How to Make a Dried Orange Garland for Festive Decor

A step-by-step tutorial to make a DIY dried orange garland that’s an inexpensive, charming addition to Christmas trees, wreaths, and greenery garlands.

Tying dried orange garlands throughout the house has quickly become my new favorite holiday pastime. It’s simple, affordable, and wonderfully nostalgic — and it’s a perfect activity to share with kids around the kitchen table while a Christmas movie plays.

The warm tones and natural texture instantly elevate any doorway, mantel, or stair garland. I’ve been making this for a couple of seasons now, so consider it one of our little holiday traditions. If you want to make one yourself, here’s a clear, practical guide.

First, check my tutorial for how to dry orange slices. To dehydrate oranges you’ll need a sharp knife, parchment-lined baking sheets, an oven or air fryer, and a cooling rack. Properly dried slices are the foundation of a long-lasting, pest-free garland.

Once dehydrated, you can hang slices individually with ornament hooks or floral wire. But creating a dried orange garland with twine adds a handcrafted, cohesive look that’s especially charming on greenery and wreaths.

DIY Dried Orange Garland

Supplies

• Dried orange slices (dehydrate your own or purchase pre-dried slices)
• Polished hemp twine or any sturdy string
• A straightened paper clip or toothpick (to make holes)
• Scissors
• Mini bells, pine cones, or other small embellishments (optional)

Step 1 – Cut and Dry Orange Slices

If you prefer convenience, pre-dried orange slices are available. To make them yourself:

How to Dry Orange Slices in the Oven

1. Slice oranges into thin rounds, about 1/4-inch thick.

2. Arrange slices on parchment-lined baking sheets in a single layer.

3. Bake at 200°F (about 95°C) for 45 minutes, then flip each slice.

4. Continue baking and flipping every 45 minutes until the slices feel dry; this typically takes around three hours, depending on thickness. Thicker slices will take longer.

Allow slices to cool completely on a rack so they finish drying and firm up before handling.

Step 2 – Cut Twine

Cut a long strand of twine to the overall length you want for your garland, leaving a little extra for tying. Then cut several short lengths of twine about 3–4 inches long; these will secure each orange slice to the main strand.

Step 3 – Poke a Hole Through Each Orange Slice

Use the end of a straightened paper clip or a toothpick to gently poke a hole through the flesh of each dried orange slice. Be careful near the rind to avoid splitting the slice.

Thread a short piece of twine through the hole so the slice hangs from the short strand.

Step 4 – Tie Each Slice to the Main Strand

Tie a secure knot on the short twine to hold the slice, then knot that short strand to the main twine at the spacing you like. Trim any excess short ends close to the knot for a neat look.

Step 5 – Repeat, Spacing Evenly

Continue adding dried orange slices along the main twine, spacing them evenly or clustering them depending on your aesthetic. Consistent spacing gives a polished look, while varied spacing can feel rustic and playful.

Step 6 – Add Embellishments (Optional)

Add small bells, cinnamon sticks, pine cones, or faux berries between slices for extra texture and scent. Tie these on with short twine pieces just as you did with the orange slices, and trim any excess ends.

Trim any long tails so everything looks tidy.

Step 7 – Hang the Garland

Weave your dried orange garland through greenery, drape it over a mantel, or hang it along a banister. Use small Command hooks, floral wire, or simply wrap a bit of twine around a branch to secure it. Mix in fairy lights for a warm glow and tuck in cinnamon sticks or pine cones for extra charm.

The garland looks lovely tucked anywhere — doorways, windows, staircases, or wrapped around wreaths. It brings a cozy, traditional vibe that feels both handmade and festive.

Have you ever made a dried orange garland, or strung popcorn and cranberries for holiday decor? These small, hands-on traditions feel like a sweet connection to Christmases of the past and add a timeless, homey detail to your seasonal decorating.

More DIY Christmas Decor Ideas

• DIY Cinnamon Salt Dough Ornaments
• Christmas Village Snow Globe Centerpiece
• DIY Repurposed Canvas Christmas Art
• 18 Christmas Wall Decor Ideas and Holiday Art Printables

Frequently Asked Questions