Dried Orange Garland: A Compostable Christmas DIY for Small Spaces

This article was prepared from the source material provided, a first-person DIY tutorial on making dried orange garland.

For a home decor writer with limited storage, dried orange garland has been a Christmas tradition for about seven years. The appeal is simple: it can be recycled or composted at the end of the season, and the only ingredient that needs buying is a few oranges.

The garland is typically draped over a mantel, below bar shelves, or in a window. The process fills the home with a citrus scent, and the writer often strings the pieces while watching a classic Christmas movie.

How to Make Dried Orange Garland

The materials list is short: three to four oranges, a cutting board, a sharp knife, paper towels, two cookie sheets, parchment paper, scissors, string (striped baker's twine is a favorite), and a thick embroidery needle.

Preheat the oven to 200°F. Slice the oranges horizontally about 1/4 inch thick. While still on the cutting board, blot excess juice from both sides of the slices with paper towels. Line the cookie sheets with parchment paper and arrange the slices; they can touch.

Bake for at least three hours. At the 1.5-hour mark, flip the slices and swap the top and bottom racks for even baking. If the centers remain too juicy or the color is too light, continue baking and check every 15 to 20 minutes to prevent burning.

Once the slices reach the desired color and dryness, let them cool on the counter. Thread the embroidery needle with string and string the slices until the garland reaches the desired length. Cut the string and hang.

Customization Options

Fresh cranberries and popcorn can be added for color and texture, a nod to Victorian-era decorations. Because cranberries do not store well, that version should be discarded at the end of the season. Different citrus fruits can be used: blood oranges or grapefruit for red or pink tones, and lemon slices for size variation. Ribbon can replace string; instead of a needle, cut a slit on either side of each slice large enough for the ribbon, and tie bows at the ends if desired.

Extra dried orange slices can be attached to wrapped presents or hung on a tree as ornaments.

Storage and Scent

Dried orange garland lasts throughout the Christmas season. Stored in an airtight container, it can be reused next year if fully dehydrated to avoid mold. Properly dried and stored slices can last two years or longer. They darken over time; discard when they become too dark. The dehydration process releases most of the aroma, but a slightly sweet scent remains. A few drops of orange essential oil can enhance the citrus smell.