How to Create a Beautiful DIY Dried Orange Garland

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Whether you're decorating for the holidays or looking to add a rustic accent year-round, this simple DIY project combines beautiful aesthetics with a wonderful citrus scent.

For me, it’s sentimental. The scent of drying citrus always takes me back to my grandmother's kitchen, where every November, she'd turn ordinary oranges into glistening medallions. I'd sit at her worn wooden table, watching as she carefully sliced each orange. The project marked the true beginning of our holiday season – not the store displays or the first snow, but the gentle humming of her oven as it worked its magic, filling the house with a warm, spiced perfume that seemed to chase away the winter chill.

Now, decades later, I carry on this tradition in my own kitchen, and with each slice, I remember those precious holiday prepping afternoons. The fresh, fragrant orange garlands bring a touch of natural warmth to any home.

Here’s how we created our beautiful dried orange garlands:

Materials Needed

• 4-6 large oranges (or other citrus fruits)

• Sharp knife

• Paper towels

• Baking sheets

• Parchment paper

• String, twine, or ribbon

• Large needle or small drill

• Optional: whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves

• Optional: greenery and foliage

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oranges

1. Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C)

2. Slice oranges into approximately 1/4 inch thick rounds

3. Pat each slice dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture

4. Arrange slices on parchment-lined baking sheets, ensuring they don't overlap

Step 2: Drying Process

1. Place orange slices in the oven

2. Leave oven door slightly cracked to allow moisture to escape

3. Dry for 4-6 hours, flipping slices every hour

4. Slices are ready when they're completely dry but still maintain their color

Step 3: Create the Garland

1. Allow slices to cool completely

2. Thread your string through the needle

3. Carefully pierce each orange slice through the center

4. Space slices as desired along the string

5. Tie off ends when desired length is reached

Alternative Options

Different Fruits

• Lemons: Create a bright, sunny display

• Limes: Perfect for tropical themes

• Grapefruit: Makes larger, more dramatic slices

• Mix different citrus fruits for varied colors

Decorative Additions

• Thread whole cloves into the orange slices

• Alternate with cinnamon sticks

• Add dried bay leaves between slices

• Incorporate pine cones and long leaf eucalyptus garland

• Weave in feathers or fairy lights for evening ambiance

Styling Tips

Holiday Decor

• Drape across mantels with pine garland

• Wrap around Christmas trees

• Hang across windows or doorways

• Add to holiday table settings

Year-Round Display

• Use as kitchen decor

• Style on open shelving

• Create a centerpiece by laying flat

• Hang in sunny windows

Storage Tips

• Store in a cool, dry place when not in use

• Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading

• Place in an airtight container with silica gel packets

• Avoid humid areas to prevent moisture absorption

Remember, creating an orange garland is more than just a craft project – it's an opportunity to fill your home with natural beauty and wonderful scents. The process might take time, but the result is a unique decoration that brings warmth and charm to any space.

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