Pomander balls—citrus fruit studded with cloves—fill a room with a heady fragrance. Use an embroidery needle or bamboo skewer to pierce the peel in a pleasing pattern, then insert whole cloves into the holes. Mix pomanders with kumquats, pine boughs, and chestnuts in a shallow tureen or bowl. Underscore the entire arrangement with a silver tray and a dotting of pinecones.

Matthew’s Secrets
Use your imagination when it comes to punching out a pattern on the oranges. You can mix a variety of styles, or feature a whole bowlful of the same pattern. Cluster cloves for a polka-dot effect, or spiral the spikes around the fruit. A double row of cloves contributes a heavier look. Personalize pomanders with initials or a special message in a clove design.