How to Use Pomegranates As Decorations

Even in their natural form, pomegranates are a work of art.

Considering its natural beauty, health benefits and rich, historic symbolism, the pomegranate could be considered the "royalty of fruit." Decorating your home for everyday display or a special holiday with this fruit is easy with a few materials and basic skills.

Things You'll Need

• For the crystal pom centerpiece:
• Large glass or crystal footed bowl
• 6 to 9 Pomegranates
• 1 bunch fresh laurel (bay) leaves
• 1 bag clear glass decorating stones or marbles
• Soft cloth
• For the pom print:
• 1 pomegranate
• Paper towels
• Permanent ink stamp pad
• Watercolor or pastel paper
• Craft heat gun
• Photo mat and frame
• For the pomegranate candle holder:
• 1 Pomegranate
• 1 taper candle
• 1 plain napkin ring
• 1 mini-wreath, 2 inches
• 10-inch matching ribbon
• Glue gun
• Glue stick

Instructions

Crystal Pom Centerpiece

1. Choose bright red-orange or red pomegranates and polish them by rubbing the exterior of the fruit gently with a soft cloth.

2. Place a handful of clear decorating stones or marbles in the bottom of the footed bowl. Push toward the wall of the bowl, so they are visible from the outside.

3. Layer the pomegranates and laurel leaves loosely in the footed bowl. Sprinkle another handful of the clear glass stones or marbles on top and around the edge. Shake the bowl gently, so the clear glass stones filter down a bit between the fruit. You may want to add a few more glass stones on the top of the piece. Place on the table. Candles on either side of this centerpiece will add to the display.

Pom Print

1. Cut the pomegranate in half, top to bottom. Place cut side down on a layer of paper towels to soak up juice.

2. Press the cut side of one half of the pomegranate on the stamp pad, inking it thoroughly. Immediately press the inked fruit cut side down onto the watercolor or pastel paper. Press firmly. Lift the fruit to reveal the print. Cure print with the heat gun

3. Mat and frame the print to finish the piece. Several of these can be made at once to give as gifts. Fabric ink stamp pads can be used to create pomegranate prints on fabric or clothing as well. The pomegranate juice will bleed into the ink a bit, creating some different effects.

Pomegranate Candle Holder

1. Using the glue gun, attach the decorative napkin ring on the bottom of the pomegranate to form a base. Allow glue to set.

2. Cut off the crown of the pomegranate with a sharp knife, hollowing out the opening a bit to fit the candle base. Put a bit of hot glue into the opening and push the candle in to attach.

3. Slide the wreath down over the candle until it rests at the candle base on top of the fruit. Tie a ribbon bow atop the wreath to finish the piece. These candles take about 10 minutes each to make. Several can be made for table decorations or as gifts. They are wonderful for table decorations for a winter wedding.

References

• BMJ: Why a Pomegranate?
• POM Wonderful: Decorations