Bring the timeless charm of a citrus-kissed Christmas into your home with this easy Dried Orange Slices Garland. Using nothing more than fresh oranges, a low oven, and a bit of twine, you can create fragrant, translucent slices that glow like stained glass when the tree lights shine through. Perfect draped across a mantel, woven into a wreath, or strung along the tree, this budget-friendly, all-natural decoration fills the air with subtle orange scent and adds rustic warmth to your holiday décor.

Craft your own cozy, vintage-inspired Christmas with this simple, low-cost DIY apple and orange slice garland—pure rustic charm and natural beauty in every strand.

All you need are dried orange and apple slices, a few rosemary sprigs, cinnamon sticks, and a length of jute twine. The finished garland looks like it stepped straight out of an old-fashioned holiday postcard.

Last year I dried a big batch of orange slices for Christmas simmer pots, but I accidentally cut them too thick to fit in the jars. Rather than toss them, I gave them new life in this quick garland—along with some apple slices—and it instantly became one of my favorite ways to repurpose those “oops” slices into something beautiful.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you make a purchase we might receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Keep it simple, keep it rustic. Transform your home with this easy, budget-friendly dried apple and orange slice garland that brings true country Christmas charm. We layered thin apple slices, vibrant dried oranges, fragrant rosemary sprigs, and cinnamon sticks for a natural, textured look we can’t get enough of—especially draped across our stone fireplace.

Add a light, rustic touch to your holiday home with this effortless dried orange and apple garland. It’s simple to make, practically free, and instantly elevates any space with quiet country charm. For extra color and fragrance, weave in a string of fresh cranberries, a few sprigs of rosemary, and some cinnamon sticks. Nothing over-the-top—just the warm, understated beauty of a simple country Christmas.

The best part? Your house smells as festive as it looks, with the sweet, warm scent of dehydrated fruit and spices filling every room. Ready to craft something beautiful? Let’s go!

How to dehydrate oranges and apples:

Slice several apples and oranges horizontally into roughly ¼-inch thick rounds (no thicker than ½ inch, or they won’t dry properly). Cutting across the fruit this way gives each slice a pretty star-shaped center; as it dries, that core shrinks into a perfect little hole for stringing.

Arrange the slices in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Dry in the oven at 200°F (93°C) for 3–4 hours, flipping once halfway through, until leathery and completely dry. Or, if you have a dehydrator (my preferred method), dry at 130–135°F for about 12 hours until crisp.

DIY Apple and Orange Garland

Supplies Needed:

Jute string
Dried Orange slices
Dried Apple slices
Springs of rosemary
Cinnamon sticks

Equipment Needed:

Scissors

Here are three beautiful twists on the classic Dried Orange Slices Garland:

Spiced Citrus & Cinnamon Garland
While the orange slices are still warm from the oven, lightly dust half of them with ground cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg (the spice sticks beautifully). Alternate dried oranges with whole cinnamon sticks, star anise, and dried apple slices on jute twine. The result is a richly fragrant garland that smells like mulled cider and looks stunning on a mantel or stair rail.

Bohemian Citrus & Greenery Garland
Mix dried orange, grapefruit, blood orange, and lime slices for a colorful palette. Thread them with fresh or faux cedar, eucalyptus sprigs, dried bay leaves, and small pinecones. Use thin leather cord or velvet ribbon instead of twine for a softer, modern-boho feel—perfect draped over a mirror or as a tree swag.

Winter Woodland Garland
Combine dried orange slices with natural wood elements: thin birch or walnut rounds, tiny pinecones, acorns, and snippets of preserved boxwood or cedar. String everything on thick natural jute and add wooden beads between sections. This earthy, neutral version pairs beautifully with flocked trees or Scandinavian-style décor.

All three start with the same simple oven-drying method—just change up the add-ins and string for a completely fresh holiday look!

How to string dried orange slices garland:

This garland comes together in minutes. Start by cutting a length of jute twine a little longer than the space you want to decorate. Gather a handful of fresh rosemary sprigs (from the garden or store-bought).

Once the fruit slices are fully dry, the core will have shrunk into a small center hole. If needed, gently widen it with the tip of an ice pick or skewer.

Thread the jute through the hole of an orange or apple slice, then slip a rosemary sprig through the loop on the back side and pull snug—the rosemary locks the slice in place. Repeat, alternating fruit and rosemary (and cinnamon sticks if you like) until your garland is complete. So simple and so pretty!

Follow the same simple trick for the apple slices: thread the jute through the center hole to form a small loop on the back, slip a cinnamon stick through the loop, then pull snug to lock it in place.

We hung ours on the stone fireplace with a few discreet dabs of hot glue—one at each end of the jute and on the backs of three larger orange slices for extra support. The glue peels right off our rocks without a trace, but if you’re worried about your surface, Command strips, clear tape, or even small removable hooks work perfectly too.

With just a few oranges and a warm oven, you’ve crafted a garland that’s equal parts fragrance, color, and nostalgia. Hang it where the light can catch those glowing slices, breathe in the gentle citrus scent, and let this simple, handmade beauty remind you that the sweetest holiday decorations are often the ones made slowly, with your own hands.

Who said decking up your home for Christmas has to be flashy or expensive?

Other DIY Christmas Decor:

✂️ Tutorial