Looking to add a touch of natural beauty to your home without breaking the bank? Our DIY homemade dried orange garland is the perfect holiday project!
With just a few simple materials and a bit of time, you can create a stunning, fragrant decoration that brings warmth and charm to your space all season long.
Ruby Ann and I make this orange garland together every holiday season, and it’s one of our favorite traditions. The smell of oranges fills the air as we string them up, creating something beautiful while making lasting memories.
We hope you’ll join us in this cozy tradition and make your own special dried orange garland! Check out the how-to video in the FAQ section below.
Why You Will Love This Tutorial
NATURAL: This orange slice garland adds a touch of nature to your holiday decorations. The dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and other natural items create a festive look that brightens up any space, from your Christmas tree to your fireplace mantel.
EASY TO MAKE: Our guide shows you how to make a dried orange garland using easy steps and things you probably already have at home, like parchment paper, a knife, and a baking sheet. Whether you make thick or thin slices, our instructions help you get the best results every time.
FUN TO MAKE: This is a great activity for the holiday season. Get your family or friends together, and enjoy slicing oranges, threading them onto string, and creating beautiful decorations. It’s a perfect way to spend a cozy afternoon during the holidays.
VERSATILE DECOR: This dried citrus garland isn’t just for Christmas—it’s a decoration you can use all year. Hang it on a small tree, drape it over a mantel, or even use it to decorate gifts. The possibilities are endless!
This tutorial on how to make a dried orange garland is simple and fun. It’s a great way to add some natural charm to your home, and you’ll enjoy making it. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Tips on How to Make a Dried Orange Garland
- Store Properly: After the holidays, store your dried orange garland in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This will help it last so you can use it again next year. Or, make a new one each year as a fun family tradition!
- Choose the Right Oranges: For the best results, pick fresh, firm oranges. Blood oranges and regular oranges work well, but make sure they’re not too soft or bruised.
- Slice the Oranges Thinly: Use a sharp knife to slice the oranges into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. Thinner slices dry faster and more evenly, while thicker slices take a little longer.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the orange slices from sticking while they dry.
- Bake at a Low Temperature: Set your oven to 170-200°F. Bake the orange slices for 4-6 hours. You can also use a dehydrator if you have one.
- Check the Oranges Frequently: Keep an eye on the oranges while they’re drying. Flip the slices every 30 minutes so they dry evenly and don’t burn.
- Add Festive Elements: Make your garland even more special by adding things like cinnamon sticks, pine cones, or other dried fruits. These not only look nice but also make your home smell great.
- Get Creative with the String: Use twine, yarn, or a large needle and thread to string the dried oranges. You can also try different colors and textures to match your holiday decor.
FAQ
What is a dried orange garland?
A dried orange garland is a decoration made from dried orange slices. You can add other natural items like cinnamon sticks and pine cones to make it look even more festive.
How do you make a dried orange garland?
To make a dried orange garland, slice fresh oranges thinly, bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at a low temperature for several hours, and then thread the dried slices onto string or twine.
Can you use other fruits besides oranges for a dried fruit garland?
Yes, you can use other fruits like lemons, limes, grapefruits, or even dried apples. These add different colors and textures to your garland.
Where can I use a dried orange garland in my home?
You can use a dried orange garland in many places, like on a Christmas tree, fireplace mantel, windows, or doorways. It also makes a nice touch for holiday tables.
Items you will need
- Fresh oranges
- Twine or string
- Sharp serrated knife
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Oven
- Large needle or yarn needle
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How to Make a Dried Orange Garland in an Oven
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 170-200°F to begin drying the orange slices.
Step 2: Slice the Oranges
Use a sharp knife to slice the oranges into thin, even rounds, about 1/4 inch thick for the best results.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the orange slices in a single layer on the sheet.
Step 4: Bake the Oranges
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the orange slices for 4-6 hours, flipping them every 30 minutes to ensure they dry evenly.
Step 5: Cool the Slices
Once the orange slices are fully dried and slightly browned, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely.
Step 6: Thread the Garland
Thread a large needle with string or twine, then pierce a small hole near the edge of each dried orange slice and thread them onto the string.
Step 7: Add Finishing Touches
For a festive touch, add cinnamon sticks, pine cones, or other natural elements between the orange slices on your garland.
Step 8: Hang and Enjoy
Tie off the ends of the twine and hang your beautiful, fragrant dried orange garland in your home. Enjoy the warm, rustic charm it adds to your space!
How to Make a Dried Orange Garland in a Dehydrator
Step 1: Slice the Oranges
Slice the oranges into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick for even drying.
Step 2: Arrange in a Single Layer
Place the orange slices in a single layer on the trays of your dehydrator, making sure they don’t overlap.
Step 3: Set the Dehydrator
Turn on the dehydrator and set it to 135°F. Let the oranges dry for 8-10 hours, or until they are completely dried and slightly browned.
Step 4: Cool the Oranges
Remove the dried orange slices from the dehydrator and allow them to cool completely.
Step 5: Thread the Garland
Using a large needle and twine or string, carefully pierce the orange slices and thread them onto the string. Add cinnamon sticks or other decorative items between the orange slices if desired.
Step 6: Hang and Display
Hang your beautiful dried orange garland on your Christmas tree, fireplace mantel, or anywhere you want to add a natural, festive touch to your decor.
For more fun DIY projects, check out our favorite cozy tutorials below:
- DIY Cozy Cottage Fall Garland Decor (how to make)
- Christmas Sugar Scrub Recipes Perfect for Gift Giving
- Cozy Autumn Wreath For Front Door (how to make)
- 🍁🍂Cozy Fall Cottage Front Porch Decorating Ideas🍁🍂
We hope you have as much fun creating this Dried Orange Garland as we did! It’s a wonderful way to add a touch of cozy cottage charm to your home. If you give it a try, we’d love to see your finished project—tag us @themoderndaycottage on Instagram and leave a comment below. And don’t forget to 📌 pin this tutorial to your 📌 Pinterest board for future inspiration. Happy crafting!
DIY Homemade Dried Orange Garland (how to + video)
Equipment
- Knife
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Scissors
Ingredients
- Oranges
- Twine or string
- Cutting Board
- Parchment paper
Instructions
1. Turn your oven on to a low temperature, around 170-200°F (93°C). This is the lowest heat your oven can go.
2. Put a piece of parchment paper on your baking sheet.
3. Carefully cut your oranges into thin slices, about 1/8 inch thick.
4. Lay the orange slices flat on the baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other.
5. Put the baking sheet in the oven and let the oranges bake for 2-3 hours, or until they are completely dry and a little brown.
6. When the orange slices are dry, take them out of the oven and let them cool down.
7. Thread a piece of string or twine through the middle of each orange slice and tie a knot to keep it in place.
8. Keep threading the orange slices onto the string, leaving some space between each one.
9. When you’ve added all the orange slices, tie a knot at each end of the string to keep the garland together.
10. Hang up your dried orange garland wherever you like and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- When choosing oranges, look for ones that are firm and fresh with a bright orange color. Avoid any that are soft, bruised, or have spots.
- Cut the oranges into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick, so they dry faster and bake more evenly.
- To prevent the slices from burning, bake them at a low temperature, around 170-250°F, for a few hours.
- Be sure to check on the slices often, flipping them over occasionally to ensure they dry evenly. Remove them from the oven when they are dry but still a little soft.
- To make your garland more interesting, consider adding elements like cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, or pine cones. These can give it a more festive or natural look.
- You can also get creative with the string by using colorful ribbon, twine, or fishing line instead of plain string.
- Finally, think of different ways to use your garland, such as decorating a Christmas tree or adding a natural touch to a wedding.
So enjoy your post and so proud of you and Ruby..keep up the good work..love you Cuz..
Thank you so much Carol. We appreciate your kind words. Love you too!!!