If you want to bring the authentic smell of Christmas into your home instantly, this is the project for you. There is something so nostalgic and grounding about the scent of citrus and cinnamon wafting through the house. It screams “holidays” without screaming neon plastic.
While this rustic Christmas citrus garland is currently trending all over TikTok under the “Cottagecore” and “Scandi Christmas” tags, it’s actually an Old World tradition that has stood the test of time. But here is the problem most moms face: the “Burnt Sugar” disaster. Most tutorials tell you to bake the fruit too high and too fast, leaving you with brown, cooked oranges rather than vibrant, translucent slices.
My “Low & Slow” method ensures you get that beautiful shimmering stained-glass effect every single time. It’s high-impact, low-cost (under $5!), and best of all, it’s a “set a timer and walk away” project.
Heads up, mamas! While this is an easy-peasy craft, the slicing stage involves a very sharp knife or mandoline. This part is strictly for adults (nap time is the best time!). However, once the slices are dried and cooled, your kids (ages 5+) will love helping you string them onto the twine.
📸 [Image-1: A stunning, high-resolution photo of the finished Dried Orange Garland draped across a white fireplace mantle, backlit by warm white twinkle lights showing the translucency of the fruit.]
📝 Key Materials
Before we get to the full list, here are the absolute essentials you need to grab for this DIY dried orange garland oven method:
- Navel Oranges (Seedless is best for that clean look)
- Parchment Paper
- Cookie Sheets
- Jute Twine
- Paper Towels (Lots of them!)
Supplies & Tools List
Consumables (The Ingredients):
- 4-6 Large Navel Oranges (Navels are seedless, which makes for prettier stars in the middle!)
- Cinnamon Sticks (for structure and scent)
- Bay Leaves (Optional, for a pop of green)
Tools (The Equipment):
- Oven
- Baking Sheets
- Wire Cooling Racks
- Paper Towels
- Large Embroidery Needle
Step-by-Step Tutorial: The “Low & Slow” Method
Step 1: The Prep & The Secret to Success
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). This low temperature is non-negotiable! Anything over 225°F will start to cook the sugars, turning your beautiful orange slices a muddy brown color.
Wash and dry your oranges. Slice them crosswise into wheels. You want them to be about 1/4 inch thick. Consistency is key here—if some are thick and some are thin, the thin ones will burn before the thick ones dry.
Nancy’s Pro-Tip: Use a mandoline slicer (with the safety guard!) for perfect uniformity.
Once sliced, arrange your wheels on a layer of paper towels. Place another layer of paper towels on top and press down firmly.
The Blotting Rule: You must blot as much juice out as possible before they hit the oven. If you skip this, the oranges will steam instead of dry, doubling your bake time and leading to browning.
📸 [Image-2: A top-down shot of orange slices laid out on paper towels, with a hand pressing a second paper towel on top to blot the juice. Bright and airy lighting.]
Step 2: The Bake
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Do not use foil, or the oranges might stick and tear. Arrange the slices on the sheet, making sure they aren’t touching. They need room for the air to circulate.
Pop them in the oven. Set a timer for 45 minutes.
Step 3: The Maintenance
Every 30 to 45 minutes, pull the baking sheet out and flip the slices over. This prevents them from curling up at the edges and ensures they dry evenly on both sides.
Keep an eye on the smaller slices—they may finish faster than the larger ones.
The Window Test: How do you know they are done? Usually around the 3 to 4-hour mark, the flesh will feel dry to the touch (not sticky), and when you hold one up to the light, it should look translucent like magnificent stained glass.
📸 [Image-3: A shot inside the oven or just outside it, showing the oranges on the baking sheet. Some are being flipped with tongs. The oranges look dehydrated but still bright orange.]
Step 4: The Cool Down
Remove the slices from the oven and transfer them immediately to a wire cooling rack. Let them sit there for at least 24 hours. They will continue to harden and “cure” as they cool. This is the secret to no-burn dried orange slices that last for years.
Step 5: The Assembly
Once your slices are fully cured and hard, cut a long length of jute twine.
Thread your embroidery needle with the twine. I like to poke the needle through the flesh of the orange (right next to the rind) on the left side, pull the twine across the back, and come out through the flesh on the right side. This makes the orange slice lay flat against the wall or tree.
To make it truly luxurious and fragrant, I alternate my oranges with cinnamon sticks.
Tie a simple knot around a cinnamon stick, thread on an orange, thread on a bay leaf, and repeat!
📸 [Image-4: A close-up macro shot of hands threading the jute twine through a dried orange slice, with cinnamon sticks and bay leaves scattered on the table nearby.]
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my dried oranges turn brown?
If your oranges turned brown, the oven temperature was likely too high. Sugars caramelize (brown) at higher temps. Stick to 200°F (93°C) and be patient! It’s also possible you didn’t blot them enough—trapped juice boils and discolors the fruit.
How long do dried orange garlands last?
If dehydrated properly and stored in a dry place, dried orange garlands can last 2-3 years! I keep mine in an airtight plastic bin with a silica gel packet (save the ones from shoe boxes!) to keep moisture away.
Can I use a dehydrator instead of an oven?
Absolutely! In fact, a dehydrator is even safer for maintaining color. Set your dehydrator to 135°F and let them run for 6-8 hours. It takes longer than the oven, but the results are incredibly consistent.
What other fruits can I add to my natural holiday decor?
Grapefruit (for a pink hue), lemons (for bright yellow), and limes (which turn a deep, moody green-brown) all work well. Just remember that smaller citrus dries faster, so bake them on separate trays.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! A handmade Christmas decoration that looks stunning, smells divine, and costs pennies to make. This garland looks incredible wrapped around a Christmas tree, but my favorite spot is backlit in a kitchen window where the morning sun can shine through the fruit.
Happy crafting, friends!
Nancy
