Natural Christmas decor can bring warmth and seasonal color to garlands, wreaths, and table arrangements. With a little preparation, oranges, cranberries, and pomegranates can be dried for display, while magnolia leaves and boxwood stems can be preserved for holiday projects. The methods below explain what you’ll need, how long each process takes, and ways to use the finished materials.
Before starting, set aside separate work areas for leaves and fruit, and let dried pieces cool completely before arranging them. These materials are intended for decoration; do not eat fruit that has been prepared or stored as decor.
How to Preserve Leaves for Natural Christmas Decor
Magnolia leaves and boxwood can be treated in two ways. A foliage anti-desiccant spray is a quicker option for temporary use, while a glycerin solution takes several days and produces more durable leaves. Follow the product instructions for any spray you use.
Method 1: Use a Foliage Anti-Desiccant Spray
This is the faster method. It helps leaves retain moisture for several weeks, but it does not preserve them permanently.
Supplies
- Magnolia leaves or boxwood stems
- Foliage anti-desiccant spray
- Spray bottle, if the product is not already packaged in one
Work outdoors and spray both sides of the magnolia leaves. Let them dry before adding them to a wreath, garland, or floral arrangement. Keep treated foliage away from surfaces until it is fully dry, and check the product label for handling directions.
Method 2: Preserve Leaves with Glycerin
This process takes several days, but glycerin-treated leaves can last a long time when stored and displayed carefully.
Supplies
- Glycerin
- Room-temperature water
- Hammer
- Large dish or bin
- Plate or another relatively heavy object to keep the leaves submerged
Mix one part glycerin with one part room-temperature water in a large container. Use a hammer to gently crush the ends of the stems so the solution can travel into them. Arrange the leaves in the mixture without overlapping, then place a plate on top to keep them submerged.
Leave the leaves in the solution for 3–4 days, then remove them and allow them to dry. The same two methods can also be used with boxwood stems.
How to Dry Orange Slices
Thin orange slices make colorful garland accents and can also be tucked into wreaths or table arrangements. Slice them evenly so they dry at a similar rate; thicker pieces will take longer in the oven.
Supplies
- Oranges
- Knife and cutting board
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Oven
Steps
- Cut the oranges into slices approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Arrange the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Heat the oven to 200°F and bake the slices for 45 minutes.
- Turn the slices over and bake for another 45 minutes. Continue flipping them every 45 minutes until they feel relatively dry. This usually takes around 3 hours, though thicker slices may need more time.
Allow the slices to cool before stringing or arranging them. For a hanging garland, make sure each slice is dry enough to handle before threading it.
Tutorial: Easy Tutorial: How to Make DIY Dried Orange Garland
How to Dry Cranberries for Christmas Decor
Fresh cranberries can be prepared for display when a firmer, more decorative look is desired than that of packaged dried fruit. This method takes several hours, followed by cooling time.
Supplies
- Fresh cranberries
- Large bowl
- Large pot filled two-thirds with water
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Oven
- String and needle, if making garland
Steps
- Place the fresh cranberries in a large bowl.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then pour the water over the cranberries.
- Let the cranberries sit for 8–10 minutes. This allows their skins to expand.
- Drain the hot water and spread the cranberries on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for a few hours, until the cranberries are completely frozen.
- Heat the oven to 180°F. Bake the cranberries for 5–6 hours, shaking the baking sheet every 45 minutes to turn them.
Let the cranberries cool before scattering them on a table or threading them into a garland. Check that they are dry before storing or displaying them.
How to Dry Pomegranates
Whole pomegranates take longer to dry than sliced fruit, so plan ahead. Choose firm fruit with smooth, unmarked skin for the best-looking display.
Supplies
- Fresh pomegranates
- Toothpicks
- Wire rack
Steps
- Select smooth, firm pomegranates without visible bruises or scrapes.
- Use a toothpick to make evenly spaced punctures in the rind all around each fruit.
- Set the pomegranates on a wire rack in a cool, dry, dark place, such as a cabinet or closet shelf. Leave them to dry for 3–4 weeks.
As they dry, the pomegranates will shrink and become less vibrant in color. Place them among greenery or display them in a bowl. Check them during the drying period and avoid using any fruit that shows signs of spoilage.
Make a Dried-Fruit and Preserved-Leaf Centerpiece
Once the fruit and foliage are ready, combine them with artificial greenery to create a natural-looking Christmas table arrangement. Floral wire can secure heavier pieces, especially if the garland will hang rather than rest on a table.
- Lay an artificial garland along the table, leaving space for candles if you plan to include them.
- Add small lanterns if desired, then tuck the preserved magnolia stems into the garland. Use floral wire to secure them if the arrangement will be hung or moved.
- Place boxwood stems between the magnolia leaves to add variation in shape and texture.
- Space the dried orange slices along the greenery.
- Nestle the dried pomegranates into the arrangement.
- Scatter cooled dried cranberries throughout. Cinnamon sticks and whole, unshelled nuts can also be added as decorative accents.
For a balanced centerpiece, distribute the larger elements first, then fill open spaces with smaller pieces. Keep greenery and dried materials clear of candle flames, and never leave lit candles unattended.
More Natural Christmas Decor Ideas
Dried fruit and preserved leaves can be used in different rooms and arrangements. Keep fragile pieces away from high-traffic areas, and secure decorations where they could be bumped or pulled down.
Add Orange Slices to Staircase Garland
Spread dried orange slices through artificial garland and attach them to the greenery with florist wire. Fasten each slice securely, especially on staircases where decorations may be brushed by passersby.
Tutorial: How to Hang Garland on Stairs + Entryway Christmas Decor
Plant Paperwhites
Set a bowl of paperwhite flowers beside a kitchen sink or on another bright surface for a simple seasonal display. Their look can carry into January, so they need not be limited to Christmas decorating.
Use Orange Pomanders in a Table Centerpiece
Orange pomanders have a long history and were once used to help mask unpleasant smells. To make one, use a toothpick to poke holes in an orange, in a pattern if you like, then press whole cloves into the holes.
Tutorial: Simple and Inexpensive Christmas Table Centerpiece
Use Leaves as Place Card Holders
Pine, juniper, and cedar cuttings can add natural color and scent to a table. Dunk freshly cut stems in water for an hour to remove bugs, shake them well, and let them dry outside before arranging them.
Magnolia leaves can also serve as place cards. Write each guest’s name on a leaf with a metallic marker, and place it beside the corresponding setting.
Tutorial: Simple Thanksgiving Table Decor Done in 10 Minutes
Mix Pine Cones into Greenery
Gather pine cones in different shapes and sizes to add texture to artificial garland. To help remove lingering bugs, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 200°F for about 30 minutes, checking throughout to ensure they do not burn. Let them cool before attaching them to greenery with florist wire.
Tutorial: How to Make Beautiful DIY Mantel Garland for Christmas
Make a DIY Orange-Slice Garland
Thread cooled dried orange slices to make a simple garland. Mini bells can be added between slices for extra detail. Store the finished garland in a dry place between uses.
Tutorial: How to Make Dried Orange Slice Garland
Drying fruit and preserving leaves takes advance planning, but the results can be used across garlands, wreaths, centerpieces, and place settings. For natural Christmas decor that feels cohesive, combine a few textures and colors, secure the pieces appropriately, and keep dried materials away from heat and open flames.
