How to Dry Orange Slices for Christmas Décor:

The holiday season is a time for warmth, togetherness, and celebrating the beauty of tradition. While store-bought decorations may offer a quick solution to transforming your home, there’s something uniquely charming about creating your own décor, especially when it incorporates nature’s simplicity. One classic, affordable, and eco-friendly option is dried orange slices. These fragrant, sunlit accents bring a festive touch to your home, and they’re surprisingly easy to make. In this post, I'll guide you through the process of drying orange slices and share why these natural elements often outshine their commercial counterparts.

How to Dry Orange Slices for Christmas Décor

What You’ll Need:

Fresh oranges (navel oranges work well, but blood oranges or tangerines can add variety)
A sharp knife
A cutting board
Baking sheets
Parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat
An oven

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat Your Oven:
Set your oven to 200°F (90°C). A low temperature is crucial for drying the slices evenly without burning them.
Slice the Oranges:
Using a sharp knife, slice the oranges into thin, even rounds, approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Try to keep the thickness consistent so they dry uniformly. Thinner slices dry faster but may be more delicate.
Arrange on Baking Sheets:
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a non-stick mat. Arrange the slices in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
Bake Low and Slow:
Place the trays in the oven and bake for 2-4 hours. Flip the slices every 40 minutes to ensure even drying. The exact time will depend on your oven and the thickness of the slices. Look for a slightly translucent appearance and a dry, leathery texture.
Cool Completely:
Once dried, let the slices cool completely before using them in your decorations. They’ll harden slightly as they cool.
Optional Preservation (for Long-Term Use):
If you plan to store your dried orange slices for future use, consider sealing them with a clear craft spray or a mixture of water and clear glue to prevent moisture absorption.

P.s. you can watch me whip up a batch of these easy dried orange slices in the video below!

Creative Ways to Use Dried Orange Slices in Christmas Décor

Garlands:
String the dried slices on twine, alternating with cinnamon sticks, pinecones, or wooden beads. Hang your garland on the mantle, staircase, or across windows for a rustic touch.
Ornaments:
Use a small hole punch or a needle to thread twine or ribbon through each slice. Hang them on your tree for a natural, radiant look.
Wreath Embellishments:
Attach dried orange slices to a wreath using floral wire or hot glue. Combine them with fresh greenery, berries, and a big bow for a festive front door decoration.
Table Centerpieces:
Scatter dried slices on your holiday table or arrange them in a bowl with star anise, cinnamon sticks, and cloves for a fragrant, decorative centerpiece.
Gift Toppers:
Tie a dried orange slice onto wrapped gifts with rustic twine for a personal, eco-friendly finishing touch.
Candlescapes and Potpourri:
Pair dried orange slices with candles, pine sprigs, and seasonal spices for a cozy display or mix them into potpourri to scent a room naturally.

Why I prefer Natural Décor over Store-Bought

A Celebration of Individuality

No two dried orange slices are exactly alike, making each piece unique. This individuality adds character to your décor—something mass-produced items lack.

Nostalgic Simplicity

Natural decorations like dried orange slices harken back to simpler times when holiday celebrations were less commercial and more heartfelt. They connect us to tradition and remind us that beauty doesn’t have to be complicated. Plus, a bag of oranges costs far less than a set of high-end decorations, and you probably already have most of the tools you need in your kitchen. Crafting your own orange slice décor is a cost-effective way to add elegance to your home without breaking the bank.

Healthier for Your Home

Unlike synthetic decorations that may off-gas chemicals or contain glitter that ends up everywhere, natural décor like oven-dried orange slices are safe and non-toxic. This is especially important for households with children or pets. Opting for homemade over store-bough also reduces your waste this holiday season AND they’re compostable if you’d rather not store them until next Christmas.

A Mindful Experience

Creating your own décor encourages mindfulness and creativity. The process itself can be a form of self-care during the often hectic holiday season.

Dried orange slices are more than just a decoration—they’re a celebration of nature’s beauty, sustainability, and the joy of creating something with your own hands. By choosing natural over store-bought décor, you’re not only adding warmth and charm to your holiday home but also embracing a simpler, more thoughtful way of celebrating the season.

So, this year, skip the glittery baubles and plastic tinsel. Gather some oranges, turn on your favorite holiday tunes, and let the magic of homemade décor transform your space.

As always thank you for visiting the blog! If you try making these easy oven-dried orange slices please let me know how it goes in the comments below! Xx Julia Rae Connor