How To Make A Dried Orange Slice Garland

How to make a perfect dried orange garland to use as a simple holiday decoration on your Christmas tree or as a beautiful addition to any space in your home! It’s an easy DIY project that’s so much fun to make each Winter season

I’ve been using dried orange slices in my Winter decor for the last few years. Its a simple way to give my home that “old world” feel for just a couple of dollars!

Since orange is also a color I associate with Fall, I like to make an orange garland in October for a decoration that I can leave up through both seasons! Dried oranges last a really long time. Years, actually. So you can just save your orange garland to pull out the following year if you want to skip the drying process next time you decorate for the holidays!

Hanging a wooden bead strand with your orange garland gives off fun boho vibes.

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What You Need To Make A DIY Dried Orange Garland

supplies

• oranges – just look for oranges that are firm and have as few imperfections as possible. Oranges with thicker peels look prettier dried since the whites of the oranges add a nice contrast between the peel and the pulp.
• cookie sheets – because the drying process takes so long, you want to try and fit all of the oranges in the oven at the same time. You can either use one extra large baking sheet or two smaller ones.
• parchment paper – to bake the sliced oranges on, so that they don’t stick to the cookie sheets. I like to use unbleached parchment paper.
• very sharp knife – you need a very sharp long knife to get even slices. If the knife is too dull, the orange will get some juice squeezed out and won’t look as pretty dried. You could use a mandolin slicer if you have one on hand.
• cooling rack – to make sure the orange slices don’t get too dark in the oven, its best to let them finish drying on cooling racks on the counter.
• thread, twine or string – you can really use any type of string you like. Even ribbon. It’ll depend on the look you’re wanting to achieve. I use a thick twine type of string but I’ve even seen people make dried orange garland with clear fishing line so that it looks like the orange slices are just hanging in air!
• large needle – a darning or yarn needle is better than a regular sized needle if you’re using twine or string that’s thicker than thread.

how to make a dried orange slice garland

making the dried orange slices

Prep – Preheat the oven to 250 degrees and position the baking rack to the middle. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Slice – Carefully slice oranges into 1/4 inch slices with a very sharp knife. Pat the slices very carefully with a paper towel to remove a bit of the moisture. If you have time, let the slices sit on layers of paper towels for a few hours or overnight before they go in the oven to reduce the amount of baking time.

Arrange – Lay the orange slices in a single layer so that they aren’t touching each other.

Bake – Bake the orange slices for 3 hours. Flip them over every hour or so to make sure they dry evenly. If the flesh of the orange is still a bit wet to the touch after 3 hours, let them finish drying on wire baking racks.

making the garland

Measure and Cut The String – Measure the space you want to hang your orange garland after it’s finished. Add 2-3 feet for drape and finishing the ends.

String The Oranges – Pierce each slice through the flesh of the orange and make a stitch by going through the slice again before stringing the next slice. Continue stringing slices as close or as far apart as you want them to be.

Finish The Ends – Once you have your string completely strung, tie the ends and knot them forming a three inch loop.

tips for success

Completely Dried Oranges – Make sure the orange slices are not squishy at all. If they aren’t completely dried out, they will dry on the garland and the holes will expand leaving them gaping and the garland not as pretty.

Store – Never store dried orange slices in an airtight container since they will mold. They can be stored in a bowl, or lidless container for years.

Variations – Other types of citrus besides navel oranges can be used as well. Grapefruits, lemons, limes and blood oranges look beautiful dehydrated. Make your garland out of a combination of different fruit for an extra special and beautiful garland!

FAQ about how to make an orange garland

how to decorate with a dried orange garland

For a more minimalist look, you can just hang a simple dried orange garland using a couple of nails or push pins to attach it to walls, window trim or your mantle.

Add a natural element to your Christmas tree by loosely wrapping an orange garland through the branches.

Dress up a simple evergreen garland by draping your orange garland over it.

I like to make a strand of wooden beads to hang on my staircase along with my orange garland!

how long does orange garland last?

As long as your orange slices are completely dried out, the garland should last for years to come. The oranges do get darker the longer they sit, but they’re still beautiful!

Dried orange slices shouldn’t be stored in an airtight container because even the smallest bit of moisture can make them mold (I’ve learned the hard way).

how many oranges do you need for an orange garland?

You can make a nice long garland with 5 oranges.

how long does it take to make a dried orange garland?

Plan on starting the drying process the day before you want to make your citrus garland. The actual amount of time you need for drying oranges depends on how thick you slice them and how juicy they are. It usually takes 3 hours minimum in the oven plus extra time afterward to air dry them completely.

After the slices are dried and ready, you can easily string them together in less than an hour.

can you use a dehydrator to dry oranges for a garland?

You can dry orange slices in a dehydrator, and the color of the oranges will actually be more vibrant than they will after drying in the oven. Here is a great tutorial for dehydrated oranges.

does orange garland attract bugs?

A dried fruit garland doesn’t attract bugs as long as the fruit is completely dehydrated and not moist at all. Bugs are actually more often deterred by the smell of oranges than they are attracted to it!

what can you do with leftover dried orange slices?

Making garlands isn’t the only thing you can use dried citrus slices for! Here are some of my favorite ways to use up extra dried oranges after I finish making my garlands:

• orange ornaments: poke a small hole in the edge of each orange slice and string a 4 inch piece of string through. Tie the ends together. Or just add an ornament hook (that’s what I do). They look beautiful hooked onto an evergreen wreath along with some pine cones.
• stovetop potpourri: put a couple of dried orange slices with a sprig of rosemary, a pinch of cloves and a few cinnamon sticks to simmer in a pot. The perfect way to get in the spirit during Christmas season!
• spiced cider mix: I love to make a jar of hot old fashioned apple cider mix to have on hand to add to cider on chilly days.
• flavored water: add a slice to naturally flavor your ice water.
• in baking: grind them up to use in baked goods.

More Holiday Posts On The Blog:

If you liked this tutorial, I think you’ll really enjoy these other Christmas decor and recipe posts on the blog!

• Homemade Gingerbread Body Lotion
• Homemade Cocoa Mix Without Powdered Milk
• Old Fashioned Hot Apple Cider Recipe
• Homemade Healthy Marshmallows
• DIY Wood Bead Garland

I hope you love this tutorial for making an orange garland! If you make it, I’d love for you to come back and leave a comment and rating so that I know how you like decorating with it!

Pin these steps to try later. Tag @athomeontheprairie on Instagram to share what you’ve made with us!