The holidays are my favorite time to do festive DIY decor projects. It’s such a fun way to relax on a Sunday afternoon and do something creative.

This year, I decided to add some earthy elements to our home by creating garland using dried oranges. It wasn’t the quickest project since the oranges have to bake in the oven for nearly 4 hours, but it was fun. Plus, it made our house smell amazing while the oranges dried in the oven.

Here’s how I created this orange garland:

Supplies

  • Naval oranges, sliced (I used 8)
  • Sharp knife
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooking twine
  • Large quilting needle
  • Scissors

Directions

1 /// Cut oranges into slices

Try to keep them under 1-inch thick. Don’t worry about getting them perfect, either. The more imperfect, the better in my opinion.

2 /// Lay parchment paper on baking sheet and arrange orange slices in single layer

I added a few drops of clove and nutmeg essential oils to my orange slices before baking. This created the most delicious aroma!

3 /// Heat oven to lowest temperature

Mine was 170 degrees Fahrenheit.

4 /// Place baking sheet with oranges in heated oven and bake for 2-4 hours (depending on the color you want your oranges)

5 /// Flip oranges every 30-45 minutes to evenly dry on each side

6 /// Optional: After 2 hours, raise oven temperature to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

I did this because my oranges weren’t making much progress at 170 degrees. 

7 /// Remove from oven when satisfied with color and level of dryness of oranges.

Let cool.

8 /// Thread cooking twine through large quilting needle

9 /// Push needle through one side of an orange slice and out the opposite side

Repeat this step with all oranges until you are satisfied with the length of your garland.

10 /// Hang your garland and enjoy all season long!

Right now I have our orange garland strung across our mantel with the bottle brush tree display I shared a few weeks ago. Once we start putting up the rest of our holiday decor, I plan to move it, though. Or, maybe I’ll just make another one since it was so easy!