These easy Dried Orange Ornaments are not only beautiful, but also an inexpensive way to decorate your tree this year! In this post I will show you how to make dried orange ornaments and how to decorate with them 3 ways!
- Dried Orange Christmas Tree Ornaments
- Dried Orange Slice Garland
- Wreath Decorated with Dried Oranges
I first made these oranges last year after seeing a traditional Christmas tree decorated with dried oranges, popcorn garland, and homemade dough ornaments. I loved the simple and traditional look so I decided to try making our ornaments from scratch and haven’t looked back!
This year I realized that these beautiful oranges not only can be used to decorate our Christmas tree and wreath. But can be used to decorate our home for the rest of winter too! I personally love hanging them in our window for natural “stained glass” and making them into a garland for our mantel to enjoy until I decorate for Valentines day.
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What Oranges do you use?
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To make the perfect dried orange ornaments you will want to use navel oranges. They are stronger and bigger which makes them perfect for this DIY.
How thick do the orange slices need to be to avoid burning?
You will want to cut the oranges 1/8 inch so that they are not too thin to avoid burning. You also want to avoid making them too thick because that will cause them to take much longer to dry out!
How long do dried oranges last?
They can last up to a year or more if you dehydrate them properly. But there is still a chance that they may have moisture in which they will go bad in storage. If you are going to store them make sure to store them away from other decorations in case they do not last. I recommend not keeping them because they do not look as nice. Despite being dried they are still fruit and will age.
What can I do with them after?
To not feel wasteful there are 2 things I do with my dried oranges. When the season is over I like to put them outside on branches in our backyard for the birds and squirrels. Another way I like to use them is in my composter!
What will you need to make them?
You will need:
- A bag of naval oranges
- Parchment Paper
- Twine – This one is my favourite because it is so festive
- Drying Rack
- Paper Towel
Do you need to use an oven?
You can also use a dehydrator if you own one.
How to make dried oranges
- Preheat the oven to 250F.
- Slice the oranges a 1/8 inch thick.
- Place the orange slices on paper towel and then with another piece of paper towel begin patting them to soak up the juice. This step is very important because it speeds up the drying time!
- Once they are all patted dry place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 2 hours flipping every 30min. Depending on how much of the juice removed you may be cooking them for a little bit more. Just don’t forget to flip them!
- Place them on a drying rack to cool off. Once cool you can begin decorating with them or you can let them further dry out on the rack overnight!
Now let’s decorate!
Make Christmas Tree Orange Ornaments
These Christmas tree ornaments are so simple to make! All you need is dried oranges, twine, and something to poke a little hole in them. I like to use a needle, but you could also use a toothpick.
To make:
- Take the orange and poke a hole large enough for the twine to fit through.
- String the twine through and tie a knot.
- Hang on your Christmas tree
Make Dried Orange Slice Garland
To make a garland out of dried orange slices you will need the same tools you used for the ornaments above: oranges, twine, and something to poke a hole in the orange.
I like to hang my garland on my fireplace mantel and I keep it until I decorate for Valentines Day. I like it because it is a winter decoration, not just a Christmas one.
To make:
- Take the orange and poke two holes at opposite ends large enough for the twine to fit through.
- String the twine through.
- Continue this pattern until you have a garland long enough for your decorating needs.
Make A Dried Orange Wreath
This is more of a decorating hack than a total decorating DIY, but I wanted to add it in because its one of my favourite ways to use dried oranges. All you need to do is take a wreath you already have and tie the oranges with twine to the branches. This will brighten up any wreath!
More Winter Fun!
DIY Cinnamon Christmas Ornaments
How To Make Dried Orange Ornaments + 3 Ways to Decorate With Them
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Description
Dried Oranges are not only beautiful, but are inexpensive way to decorate your home for winter! Learn how to make dried orange ornaments!
Ingredients
- A bag of naval oranges
- Parchment Paper
- Twine
- Drying Rack
- Paper Towel
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250F.
- Slice the oranges a 1/8 inch thick.
- Place the orange slices on paper towel and then with another piece of paper towel begin patting them to soak up the juice. This step is very important because it speeds up the drying time!
- Once they are all patted dry place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 2 hours flipping every 30min. Depending on how much of the juice removed you may be cooking them for a little bit more. Just don’t forget to flip them!
- Place them on a drying rack to cool off. Once cool you can begin decorating with them or you can let them further dry out on the rack overnight!
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 2 hours
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