed. And it’s this very tradition that inspired our Christmas Celebrations Collection, a fragrance crafted to bring that same nostalgic warmth into your home all season long.

A Little History: The Original Pomander

Long before candles, diffusers or room sprays, people relied on natural aromatics to scent their homes. One of the most treasured traditions was the pomander - an orange studded with whole cloves.

The tradition goes back hundreds of years. In the 18th and 19th centuries, these fragrant fruits were:

• Hung in hallways or wardrobes to perfume the air
• Placed in bowls as natural home fragrance
• Tucked into festive table displays
• Given as heartfelt handmade gifts

But it wasn’t only about scent, it was symbolism.

• Orange represented light, good fortune and warmth during the darkest time of year
• Clove, a spice once worth more than gold, symbolised protection, prosperity and celebration

That powerful seasonal meaning is one reason pomanders became intertwined with Christmas, and why the scent still feels so emotionally resonant today.

Why Orange & Clove Is the Scent of Christmas

Scent and memory are inseparable. One breath of orange and clove can transport us to:

• Childhood Christmas mornings
• Cinnamon biscuits cooling on the counter
• Mulled wine at festive markets
• Fireside gatherings with family
• Handmade decorations and seasonal crafts

It’s the perfect balance:

• Orange - bright, juicy, joyful
• Clove - warming, comforting, familiar

Add in cinnamon, vanilla, cedarwood and resins, and suddenly the air feels like Christmas - cosy, nostalgic, and wonderfully inviting.

The Christmas Celebrations Blend - Festive, Warm & Beautifully Balanced

Our Christmas Celebrations home fragrance pays tribute to this timeless tradition, but with modern depth and complexity.

Top Notes: juicy pomander orange
Heart: roasted coffee, clove and warm cinnamon
Base: baked biscuit, cedar, vanilla, olibanum and yuletide myrrh

It’s festive without being overpowering. Uplifting citrus wrapped in creamy spice and winter woods. The kind of scent that welcomes guests before they’ve even removed their coats.

A Modern Pomander, Made Effortless

Instead of slicing oranges or studding cloves by hand, you can now enjoy the same traditional aroma through our beautifully crafted Reed Diffusers - long-lasting, flame-free and effortlessly elegant.

• Perfect for living rooms, hallways, kitchens & guest spaces
• Consistent fragrance for the entire Christmas season
• Stylish glass bottles designed to complement festive décor
• Eco-conscious Refills available, so you can enjoy it year after year

Just place the reeds, let them absorb, and allow Christmas to unfold.

Why Customers Love It

• Smells like a traditional Christmas home
• Not too sweet, not too sharp - perfectly balanced
• Creates instant festive atmosphere
• A thoughtful seasonal gift - especially with a refill

Many customers tell us it becomes their signature holiday scent - a fragrant tradition they look forward to every December.

Bring the Tradition Home

Whether you’re decorating the tree, hosting guests, or settling in for a quiet winter evening, our Christmas Celebrations Reed Diffuser & Refills you surround yourself with the timeless comfort of orange, clove, cinnamon and winter woods — no pomander-making required.

Because Christmas isn’t just seen or heard, it’s scented.

🍊Explore the Christmas Celebrations Collection