Looking for a simple, budget-friendly way to add natural charm to your Christmas and winter holiday décor? Dried oranges, blood oranges, pears, and other seasonal fruits make stunning additions to garlands, ornaments, and wreaths. Here’s how you can prepare and dry these fruits to create gorgeous, fragrant decorations that bring a cozy, festive touch to your home.
What You’ll Need:
Oven or food dehydrator
Fresh oranges, blood oranges, pears, or other seasonal fruits like apples or lemons (opt for non organic to save money since you aren’t consuming these!)
A sharp knife + cutting board
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Fruit
- Oranges & Blood Oranges: Slice thinly (about 1/4 inch thick) to create even, translucent rounds. Remove seeds as needed.
- Pears: Core the pear, then slice vertically into 1/4-inch thick slices.
- Other Fruits: For apples, slice horizontally into 1/4-inch thick rounds, keeping the star-shaped core intact.
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to the lowest temperature, typically between 150–200°F (65–93°C). A lower temperature prevents burning and allows for slow, even drying.
Arrange the Fruit
Place the fruit slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Ensure no slices overlap to allow proper airflow.
Dry the Fruit
Pro Tip: If using a food dehydrator, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for drying fruits. It often takes about 6–8 hours.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 4–6 hours. Flip the slices every 1–2 hours to ensure even drying. Keep the oven door slightly ajar to let moisture escape.
Check for Doneness
Fruit slices are ready when they are firm, dry to the touch, and slightly pliable but not sticky.
Cool and Store
Let the dried fruit cool completely before using. Store in an airtight container until you’re ready to craft.
Creative Decoration Ideas
- Garlands: String dried fruit slices on twine, alternating with cinnamon sticks or sprigs of greenery.
- Ornaments: Use a needle and thread to create loops for hanging individual slices on your Christmas tree.
- Table Decor: Arrange dried fruits with pinecones and candles for a rustic centerpiece.
Seasonal Fruits That Work Well
- Citrus: Oranges, blood oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits
- Pears: Choose firmer varieties like Bosc for easier slicing.
- Apples: Opt for red or green apples for a colorful touch.
- Starfruit: Adds an exotic shape to your garland.
Why Make Your Own Decorations?
DIY decorations are not only cost-effective but also sustainable and customizable. The natural scent of dried fruits adds a festive aroma to your home, while their vibrant colors brighten any winter setting.
Decorating with dried fruit is a beautiful way to embrace the cozy, organic aesthetics of the holiday season.
Happy crafting! 🎄
Cosette
Janine Lambaren and are very excited. We are living together now that we are both ‘single’ and aged. 🤗 we…
Lovely read! Can’t wait for part 2
obsessed, I’ll be back for more
Leave a Reply