Dried Orange Slices Garland
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.
Servings 1
Cost $7
Equipment
Ingredients
- Jute string
- Dried Orange slices
- Dried Apple slices
- Springs of rosemary
- Cinnamon sticks
Instructions
Dehydrate the Fruit
- 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.
Stringing the Apple and Orange 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!
- 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.