A dried orange garland is a simple, affordable way to add natural color and a traditional touch to holiday decor. Hang it on a Christmas tree, weave it through greenery, or drape it across a doorway. With dried orange slices, string, and a few basic tools, you can make a garland sized to suit your space.
This project is also easy to prepare as a family activity. Dry the orange slices ahead of time, then assemble the garland together. If children are helping, have an adult handle the sharp knife, oven, and any small pointed tools.
Before stringing the slices, make sure they are completely dry. You can also use dried orange slices to decorate a wreath or tree without making a garland by attaching them with ornament hooks or floral wire.
How to Make Dried Orange Garland
Gather the materials before you begin. Choosing your garland length in advance makes it easier to estimate how much twine and how many orange slices you will need.
Supplies
- Dried orange slices, homemade or purchased
- Polished hemp twine or another string you have on hand
- A paper clip or toothpick for making holes
- Scissors
- Mini bells, optional
Step 1: Cut and Dry the Orange Slices
If you are drying the oranges yourself, cut them into slices approximately 1/4 inch thick. Keeping the slices a similar thickness helps them dry more evenly. A sharp knife can make slicing easier, but take care while cutting.
How to Dry Orange Slices in the Oven
- Arrange the orange 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 turning them every 45 minutes until they feel relatively dry. This usually takes about 3 hours, but thicker slices may need longer.
Drying time can vary with slice thickness and the oven, so check the texture rather than relying only on the clock. Let the slices cool before handling or threading them.
Step 2: Cut the Twine
Cut one long strand of twine to the length you want for the finished garland. Leave it slightly longer than your planned measurement so you have extra room for tying or hanging it.
Cut several shorter pieces of twine, each about 3 to 4 inches long. These will attach the orange slices to the main strand. Keep the pieces together so they are easy to reach as you work.
Step 3: Make a Hole and Thread an Orange Slice
Straighten a paper clip and use its end, or use a toothpick, to make a hole through the flesh of a dried orange slice. Work carefully and avoid forcing the tool, which could tear the slice.
Push one end of a 3- to 4-inch piece of twine through the hole. If a slice cracks, set it aside for another decoration and use an intact slice for the garland.
Step 4: Tie the Slice to the Main Strand
Tie a secure knot in the short piece of twine to hold it to the orange slice. Then tie the slice onto the long strand. Trim the extra ends of the short piece with scissors.
Step 5: Add the Remaining Slices
Repeat the threading and tying process for each orange slice. Space them evenly along the main strand, checking the arrangement as you go. Laying the garland out on a table can help you keep the spacing consistent before you hang it.
Step 6: Add Optional Decorations
For extra detail, add mini bells, pine cones, or faux holly berries. Tie each item onto the strand, leaving the spacing you prefer between the oranges and embellishments. Trim any long twine ends when you are finished.
Keep decorations balanced along the garland so it is easier to arrange when hanging. Bells are optional, so the project works just as well with orange slices and twine alone.
Step 7: Hang the Garland
Weave the finished garland through greenery or hang it wherever you want to add a natural holiday accent. You can secure the twine around branches or use a little floral wire. Command hooks are another option for hanging it in a doorway or along a wall.
For a fuller display, combine the garland with cinnamon sticks, pine cones, or fairy lights. Check that the garland is supported securely, especially when adding other decorations.
Dried orange slices can also be used on wreaths and Christmas trees, so any leftover pieces can coordinate with the garland.
Dried Orange Garland FAQs
How long does dried orange garland last?
Dried orange garland can last for about two years when stored during the off-season in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Before putting it away, check that the slices are fully dry and that the garland is clean.
Does dried orange garland attract bugs?
Completely dehydrated orange slices are less likely to attract bugs. Any moisture left in the fruit can increase the chance of spoilage or pests, so dry the slices thoroughly before assembling the garland. The slices may continue to dry while left out, but it is best to check them before storage.
Does dried orange garland smell?
Oranges give off a noticeable, pleasant aroma while baking. Once dried, they may retain a slight scent, but it is not usually overwhelming.
With fully dried slices and securely tied twine, a dried orange garland is a straightforward seasonal decoration that can be reused and styled in different ways from year to year.
