Create a delightful dried orange garland with our comprehensive guide. Transform your space with this simple yet elegant DIY decoration!

I love homemade Christmas decor. I love the simplicity and can see the love that went into it. Making dried orange garland is something the kids can help with as well and it doesn’t cost much, which is what I am all about!

Looking to save more money this holiday season? Check out our guide to keep your holiday budget in check!

Gather Your Supplies

Oranges (I used 4-5 small oranges, but 2-3 large will work too)
Twine or String
Oven
Sharp Knife
Large Needle
Parchment paper
Cookie sheet
Paper towel or rag

Slice the Oranges

Slice the orange into thin slices and take out all of the seeds. I kept the ends for my Homemade Orange Cleaner.

Dry the Orange Slices

Next, pat the oranges with a rag or paper towel to absorb some of the moisture. This will also make the drying process in the oven go quicker.
Place the oranges on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Set your oven to about 200 degrees F.
Put your orange slices into the oven and rotate them every hour.
Some tutorials will say one hour, but it seems the average amount of time it takes is 2-4 hours. That’s why it’s important to check and rotate them every hour.
Once your orange slices look dried out you can turn off the oven and let them continue to cook in the oven with the door open. This will also save you money in heating costs for those in a cold climate 😉

String the Dried Orange Slices

Let the orange slices cool completely before stringing them with your twine or string. Twine is a little sturdier than string, but I did not want to have to buy a bunch of extra supplies for this project, so string will work just fine.

Use your big needle to help get the twine or string into each orange.

Create the Garland

You can string them close together or leave 1-2 inch gaps to create a more minimal look.

Once you have your string completely strung, tie the ends and knot them forming a three inch loop.

Add Festive Touches

You can add cinnamon sticks, cinnamon, orange oil, or dried fruits like cranberries to enhance or prolong the smell.

You can also add things like wooden beads or greenery to give them a nice festive touch!

Hang Your Garland

You can hang your dried orange garland around your tree (like I did) or simple attach it to a fireplace or another area you have Christmas decor.

Tips for Success

Completely Dry Your Oranges

You want the oranges to be as dry as possible. Otherwise, they will dry on the garland and not look as nice.

Storage

Never store your dried oranges in an airtight container or they will mold. You want to leave them in a bowl or lidless container.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

What oranges can be used for a dried orange Garland?

Look for oranges that are firm and have as few imperfections as possible.

What fruit can I use to make a DIY Garland?

You can use other types of citrus besides oranges. Grapefruits, lemons, limes and blood oranges will look lovely! You can even use a combination to create a unique look for your dried garland!

How long do dried orange garlands last?
Dried orange garlands will last the entire season. That is one reason they are a great DIY. They are easy to create, inexpensive, and will last longer than most natural decors you can make.