Isn’t it funny what little things our memories hold on to, and how they shape what we like? I love black olives, but is it because they remind me of eating them straight from the can while playing cards with my grandparents? I reeeally don’t like licorice, but is it because I ate a dirty piece I found in the street as a kid?
Same goes for Clove Oranges….they always remind me of Christmas because I made them with my family every December. It was a memory I meant to make with my own kids this past holiday, but we never got to it. I stumbled across the jar of cloves last weekend, and instead of kicking myself for not finding the time, I decided to create new memories, and make them anyway!
Cold weather keeps us indoors long past December, and this is the perfect afternoon project to do while cuddled under a blanket. All you need is a jar of whole cloves and some oranges.
Using the sharp end of the clove, just push it in the fruit, arranging them in the pattern of your choice. If your orange is particularly tough, or your thumb a little sensitive, use a toothpick or skewer to poke your hole first.
As we sat together in the quiet house…chatting, laughing and creating, I realized that was actually the memory that makes me love Clove Oranges so much. I love the conversations that come naturally when working on something peaceful with my kids. And since there’s no right or wrong way to these, everyone was content to create their own patterns and designs.
And instead of these getting lost in the Christmas hustle, they get to take center stage as a cherry and bright centerpiece for the gray months of January and February. Not to mention, they smell ah-maze-ing!
So what little memories have impacted your tastes and activities? Do you agree licorice is a nasty little candy? Can you smell the clovey-citrusy goodness through your screen?!
I love a DIY post that I can actually do! (I am DIY challenged!). I also love that this DIY is food related…the mama has both oranges and cloves in her kitchen. When food meets DIY…my life is happy. XOXO
I'm going to do this, too. Why do we only do this at Christmas?? Thanks for the reminder. (And, I like your blue nails…)
Such a cute and easy DIY! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I have never even heard of these. Thanks for showing me the way, my dear. xoxo
so much inspiration on your blog! just need more time please… 🙂
Love clove oranges my family does them at Christmas time too! Where did you get that cute clam bowl?
I loved American Girl when I was especially Felicity, and I remember this was one of the crafts she had and it smelled so good. May have to pick up some oranges at the store later!
why have i never heard of this before?! I was a deprived child I guess 😉
looks like fun – I love kids activities that don't have lots of directions – that's why I've always loved dying easter eggs!
Those really do smell like citrus heaven! And yours are off the charts adorbs! And you are so right, those are the best memories that you can make with your kiddos (c;
We love making these around the holidays. I love your little bowl too.
This is so weird…. I was thinking these same thoughts about coffee today… I am obsessed with coffee, but I'm not sure if it's the taste and/or caffeine buzz, or if it's because my family always visited over coffee. A cup of coffee was always an invitation to just take a minute to stop and have a conversation at the kitchen table. It kind of brought people together, and every cup still gives me warm fuzzies.
Anyway, these are adorable! What an awesome idea… maybe I'm out of the loop or something, but I've never seen anything like these….
Hardly anything smells better than these! I need to make some for sure!
I remember doing this as a kid with my mom. Only they weren't this pretty.
Wow Super cute and I bet they smell delicious!!
I love licorice lol the black kind especially. Most of my friends are disgusted when I eat it but I love it! Btw I loooove your blog! I just started my blog a little over a week ago and I am loving it!
Where did you get your coffee table from? It is too cute!
I remember making these in elementary school, too 🙂
Hi jessherbine! The coffee table was actually my grandparents….I lucked out with it!! Sorry I can't link you to it!
xo. Cassie