How to Dry Oranges and Citrus for Holiday Decorating

There are few Christmas decorations as classic as a dried orange garland. The festive festoon is the perfect way to give a touch of handmade to your Christmas decor without spending a lot of money or devoting too much time to crafting. And while there are many ways to implement natural items within your home's Christmas look, there's nothing like the fragrant, colorful look of dried citrus. Read on for our favorite ways to make a big holiday impact with dried citrus.

How to Dry Citrus Slices

1. Slice the Citrus

Start by slicing assorted fresh citrus fruits like grapefruit, orange, lemon and lime with a sharp knife (Image 1). The fruits will lose some color once dried, so, the brighter they are beforehand, the better. Aim for 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch slices, maintaining as much consistency as possible (Images 2 & 3).

2. Place Slices in Dehydrator

Arrange the slices on the dehydrator trays, being careful not to overcrowd them to maintain plenty of airflow within the unit. Place the cover on the dehydrator and set it to a temp between 125 and 145 degrees F. Let the fruits dry for at least eight hours.

3. Or, Dry Citrus in the Oven

No dehydrator? No problem. Any oven will do the trick. Place the slices on a metal cooling rack and place in the oven at 175 degrees F for three to four hours, flipping every hour to ensure even drying (Image 1). Once dry, let cool at room temperature (Image 2).

Note: Not all metal cooling racks are oven-safe, while many are only oven-safe when used at low temperatures. Check to make sure your particular cooling rack will work for this application.

Old-Fashioned Orange Ornaments

To craft a charming, old-fashioned ornament, thread twine through the center of a dried orange slice and tie it off. Slide a few wooden beads in various sizes onto the twine and tie off the end with a loop for hanging (Images 1 & 2). Hang on your tree or work into greenery around your home for a timeless Christmas look (Image 3).

Simple Citrus Ornament

Love a merry minimalistic look? Simply slide wire ornament hooks directly through the dried citrus slices and adorn your tree with all sorts of fragrant beauty (Images 1 & 2).

Tropical Citrus Wreath

Here’s how you can deck out a standard greenery wreath with bunches of dried citrus. Start by overlapping three slices to create a rounded, triangular shape. Connect the slices using thin floral wire and leave a tail sticking out (Image 1). Use the excess floral wire tail to attach the bunches to a wreath for out-of-the-box door decor that you and your neighbors can enjoy (Image 2). If desired, add a few sprigs of eucalyptus for an extra dose of color and texture (Images 3 & 4).

Traditional Orange Garland

Creating a traditional orange garland is as easy as drying oranges. All that’s left to do is thread twine through several oranges using a crochet needle (Image 1). The trick is to thread in one side and out the other, sticking to a consistent threading pattern to ensure the twine covers all the oranges in the same manner (Image 2). Once you’ve achieved your desired length, or run out of oranges, tie off the ends in a loop for easy hanging and work the garland into your existing Christmas decor to add a pop of color (Images 3 & 4).

Bonus: Use Leftover Slices to Spice Up Holiday Drinks

Mulled cider and wine are go-to holiday party drinks for a reason. Not only are they delicious, they also fill your home with the scents of the season, effortlessly setting a merry mood. Elevate your elixirs by tossing in a few leftover citrus slices. This will enhance the flavor and add a touch of beauty to the simmering pot. Don't forget to arrange a few slices next to the glasses for garnishing.