Dried orange slices are one of my absolute favorite ways to add a cozy, natural touch to my holiday decor. They’re so simple to make and have that nostalgic, festive feel that instantly reminds me of Christmases past. Whether you’re decorating a tree, making garlands, or adding them to your homemade potpourri, these slices bring a warm, seasonal vibe to any room. In this post, I’ll share exactly how to make them—no complicated steps, I promise!—so you can enjoy their beauty and scent all season long.
Before we dive into the how-to, I want to remind you to check out my post on How to Decorate for Christmas. It’s full of inspiration and ideas for making your home feel festive without feeling overwhelmed. There, you’ll find tips for layering, choosing color schemes, and decorating with natural elements like dried orange slices.
Supplies
- 2-4 oranges (or more, depending on use and space)
- sharp knife
- cutting board
- cooling racks
- baking sheets
Instructions
Preheat the oven
Turn your oven on to low. About 170 degrees F works well for most ovens.
Wash and slice the oranges
Wash your oranges, especially if you’re going to be using them as a garnish or for snacks.
Arrange orange slices on baking sheets
Place the cooling racks on your baking (or cookie) sheets. Then lay the citrus slices in a single layer on the cooling racks, being careful not to let the fruit overlap.
Bake
Bake in the oven for several hours – it could take 6 hours or so.
Tip: Turn the heat down if your oven regularly runs hot or if you find the citrus is browning too much too fast in some spots.
Flip orange slices hourly (or more frequently)
Carefully remove your baking sheets from the oven every hour or so and gently flip the orange slices. As they get drier, check on them more frequently to be sure they don’t burn.
Let Cool
Once the orange slices are dry (or mostly dry) remove the baking sheets from the oven and let them cool completely before using them as a garland, ornaments, or garnish. (See more ideas for using your orange slices below.)
How to Store Dried Orange Slices
You can store your dried slices in an airtight container, like a mason jar, and keep them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to use them. I like to make a big batch so I can use them in all kinds of decorations around the house.
Why dry oranges?
Dried orange slices are both nostalgic and festive because they are a throwback to when people simply decorated their homes for Christmas and winter using what they had on hand.
Paired with cinnamon sticks, sprigs of evergreens, and other holiday decor, dehydrated orange slices are versatile, simple and so pretty.
FAQs
Dried orange slices can last for months when stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. I’ve reused mine for years!
Yes! You can use lemons, limes, or grapefruits as well. They all dry similarly to oranges.
Yes, they are! They’re great for snacking, but they can also be used as a garnish or in potpourri.
If your slices are sticky, they may not have dried long enough or at a high enough temperature. Make sure your slices are thoroughly dried before storing them.
More Winter & Christmas Crafts & DIYS
How to Make Dried Orange Slices
Dried orange slices are a classic Christmas decoration. They have that warm, inviting color that works perfectly with other holiday staples like cinnamon sticks and evergreen sprigs. What I love most about them is that they’re easy to make, affordable, and reusable year after year. It’s a sustainable way to add charm to your home and evoke those cozy, nostalgic feelings.
Materials
- 2-4 oranges (or more, depending on how many slices you want)
Tools
- A sharp knife
- A cutting board
- Cooling racks
- Baking sheets
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to a low heat, around 170°F (75°C).
- Slice the oranges: Wash your oranges thoroughly. Cut them into 1/4-inch slices.
- Arrange on cooling racks: Place the cooling racks on baking sheets. Lay the orange slices in a single layer on the racks, making sure they don’t overlap.
- Bake: Put the baking sheets in the oven. It will take several hours—about 6 hours, depending on your oven and how thick your slices are
- Flip periodically: Check the slices every hour, flipping them gently to make sure they dry evenly.
- Cool down: Once your orange slices are dry and firm (but not burnt!), remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.
Now that you’ve got your beautiful dried orange slices ready, you’re all set to start decorating! I’ve got a follow-up post with 8 creative ways you can use these slices to bring extra charm to your Christmas decor—so make sure to keep an eye out for that. Dried orange slices are an easy, natural, and affordable way to make your home feel extra cozy this season. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do!
Have you ever made dried orange slices for your holiday decor? Let me know in the comments below!
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