There is something truly magical about the scent of citrus and spice wafting through the house during the holidays. If you are looking to create a high-end, rustic look for pennies, learning how to dry orange slices for garland is the ultimate holiday hack.
I’ll be honest—my first attempt at this years ago resulted in a tray of burnt, brown chips that smelled like scorched sugar. Not exactly the shimmering, stained-glass look I was going for! But after years of trial and error, I have perfected the “Low & Slow + Blot” technique.
This Natural Christmas garland DIY brings that cozy, “Little Women” aesthetic to your home, and it’s a wonderful sensory activity for the kids (once the baking is done!). Plus, unlike plastic store-bought decor, these dehydrated citrus ornaments are eco-friendly and compostable.
[Image-1: A stunning, high-resolution photo of the finished Dried Orange Garland, styled on a mantle with fresh greenery and twinkle lights glowing through the translucent orange slices.]
*
📝 Key Materials
Before we dive into the full supply list, here are the heavy hitters you need to grab from the pantry or store:
Navel Oranges (seedless are best), Parchment Paper, Cinnamon Sticks, Jute Twine, and LOTS of Paper Towels.
*
🧣 Supplies & Equipment List
Here is exactly what you need to make this homemade holiday decor.
Consumables:
- Navel Oranges: 4-6 large oranges will make a hefty 6ft garland.
- Whole Cinnamon Sticks: Look for 3-inch lengths.
- Paper Towels: Essential for the “anti-browning” hack.
- Optional: Fresh Bay Leaves, Cranberries, or Star Anise for extra texture.
Tools:
- Oven: Preheated to a low temperature.
- Baking Sheets: You’ll want at least two.
- Parchment Paper: Do not skip this, or your fruit will stick!
- Sharp Knife or Mandoline Slicer.
- Large Eye Needle (Darning needle).
*
🧣 How to Make Dried Orange Garland (The “No-Burn” Method)
Follow these steps to ensure you get oven dried oranges with bright color rather than brown mush.
Phase 1: Prep & Slice
Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). This is the sweet spot. Any hotter, and the sugar in the fruit carmelizes and turns brown.
Wash your oranges and dry them. Slice the oranges into rounds that are approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Nancy’s Safety Tip: Oranges love to roll! Slice a thin piece off the bottom first to create a flat base, then proceed with your rounds.
Phase 2: The Moisture Hack (Critical Step)
This is where most tutorials fail. If you put wet oranges straight into the oven, they steam instead of dry, leading to browning.
- Lay your slices out on a layer of paper towels.
- Place another layer of paper towels on top.
- Press firmly. You want to soak up as much surface juice as possible.
[Image-2: A top-down shot of orange slices sandwiched between paper towels, with hands pressing down to show juice absorption.]
Phase 3: The Bake
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange the slices in a single layer; do not let them overlap.
Pop them in the oven. The total time is usually between 3 to 5 hours, but it depends heavily on your oven and the juiciness of the fruit.
Phase 4: The Flip & Check
To prevent your slices from curling up into “taco shapes,” you need to flip them every 45 minutes.
- The Light Test: After about 3 hours, start checking for doneness. Hold a slice up to the window or oven light. If it looks translucent like stained glass, it’s done. If there are pockets of fleshy pulp, keep baking.
[Image-3: A close-up of an orange slice being held up against a window light to check for translucency.]
Phase 5: Cool & Assemble
Once dried, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a rack. They will harden as they cool.
Now for the fun part: the DIY dried orange garland with cinnamon sticks assembly!
- Measure your twine.
- Thread your darning needle.
- Poke the needle through the flesh of the orange (not the rind—it’s too tough) on the left side, and out through the right side. This keeps the slice flat.
- Alternate with cinnamon sticks (you can tie them on or thread through the hollow center if your needle fits).
[Image-4: Hands threading the jute twine through an orange slice and a cinnamon stick on a wooden table.]
*
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my dried oranges turn brown?
This is the most common pain point! It usually happens for two reasons: the oven temp was too high (above 200°F) or you didn’t blot the excess juice before baking. The sugar in the juice carmelizes and burns. Low and slow is the only way to get that bright color!
How long do dried orange garlands last?
If stored correctly, they can last 2+ years! I have some in my attic from three Christmases ago. The key is to store them in an airtight container with a silica packet (save one from a shoe box!) to keep moisture out.
Can you air dry orange slices without an oven?
Yes, you can! This is great for eco-friendly Christmas decorations, but it takes patience. Place the slices on a wire rack in a sunny, dry spot near a radiator or window. It will take 3-5 days to fully dehydrate.
How to store dried orange garland?
Avoid humid basements. I wrap mine in tissue paper and place them in a plastic bin with a moisture absorber. If they get damp, they will mold.
*
🧣 Final Thoughts
This Scandi Christmas craft is one of those projects that looks incredibly high-end but costs next to nothing. Whether you drape it on your tree, wrap it around a banister, or use individual slices as gift toppers, the result is always charming.
Happy crafting, friends!
Nancy Williams
