‘Tis the season to deck the halls, and what better way to add a touch of homemade charm to your holiday décor than with a beautiful dried orange garland? Trust me, friends, this craft project is not only easy but will fill your home with the most delightful citrusy scent. Let’s dive in and create some holiday magic!
What You’ll Need
- 4-5 medium oranges
- Sharp knife
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Twine or ribbon
- Large needle
- Pine cones (about 5-7, depending on size)
- Optional: cinnamon sticks, star anise, or other festive additions
Step 1: Slice and Dry Those Oranges
- Preheat your oven to its lowest setting (usually around 200°F or 93°C).
- Wash and dry your oranges thoroughly.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the oranges into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Pro tip: the thinner the slices, the faster they’ll dry!
- Arrange the slices on parchment-lined baking sheets, making sure they don’t overlap.
- Pop them in the oven for 2-3 hours, flipping every 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them – you want them dry but not browned!
Step 2: Cool and Admire
Once your orange slices are dry and slightly translucent, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely. Aren’t they gorgeous? They look like little stained glass windows!
Step 3: String Your Garland
- Cut a piece of twine or ribbon to your desired garland length.
- Thread your needle with the twine and start stringing those beautiful orange slices.
- Here’s where it gets fun – alternate the orange slices with pine cones for a rustic touch. To attach the pine cones, simply wrap the twine around the base a few times before moving on to the next orange slice.
Step 4: Add Some Flair
Want to take your garland to the next level? Try adding some cinnamon sticks or star anise between the orange slices. Not only will it look amazing, but it’ll smell divine too!
Display and Enjoy!
Drape your gorgeous creation over a mantle, along a staircase, in a window, on the Christmas tree, or even as a festive table runner. The warm glow of the oranges will add such a cozy vibe to your space.
Pro Tip: To preserve your garland for future holidays, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place when not in use.
There you have it, friends! A simple yet stunning DIY dried orange garland that’s sure to become a new holiday tradition. It’s the perfect project to tackle on a chilly afternoon, perhaps with a mug of hot cocoa in hand and some carols playing in the background.
Remember, the joy is in the creating as much as the final product. So have fun, get creative, and let your inner Martha Stewart shine! Happy crafting, and may your holidays be merry, bright, and deliciously citrusy!