Nothing signals the start of the holidays quite like the scent of warm citrus and spice filling the kitchen. If you are looking for DIY dried orange and cinnamon ornaments to elevate your wrapping game this year, you are in the right place. This project transforms standard Kraft paper wrapping into a thoughtful, boutique-style package that smells as good as it looks.
As a mom of three, I love holiday crafts that double as “scent-scaping” for my home. While the kids are busy watching cartoons, I can batch-bake a whole season’s worth of Eco friendly Christmas gift wrapping ideas in just one afternoon. It is the perfect way to add Natural holiday decor to your tree or presents without spending a fortune.
Many people hesitate to try this because they worry about burning the fruit or dealing with moldy leftovers. If you are wondering How to prevent mold on dried fruit decorations, the secret lies in the “Blotting Method” and low-and-slow heat. Let’s create some Scented holiday crafts that will make your gifts the star of the show.
📸 [Image-1: A stunning, high-resolution photo of the finished Dried Orange & Cinnamon Stick Gift Toppers tied with velvet ribbon onto a brown paper package, styled perfectly in a well-lit room.]
Supplies & Tools List
Base Decor Items:
- Navel oranges (seedless work best)
- Cinnamon sticks (look for long 10-inch sticks for drama)
- Fresh greenery sprigs (Rosemary, Pine, or Eucalyptus)
- Velvet or Silk Ribbon
Tools & Hardware:
- Mandoline slicer (Essential for even drying)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Paper towels (Lots of them!)
- Scissors
- Large darning needle
Step 1: Slice and Prep the Fruit
The biggest mistake people make is cutting the oranges at uneven thicknesses using a kitchen knife. This leads to burnt thin edges and soggy, mold-prone centers. For professional results, you must use a mandoline slicer set to 1/8 or 1/4 inch thickness.
Slice your oranges carefully. Discard the rounded ends or save them for a stovetop potpourri simmer pot.
📸 [Image-2: A top-down shot of orange slices being cut on a mandoline slicer, showing uniform thickness.]
Step 2: The “Blotting” Technique
This is the secret speed hack that most tutorials skip. Lay your fresh slices on a layer of paper towels. Place another layer of paper towels on top and press down firmly.
You want to remove at least 50% of the surface moisture before they even touch the oven. This creates that vibrant, translucent look we want for Scandi Christmas wrapping.
Step 3: The Bake
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper and arrange the slices in a single layer so they do not touch.
If you want to know How to dry orange slices for decoration without them turning black, patience is key. Bake them for 3-4 hours total. Flip the slices every 30 to 45 minutes to ensure they dry evenly on both sides.
📸 [Image-3: A close-up of the orange slices arranged on parchment paper inside the oven, halfway through the drying process.]
Designer Tip: When the time is up, turn the oven off but leave the slices inside as it cools completely. This “cures” the fruit and makes it rock hard.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Bundles
While the oranges cool, prep your cinnamon. Single sticks can look a bit lonely, so I like to bundle two or three together for a rustic, chunky look.
Take a piece of jute twine and tie your sticks together. Crucial Mechanics: Wrap the twine around the sticks once horizontally and knot it tightly before attaching the orange. This “cross-tie” prevents the slippery sticks from sliding right out of the loop.
Step 5: Assembly and Ribbon
Now we combine our elements into Homemade holiday gift toppers. Use a large darning needle to poke a hole through the dried orange flesh, right near the rind where it is strongest. Thread your twine through the orange and tie it securely to your cinnamon bundle.
For the final touch, swap the rustic twine for a luxurious ribbon to tie the topper onto the gift.
📸 [Image-4: Macro shot of the jute twine being threaded through the dried orange slice.]
Step 6: Add Fresh Greenery
Tuck a sprig of fresh rosemary or pine behind the cinnamon stick just before you give the gift. The green contrasts beautifully against the amber orange and adds a pop of life to your Rustic farmhouse Christmas theme.
📸 [Image-5: The final assembled topper being placed onto a brown paper wrapped gift box.]
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
_How long do dried orange slices last?_
If you dehydrate them correctly, they can last for years! I store mine in an airtight container with a silica gel packet (save one from a shoe box). This keeps moisture away and preserves them for next season.
_Why did my dried oranges turn brown?_
This usually happens because the oven temperature was too high. If you are learning How to bake orange slices without burning, never go above 225°F. The natural sugars in the fruit will burn quickly if the heat is too intense.
_Can I air dry oranges instead of using an oven?_
Technically yes, but I do not recommend it. Air drying takes days and significantly increases the risk of mold developing before the fruit is fully dehydrated. The oven method is faster, safer, and produces a better color.
_Best glue for cinnamon sticks?_
I avoid glue for this project because the heat from under-tree lights can sometimes soften hot glue. Tying them with jute twine using the “cross-tie” method mentioned in Step 4 is much more secure.
_What makes this a good Dehydrated fruit craft for kids?_
It is safe and sensory-rich! Kids can help arrange the slices on the tray and thread the twine (with supervision). It is a great way to introduce them to Brown paper package styling and simple baking concepts.
Conclusion
Creating these toppers is one of my favorite traditions because it forces me to slow down and enjoy the season. Whether you use them as a Dried orange gift tags tutorial or hang them on your tree, they add a touch of old-world charm to your home.
Happy baking!
Nancy Williams