DIY Dried Orange Garland: A Festive Handmade Holiday Decoration
Looking for a simple, natural, and festive way to decorate your home this holiday season? A dried orange garland is the perfect DIY project to add a touch of rustic charm to your decor. With just a few basic supplies and a little time, you can create a beautiful, handmade garland that fills your space with cozy, seasonal vibes. Whether draped across your mantel, hung on your tree, or used as a table centerpiece, this craft is as versatile as it is delightful. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process and make something special for the holidays!
Supplies Needed:
Navel Oranges (Each large navel orange yields about one foot of garland if the slices are strung close together.)
String or Twine (I used a red and white woven twine for a festive touch)
Food Dehydrator (or your trusty oven in a pinch)
Step 1: Slice the Oranges
Take your sharp knife and slice the oranges into thin, even rounds, about ½ cm thick.
Pro Tip: Thinner slices dry faster, so don’t go chunky. Toss the ends (you won’t miss them) and keep all those imperfectly perfect middle slices—they’ll give your garland a handmade, charming look.
Step 2: Dehydrate the Orange Slices
Lay the slices flat on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they don’t overlap. Assemble your dehydrator and turn it on. It usually takes 8–12 hours to fully dry the slices.
My husband purchased our dehydrator during COVID, no idea why. I was really against the purchase but it has really come in handy and proved itself useful.
You’ll know they’re ready when they’re dry and slightly crisp, with no juiciness remaining.
No dehydrator? No problem! Pop them in the oven on a cookie sheet. Here’s a quick guide to help you out.
Step 3: Thread the Needle
Thread your needle with the string or twine, leaving extra length for flexibility. For example, if you want a six-foot garland, use about eight to ten feet of string.
Fancy a hook for easy hanging? Tie a loop at one end of the string to create a hook for hanging.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a needle, you can use a toothpick to poke holes in the orange slices. Then, use tape to create a spear on the end of your twine. Remember how your mom used to do your shoelaces when the hard plastic came off the end? That’s what you're going for!
Step 4: String the Garland
Before assembling, lay out your dried orange slices. Sort them into two piles: standard slices and those with thicker rinds or more unique patterns. Alternating between these piles will create a balanced and visually interesting garland.
To String the Slices:
Push the needle through the fleshy part of the orange, avoiding the rind, near one side.
Pull the string through the front of the slice to the back.
Push the needle through from the back to the front on the opposite side, creating a straight line across the orange slice.
Slide the orange slice down the string, leaving about a foot of string at the starting end.
Repeat this process for all slices, deciding whether to place them snugly together or with space between. The decision is yours!
Once you’ve strung all of the slices, snip off the needle and tie another loop if you’re feeling fancy.
Step 5: Enjoy the Season
Cue the applause—you did it! Your dried orange garland is now ready to hang! Whether it’s strung across the mantel, wrapped around the tree, or hung wherever needs a festive touch, it’s going to bring all the cozy holiday feels.
Remember, perfection is overrated. Those little quirks in your garland? That’s the magic of handmade.
You Did It!
You’ve crafted a stunning dried orange garland that’s sure to brighten your holiday decor. Its warm, handmade touch is a reminder of the beauty in simple, seasonal creations. As you admire your work, take pride in knowing it’s uniquely yours—imperfections and all. Let this project be a joyful reminder to slow down, enjoy the holiday, and savor the magic of the season.
Happy holidays, and may your home be as warm and joyful as your handmade masterpiece! 🎄
PS: If you were inspired to tackle this project, I’d love to see how your dried orange garland turned out. Let’s chat on Instagram and be sure to give a follow to stay up-to-date with all the latest from Making the Room.
