A dried orange garland was the perfect DIY decor project for Christmas this year. I like to make one new DIY project each holiday season, and this one was easy, classic, and a little more natural than what I usually go for. I had more time on my hands this year than usual, which made a slower pace project feel doable. This is the kind of DIY you can work on throughout the day while doing other things at home. Once finished, it adds the prettiest scent and color to your existing decor. It works with any style and can be added to a tree, tucked into a wreath or garland, or used on its own as a simple accent.
A Natural Holiday Detail
This project has the kind of slow ease that makes it appealing during the busy holiday season. It is simple to start, easy to monitor, and satisfying to watch as the process slowly changes fresh fruit into something decorative. I also love that it brings natural elements into my decor without feeling overly woodsy, which makes it a nice, unexpected addition for more refined Christmas decor. The scent of the drying oranges alone is a lovely addition to any home. The warm tones of dried oranges are a detail that works across styles, whether your home leans traditional, collected, or a little more minimal. It is a naturally affordable addition to any holiday decor.
What You’ll Need
Materials
- 5 Oranges – look for minimal imperfections and thicker skin
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Clear fishing line or other string
- Fresh cranberries (optional)
- Paper towels
Tools
- Sharp knife
- Large needle or yarn needle sized to the string you’re using
Before You Start
This project is mostly prep work, so start in the kitchen where juice from slicing the oranges will be easiest to manage. Clear a counter, island, or table before you begin so you have enough room to slice oranges and arrange everything on the cookie sheets. Once the oranges are prepped and on the trays, the rest of the process is simple. This is the kind of DIY that works best on a day when you will be home. There is a lot of non-active time for other tasks, and you will want to check on the slices as they dry.
How to Make a Dried Orange Garland
Step 1: Prep
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees and position the rack in the middle. This lower temperature helps the fruit dry gently. Line your cookie sheets or baking sheet with parchment paper so the slices do not stick as they bake. Getting everything set up first makes the rest of the process feel easy.
Step 2: Slice Oranges
Carefully slice the whole oranges into 1/4 inch rounds with a sharp knife. Try to keep the slices as even as possible, since thin slices will dry more evenly and give the best results. Pat each sliced orange gently with paper towels to remove a bit of the moisture before baking.
Step 3: Arrange on Tray
Place slices on the prepared cookie sheets in a single layer. Make sure they are not touching so the air can move around each piece. If you are using more than one tray, keep the oven racks spaced so the heat can circulate well around the citrus slices.
Step 4: Bake the Slices
Bake the orange slices for about 3 hours, flipping them every hour or so to help them dry evenly. Check them at each hour mark and continue until they no longer feel wet in the center. This approach helps the slices hold more of their original color. Once out of the oven, move the dried fruit to a cooling rack and let it cool completely before assembling.
Step 5: Assemble the Garland
Thread the dehydrated orange slices onto your string using a large needle or yarn needle, add fresh cranberries if you want a little extra color and a more traditional look. Cut the string to the length you need, finish the ends with knot, and style your dried fruit garland however you like. The oranges will continue to dry with time.
Ways to Style It
I love this orange slice garland styled simply on its own so the detail of each slice really stands out. Draped across a mantel, it has a clean, classic look that does not need much else around it. It is one of those details that feels additive to your holiday decor and elevates it in a way that does not make the rest of your decor feel busy. It is also easy to layer into the rest of your holiday decor, whether on a christmas tree, tucked into a wreath, or woven through garland. Next year, I want to weave it into an existing greenery garland for a fuller look.
Dried Orange Garland Tips
The most important part of this project is making sure the orange slices are completely dry before you string or store them. There should be no squishiness left in the center. Do not store these in an airtight container as trapped moisture can lead to mold. These need to breathe in storage and be in a dry place. When stored properly, they can last for years.
This project is also easy to customize. Fresh cranberries, like I used, add a rich pop of color. A more traditional accent like popcorn gives it a fun twist my kids would love. Beads can be easily added to change up the look and other types of citrus fruit can add variation in both color and shape. Blood oranges are especially pretty if you want deeper color.
The Final Look
There is nothing more classic to add to your holiday decor than a natural Christmas detail. Used sparingly throughout a space and across every decor style, this dried orange garland is an easy accent to add to what you already have, and it truly works with everything. Part of the appeal is also the process itself. You can make it in the background while you handle other Christmas tasks. This project sets the Christmas mood at every stage, with a citrus scent filling your home while the slices bake and a bright pop of color once the garland is displayed.
A Natural Christmas Detail
This DIY dried orange garland is a great project for a holiday season when you have extra time on your hands. It is a natural fit for a day at home when you want something going in the background that can be assembled and displayed by the evening. The scent, the color, and the handmade detail made it feel especially right for Christmas. If you are looking for a more natural Christmas detail to add to your collection, this is a simple project that makes an impact while setting the mood for the Christmas season.
