How To Make Christmas Orange Garland
Orange garland is not only simple to make but also a beautiful and timeless decoration. Orange garland can be hung in windows, along a mantle or along a tablescape to create a beautiful ambiance. This is also a great craft to do with kids!
How to Dehydrate Oranges for Garland
While using a dehydrator may produce the best result, it is not necessary in order to make dried oranges! You can make dried oranges in an oven, a toaster oven or even without a heat source. Just keep in mind that the lower the heat, the longer it will take for the slices to dry.
If you’re using a dehydrator, you will get the best result by following the directions provided with your machine.
When using an oven or toaster oven, you will likely need to use the absolutely lowest heat setting on your machine. Using the lowest setting is essential to avoid baking & caramelizing the sugars in the orange slices.
The String For Orange Garland
The string you choose to use to hang your oranges on can change the esthetic of your garland. Looking to highlight the oranges? Fishing line will be your best resource! For a more rustic feel, the best option will be a jute twine. For a more elevated and elegant look, try ribbon.
Ingredients and Tools for Orange Garland
1-2 oranges
String – Jute twine or fishing line are great options. Twine adds a more rustic element to the garland while the fishing line allows the oranges to float where you hang them.
Hot Glue or any glue that dries clear
A sharp knife or mandolin
A dehydrator or oven with a cookie tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat
Directions
Begin by slicing your Orange into even slices approximately ⅛-¼ inch in thickness.
If using a dehydrator, follow the instructions included in your dehydrator.
If you’re using an oven, preheat the oven to the lowest temperature it will go (ideally 200°F or lower).
Evenly place the orange slices in a single layer on a baking sheet prepared with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
Add the baking sheet of sliced oranges to the preheated oven and bake for 2-4 hours.
During the 2-4 hour timeframe, be sure to flip the oranges every 20-30 minutes.
When the orange slices are rigid and dry to the touch, remove the pan of orange slices and let cool to room temperature.
Gently blot the orange slices with a towel or paper towel.
Once cool, poke two holes on either side of the dried orange and string the oranges in a line.
Secure your oranges in place by putting a small dot of hot glue on the orange. Hold your string of choice down into the glue until it cools.
Continue this process until all your oranges are secured.
Once all your oranges are strung, hang or place your garland anywhere and enjoy!
Looking for more DIY Projects? You might also enjoy making these beeswax candles or this whipped tallow body moisturizer.
FAQ:
Do I have to have a dehydrator to make dried oranges?
A Dehydrator is not necessary in order to make dried oranges! You can make dried oranges in an oven, a toaster oven or even without a heatsource. Just keep in mind that the lower the heat, the longer it will take for the slices to dry.
How long should orange slices dry for?
The time that it will take for your orange slices to dry will depend on the drying method that you use as well as the thickness of the slices.
Drying oranges in the oven may take less time (a total of 4-6 hours) if you use the oven method due to oven temperatures being higher than most dehydrators. However, a dehydrator is likely to produce a better product due to the airflow and lower temperature.
No matter the method that you use, be sure to dry the slices until there is no moisture left to obtain the maximum storage ability.
Aside from making Orange Garland, what else can I do with dried orange slices?
As decoration, dried orange slices are a great natural option to add to a christmas tree as an ornament, attached to a bow on a christmas gift or in a bowl with pine cone potpourri.
Dried oranges can also be used for culinary purposes. Experiment with adding dried orange slices to garnish beverages, on top of cheesecake, regular cake, cupcakes or muffins. In the summer, adding dried orange slices to an iced sweet tea is also beautiful!
Did you try this? Share your creations in the comments or by tagging @MissysHomestead on Instagram.
