Homemade Dried Orange Garland

Learn how to make a homemade dried orange garland with orange slices and simple supplies. It brings natural color, citrus charm and rustic style to holiday decor.

You might also like to make a paper clip angel, salt dough gingerbread man garland, crochet star garland or felt Christmas tree garland.

Why You’ll Love It

Simple materials: Uses only oranges, twine and a needle which are easy to gather.
Senses activated: Natural scent and warm hues bring cheer without chemical fragrance.
Eco friendly: Fully biodegradable and ideal for composting after the season.
Customizable: Combine with other citrus, cranberries, popcorn or ribbon for creative flair.

Orange Garlands Supplies and Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Navel orange slices: Main decorative element providing vibrant color and citrus notes.
Cotton twine: Holds the slices together and allows for flexible arrangement.
Optional extras: Mix textures or add pops of color and variation. Cranberries, popcorn and ribbon are a few ideas.

How to Make a Dried Orange Garland for Christmas

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Slice the oranges: Cut oranges thinly and pat dry to reduce moisture.
Dry the slices: Arrange them to air or gently dry until sturdy and no longer bendy.
Thread the garland: Use a needle to string the dried slices on cotton twine in your chosen order.
Add extras if desired: Incorporate cranberries, popcorn or ribbon between slices for visual interest.

Substitutions and Variations

Citrus mix: Try blood oranges, lemons or grapefruit for varied color and aroma.
Festive embellishments: Add cinnamon sticks, faux berries, star anise or wooden beads for extra depth.
Timesaver: If you’re in a rush, you can buy dried orange slices instead of drying your own.
Spacing: You can have as much or as little space between each dried orange slice and dried lime slice as you wish, or even have them overlapping, as you prefer.
Ribbon alternative: Swap twine for ribbon to match seasonal themes or color palettes. Another idea is fishing line.

How to Use a Dried Orange Garland

Hang it up: Hang one dried orange garland or make several and loosely wrap them around each other for more of a statement piece. They look great anywhere, such as over the fireplace, around the stair banister, on the back of a door, or even on your front door.
Give as a gift: Pair your garland with other gifts such as a Christmas countdown calendar, bath bombs, shower steamers, heart shaped crayons, and sock snowmen.

How to Store Your Dried Orange Garland

A DIY dried citrus garland should last for a couple of years, as long as you keep it somewhere cool and very dry, preferably wrapped in paper and then in an airtight container. Since this citrusy decoration for Christmas trees is made from fresh fruit, any moisture is going to make it rot.