How To Make A Dried Orange Slice Garland

I absolutely love Christmas time, and I can’t believe it’s time to deck the halls! Over the last few years, I have been really inspired by vintage design and natural elements in my Christmas decorations. Read on to learn how to make a dried orange slice garland.

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Step-By-Step To Make A Dried Orange Slice Garland

Here are the steps to take for how to make a dried orange slice garland:

Gather Supplies

Making a dried orange garland is a simply DIY that requires few materials:

1. Oranges (obviously)
2. Cutting Board
3. Cookie Sheet
4. Knife
5. Parchment Paper
6. Way to dehydrate the oranges (I’m using my oven, but you can also use a dehydrator)
7. Twine (I linked twine and a twine holder that is similar to mine)
8. Sewing Needle
9. Paper towels

Step 1-Preheat The Oven

The first step is to preheat the oven. Set the temperature for 200 degrees Fahrenheit. We want the oranges to dehydrate in the oven low and slow. The oven will gradually dry the oranges and the juice, but you don’t want it so hot that the oranges start to brown and burn.

Step 2-Line The Cookie Sheets With Parchment Paper

Next, ready the cookie sheets for the orange slices. Place a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet. I lined two sheets and cut up 4 large oranges. I wanted enough for a long orange garland or even 2 garlands.

Step 3-Slice The Oranges

It’s finally time to slice the oranges. You want to slice them thin (usually 1/8 to 1/4 in thick) enough to dry out within a few hours, but not too thin. If they are too thin they will burn, but too thick and they won’t dry out properly. Try to make them consistent.

Step 4-Press Oranges With Paper Towel

Before I put the orange slices in the oven to dry out, I like to give them a a head start. Take a paper towel and press it on each orange slice. Blot the orange slices to remove the excess juice. This will help speed up the drying time a tiny bit.

Step 5-Bake The Orange Slices

Bake the orange slices at 200 degrees for 3 to 4 hours. A couple hours in, I advise turning them over so the orange slices can brown and dry out evenly. Edited to say- this took most of the day, just keep checking on it every 2-3 hours.

Pro Tip-All ovens heat differently. You know your oven the best. If it runs hot, lower the temperature and check on the oranges after 3 hours. If you want them done faster, try 225 degrees, but I wouldn’t go any higher than that.

Step 6-Let The Orange Slices Rest

Check on orange slices throughout the cooking time. Some of the slices may finish faster than other, and some may need to bake a little longer. If the oranges are done, they appear slightly brown and dry to the touch. If an orange is sticky, then all of the juice hasn’t dried yet and it needs more time.

Step 7-String The Slices On The Twine

Now that the orange slices have dried, it’s time to sting them on the twine! I like to use a sewing needle. Tie the twine on the sewing needle and you can just string the orange slices on one by one! String them in the flesh, not the rind.

Make sure to go in from the front and back out the front of the orange slice, securing the orange to the twine in two places. This helps the orange slices from laying flat and not spinning when hung up.

Ask me how I know this…

Step 8-Decorate!

My favorite part is to decorate with them! I made 2 new ones this year and have some I made a few years ago. They do last well if you store them in a bin with an air tight lid and they are completely dry.

I like to use them on my mantel, staircase, and above arch ways and windows in my house. Where would you decorate with a dried orange slice garland?

FAQ About Dried Orange Slice Garlands

Here are some frequently asked questions about making a dried orange slice garland:

How long will dried orange garland last?

They last a long time! The dried orange slices keep their color and look great all season! You’ll by hooked and make more and more every year.

Can I store the dried orange garland?

YES! I made several of these garlands with oranges 3 years ago and they are still looking great. The dried oranges for the garland are dry when they are stored and I store them with my other decorations in clear storage bins with a lid in the garage. I decorate with them every Christmas.

Will Bugs be attracted to my orange slices?

I’ve never had a problem with bugs or any insects wanting to eat the oranges slices off of the garland, fresh or older ones. Each year I make new dried orange slice garlands and they are out all season (Nov 1-Jan 1) and I haven’t seen a single bug.

Do the dried oranges for the garlands smell?

YES! They smell SO GOOD when they are freshly made, like a fresh citrus simmering pot on the stove. The smell fades over the years, but they will make the house smell so good and Christmasy.

What else can I do with the dried orange slices?

1. Make a Potpourri pot
2. Make a wreath
3. Make ornaments
4. Use for cleaning products
5. Place down the sink drain
6. Garnish for holiday charcuterie boards and drinks
7. Grind up for recipes and smoothies

Check Out These Other Christmas Posts:
Christmas Living Room Tour
Christmas Kitchen Tour
The Best Faux Cedar Garlands

Final Thoughts

This is such an easy DIY that can last you for several years. The longest part of making the dried orange slices for the garland is waiting them to dry out properly.

Remember not set the oven too high so they don’t burn; low and slow is the game. You want them to completely dry out or the orange slices will be sticky and may attract fruit flies. Yuck!!

What do you think? Will you try making your own orange slice Christmas garland? If you do, tag me on instagram at @themorrismansion!