Two Festive Fruits That Completely Steal the Show in December

There’s something charming about the “almost there” holiday season — the twinkly lights, the chilly mornings, the quiet countdown to the cosy madness of December. And right when everything starts smelling like cinnamon and winter markets, two fruits practically roll onto the table by themselves: orange and apple. One brings freshness and warmth. The other brings nostalgia. Together? Pure holiday magic. 🎄✨

Jump to:

• Orange
• Apple
• Holiday Punch
• Holiday Table Tips

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🍊 Orange – the Official Fragrance of December

If December had an official scent, orange would be it. Fresh, warm, slightly nostalgic and endlessly versatile — perfect for cakes, drinks, decorations and those natural “home smells” that instantly make a house feel festive.

1) Orange–Chocolate Squares (no-bake)

Ingredients:

• Base: 150 g crushed butter biscuits + 75 g melted butter
• Cream: 200 ml whipping cream, 100 g white chocolate, juice + zest of 1 orange

Instructions:

1. Combine biscuits with melted butter and press into a 20×20 cm tin.
2. Melt white chocolate in warm cream.
3. Stir in orange juice and zest, allow to cool.
4. Whip until airy and spread over the base.
5. Chill for 4 hours. Decorate with dark chocolate or orange slices.

2) Clove–Studded Oranges (natural home fragrance)

You need: whole oranges + whole cloves.

Instructions:

1. Poke small holes all over the orange.
2. Insert one clove in each hole.
3. Create spirals, lines or random patterns — totally up to the holiday mood.
4. Place in bowls or hang with ribbon. The fragrance? Insanely cosy.

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🍎 Apple – the comforting classic

Apple is the quiet MVP of winter. Mix it with cinnamon, honey or nuts and suddenly the entire house smells like childhood and warm family gatherings.

3) Quick Apple Crumble

Ingredients:

• Filling: 4 apples, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon
• Crumble: 100 g flour, 50 g sugar, 50 g cold butter, pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Mix chopped apples with sugar and cinnamon.
2. Place into a baking dish.
3. Rub butter, flour, sugar and salt into crumbs.
4. Sprinkle over apples.
5. Bake 30–40 min at 180°C. Best served warm (with ice cream!).

4) Baked Apples with Walnuts & Honey

Ingredients: 4 apples, 4 tbsp walnuts, 4 tbsp honey, 1 tsp cinnamon, 40 g butter.

Instructions:

1. Core the apples without cutting through the bottom.
2. Mix walnuts, honey and cinnamon.
3. Fill each apple with the mixture.
4. Add a small cube of butter on top.
5. Bake 25–35 min at 190°C until soft and wrinkled.

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🍎🍊 Apple–Orange Holiday Punch (non-alcoholic)

If this drink had a personality, it would be: “warm, friendly, always welcome and perfect for all ages.” Quick to prepare. Disappears even quicker.

🌟 Ingredients

• 1.5 L apple juice
• 500 ml orange juice
• 200 ml water
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 apple, sliced or diced
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 6–8 cloves
• 3 cm ginger, thinly sliced
• 2–3 tbsp honey or maple syrup

🥣 Instructions

1. Add juices and water to a pot.
2. Stir in spices, orange and apple slices.
3. Bring to just below a boil, then simmer for 15–20 min.
4. Add sweetener to taste.
5. Serve warm in mugs.

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🎄 Tips for a Perfect Holiday Table (that “WOW” moment)

Food is important — absolutely. But the table? That’s the part that makes people say: “Wait, wait… nobody touch anything, I need a picture first!” 😄

1) Central Decoration

• Pine branches, cones, walnuts, oranges, apples — nature always wins.
• Clove-studded oranges? A timeless, delicious-smelling classic.
• Candles of different heights add instant holiday ambience.

2) Colour Palette & Dinnerware

• Classic: red + gold + deep green.
• Modern: silver + white + ice blue.
• Natural: wood tones + beige + deep red.
• Layering: placemat → dinner plate → smaller plate → beautifully styled napkin.

3) Personal Touches

• Fabric napkins instantly elevate the table.
• Tie them with cinnamon sticks, pine sprigs or dried orange slices.
• Name cards? Stick them into a small red apple — charming and practical.

4) Prepare Ahead (mise en place)

• Make the punch the day before and reheat.
• Set the table the night before.
• Prepare cold starters in the morning; focus on hot dishes later.

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