Holiday Traditions: How To Make Easy Dried Orange Ornaments For Christmas

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Learn how to make beautiful and fragrant dried orange Christmas ornaments with this simple step-by-step guide.

How To Make Easy Dried Orange Ornaments For Christmas

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DIY Christmas Ornaments And Seasonal Decor Inspiration

Is your home ready for the holiday season?

If you’re like me, you’re always looking for ways to save money, especially during Christmastime. But that doesn’t mean you have to skimp on the holiday cheer!

Today, I’m excited to join some blogging friends to share 15 beautiful ideas for DIY Christmas ornaments and decor to help you deck the halls without breaking the bank.

From viral garland decorating hacks to paper crafts and gorgeous DIY ornaments, this post has projects that are perfect for any level of crafter from beginners to DIY decor pros.

A big thanks to Jen at Tatertots and Jello for organizing today’s hop. You can find the links to all the gorgeous Christmas DIYs and decor ideas at the bottom of this post.

Make sure you read through to the end…I promise you don’t miss out on any of the festive holiday inspiration.

How To Make Easy Dried Orange Ornaments For Christmas

I love the rustic charm and simplicity of dried orange Christmas ornaments. In fact, they were the inspiration behind my rustic green and gold Christmas color palette this year!

I’ve always wanted to try my hand at making dried oranges, but I thought it was too complicated. This year, I finally decided to take the plunge, and I’m so glad I did.

Dried orange Christmas ornaments are the perfect way to add a touch of rustic charm to your home, whether you hang them on your Christmas tree, add them to a wreath, to some garland, or even tie them on your Christmas packages.

They bring warmth and natural elegance to your holiday decor, making your home feel extra cozy and inviting.

And it is so easy to make these ornaments! Really, I promise!

So gather your supplies and get ready to get your holiday crafting on.

Tools And Supplies Needed To Make Dried Orange Christmas Ornaments

Food dehydrator or baking sheets lined with parchment paper
Fresh oranges
Mandoline slicer or serrated knife
Ribbon or craft twine
Scissors

How To Make Homemade Dried Orange Ornaments For Your Christmas Tree

Step 1: Dry Your Oranges

Before you begin, make sure you have all of the necessary materials on hand.

Dehydrating Oranges for Christmas Crafts

Use a serrated knife or mandoline slicer to cut your oranges evenly and very thinly (about 1/8 to 1/4 inch). The thinner your orange slices the more quickly they will dry.

To dry your orange slices using a dehydrator, simply place them on the trays and set the temperature to 125℉. Let the oranges dehydrate for 10-12 hours, or until they are completely dry.

If you don’t have a dehydrator, don’t worry! You can also dry your orange slices in the oven. Preheat your oven to 200℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place your orange slices on the baking sheet and dry them for 2-4 hours, flipping them every 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Dried Oranges Slices for Christmas Crafts

To learn more about drying oranges, you can check out this helpful post with detailed instructions for both dehydrator and oven methods.

Step 2: Attach Some Ribbon

Next, carefully punch a small hole near the top of each dried orange slice using a skewer or a metal straw.

Then thread some ribbon or craft twine through the hole and tie a knot to secure it.

I love my dried orange Christmas ornaments as is, but you can also embellish yours with cinnamon sticks, cloves, or other festive decorations.

Step 3: Hang Your Ornaments

Once your dried orange ornaments are ready, hang them on your Christmas tree to add a touch of rustic charm to your holiday decor.

And, as a bonus, they will fill your home with a warm and inviting citrusy fragrance that will last all season long.

Rustic Green and Gold Christmas Tree with Dried Oranges and Gingerbread

What Other Fruits Can You Dry To Make Ornaments

Besides oranges, there are several other fruits that can be dried and used to create beautiful Christmas ornaments. Here are a few popular options.

Apples – Apples offer a rustic charm to holiday décor and can be sliced thinly or cut into star shapes before drying.
Lemons and Limes – These citrus fruits bring a vibrant pop of color to Christmas decorations.
Cranberries – Cranberries are a classic choice for Christmas ornaments, adding a touch of festive cheer and a burst of color. They can be dried individually or strung together to create festive garlands and wreaths.
Grapefruit – Grapefruit’s pale yellow color blends well with traditional holiday hues, creating an elegant and sophisticated look.
Pears – Pear slices retain their shape well during the drying process and can be incorporated into wreaths, garlands, and ornaments.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Making Dried Orange Christmas Ornaments

Q: What are the best oranges for dehydrating and drying?

A: Any variety will work, but you’ll have the best success using a seedless or low-seed variety. Naval oranges, Blood oranges, Cara oranges, and Valenica oranges are all good options.

Q: Do you peel oranges before drying them?

A: No. The typical way to dry oranges is to slice them thinly with the peels on.

Q: How long will dried oranges last?

A: Properly dried and stored orange slices can last for over two years, making them perfect for Christmas decorations. Simply place them in an airtight container until next holiday season.

Q: Do dried orange slices mold?

A: Properly dried orange slices won’t mold, but if they’re not dried enough, mold might grow. As they hang, they’ll continue to dry out.