Homemade Dried Orange Garland

Orange garland must be trending this year because I’ve been seeing it everywhere! In my local bakery, as I scroll the internet, no matter where I turn I’m loving all the dried oranges!

I’ve had it in the back of my head that I’d give these a go this holiday season. I’m always looking for cute homemade holiday decor and I love the simple beauty of this dried orange garland.

As simple as this garland is to make, the only thing you really need is time. Do this on a day when you’re vegging out at home, working from home – a day that doesn’t require you to run out.

It’ll take four hours for your orange slices to dry out so keep that in mind before you start 🙂

Items You’ll Need for this Dried Orange Garland

Oranges. I used 4 navel oranges. When you’re at the store, feel for oranges with a thicker skin. I think this makes for a prettier garland and

Mandolin or Sharp Knife. I love my mandolin and use it all the time for slicing veggies. If you don’t have one just use a sharp knife and do your best to slice them all evenly.

Paper Towel. You can also use a clean dish towel to press out the excess juice from the orange slices.

Baking Sheet. I used one large baking sheet and lined it with parchment paper. You want the orange slices to be in a single layer, not overlapping. It’s ok if the edges are touching, just try to make sure they aren’t overlapping or on top of each other.

Toothpick. Once the orange slices are done baking, we’re going to use a toothpick or a skewer to poke holes in them so we can string them up! If you’re not using these dried orange slices for garland, you can just skip this part.

String. I love using a rustic twine to string this orange garland. But, if you prefer you can use a clear fishing line, yarn, or whatever string you have on hand!

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How to Make Dried Orange Garland

Step 1: Preheat the oven.

We’re preheating the oven to 200F. You don’t want the oven to be too hot because then the orange slices with brown before the juice is evaporated from the fruit. You want that low and slow temperature for them to dehydrate properly.

Step 2: Slice the Oranges.

When I first made this garland, I made them 1/4th inch think but looking back I wish I did a thinner slice and went for 1/8th inch in thickness.

Step 3: Press out Excess Juice.

Lay out the orange slices on a paper towel or clean, thin tea towel and press out any extra juiciness. This will save you some time on the baking step because you’re already doing some of the work and getting out some juice.

Putting the orange slices in the oven straight from cutting will make for a super juicy slice and a longer bake time.

Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange them in a single, even layer. You don’t want any overlapping because then they won’t dehydrate evenly.

Step 5: Bake.

• 1/4th inch thickness = 4 hours, flipping halfway through.
• 1/8th inch thickness = 3 hours, flipping halfway through

Step 6: Cool & Twine the Orange Garland!

Allow the orange slices to cool on the baking sheet.

Use a toothpick or skewer to poke two holes in either side of the slice. Use a piece of string or twine to string up the orange slices in a line. I like to tie a loop at each end so I can easily hang the garland by looping it on a nail or branch.

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Ways to Customize this Garland!

I love the look of the solid dried orange garland but you can mix it up by stringing in some wooden beads, some small pine cones, or even some small branches of your Christmas tree.

What else can I do with Dried Oranges?

Lots of things! Place them in a little bowl in your bathroom for bright, cheery decor. Decorate an orange cake or these Orange Pie Bars with them!

You could attach them to presents or spruce up a gift card envelope.