The Quick Answer
Creating cozy Christmas garland with dried orange slices takes about 3-4 hours total: 2 hours for drying oranges at 200°F, plus 30 minutes for assembly. This budget-friendly project costs under $15 and creates stunning rustic holiday décor.
Why This Matters
Many homeowners discover that store-bought holiday decorations lack that personal touch and can cost a fortune. It's common to see families spending $200+ on garland alone, only to have it look identical to everyone else's. This DIY approach creates stunning, aromatic décor that fills your home with the warm scent of citrus and cinnamon. Plus, kids love helping with this project, making it a perfect family tradition that costs less than a fancy coffee drink.
Gathering Materials and Prep Work
Start by collecting your supplies: 4-5 large naval oranges, natural twine or jute rope (about 8 feet), cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, and dried cranberries. You'll also need a sharp knife, cutting board, and parchment paper.
Choose oranges that feel firm and heavy for their size. Avoid any with soft spots since these won't dry evenly. Naval oranges work best because they're seedless and have thick, sturdy peels that hold their shape during drying.
What Actually Works
When cutting multiple oranges into uniform slices, precision matters for even drying. The Black+Decker 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver with 30-Piece Accessories comes with a versatile blade attachment that creates consistent ¼-inch slices. The cordless design gives you flexibility to work anywhere in your kitchen.
Wash your oranges thoroughly and pat them completely dry. Any moisture left on the skin will extend drying time and could cause uneven results.
Drying Orange Slices Perfectly
Preheat your oven to 200°F – this low temperature prevents burning while removing moisture effectively. Slice oranges into ¼-inch thick rounds. Thinner slices dry faster but become fragile, while thicker ones take longer and may not fully dehydrate.
Line baking sheets with parchment paper and arrange orange slices in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Pat each slice with paper towels to remove excess juice before placing in the oven.
💡 Pro Tip: Flip orange slices every 30 minutes during the first 2 hours. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning on both sides.
Bake for 2-3 hours, checking every 30 minutes. Properly dried slices should feel leathery but not brittle, with edges that curl slightly. They'll continue firming up as they cool.
"I was amazed how my whole house smelled like a Christmas bakery while the oranges dried. Even my teenagers stopped complaining about my 'Pinterest projects' and asked when we could make more!"
- Sarah from Oregon
Creating the Base Garland Structure
Natural jute twine creates the perfect rustic foundation for your garland. Cut your main strand 2 feet longer than your desired finished length – this extra length provides working room and hanging loops at each end.
Mark spacing points along your twine every 4-6 inches where you'll attach orange slices. This ensures even distribution and prevents clustering that can make sections look too heavy or sparse.
What Actually Works
Working with small craft materials requires steady support and precise positioning. The Keter Folding Compact Workbench with Clamps provides the perfect crafting surface with built-in clamps to hold your twine taut while you work. The compact design fits in any room, and it folds away when your project's complete.
Create small loops at each end of your twine for easy hanging. These loops should be about 2 inches long – large enough to fit over hooks but not so big they look awkward.
Assembling Your Festive Garland
Thread your dried orange slices onto the twine using a large needle or by carefully pushing the twine through natural weak spots in the dried fruit. Work slowly to avoid tearing – dried oranges are beautiful but delicate.
Alternate orange slices with cinnamon sticks and bay leaves. Create a pattern like: orange slice, bay leaf cluster (3-4 leaves), orange slice, cinnamon stick. This rhythm creates visual interest while maintaining balance.
💡 Pro Tip: Bundle cinnamon sticks in groups of 2-3 and secure with thin floral wire before attaching to prevent them from sliding around on the twine.
What Actually Works
Handling delicate dried materials while threading requires steady support for your work. The FastCap 3rd Hand Support System acts like an extra pair of hands, holding your garland steady while you position each element. The adjustable arms adapt to any angle, making intricate work much easier.
Add dried cranberries by threading them directly onto the twine between larger elements. They provide pops of deep red color that complement the warm orange tones beautifully.
"My sister-in-law couldn't believe I made this myself! She thought I'd spent a fortune at some fancy boutique. Now she wants me to teach her whole book club how to make them."
- Maria from Texas
Hanging and Display Tips
Your finished garland works beautifully draped along mantels, doorways, or stair railings. For mantels, use small Command hooks every 18 inches to create gentle swags that don't pull the garland taut.
When hanging on walls or doorways, position the garland so it hangs 6-8 inches below the top of the frame. This creates an elegant drape without blocking the view or hitting people's heads.
The natural oils in oranges and cinnamon will provide subtle fragrance for 2-3 weeks. After that, you can refresh the scent by lightly misting with orange essential oil diluted in water.
Store your garland carefully after the holidays by laying it flat in a large box with tissue paper between layers. Properly stored, it will last for several seasons, though the colors may fade slightly over time.
For outdoor use, spray with clear acrylic sealer to protect against moisture. However, indoor display preserves the natural textures and scents much better.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing the drying process: Higher oven temperatures will burn your oranges instead of dehydrating them properly.
- Cutting slices too thick: Pieces over ½-inch thick may never fully dry and can develop mold.
- Overcrowding your garland: Too many elements create a cluttered look – embrace some empty space between decorations.
Bringing It All Together
This charming garland proves that the most beautiful holiday decorations often come from simple, natural materials. Your homemade creation will fill your space with warmth and personality.
Start with one garland to get comfortable with the process, then consider making extras as gifts. Friends and family will treasure these handmade touches far more than store-bought alternatives.
