Budget-Friendly Christmas Decor: A Guide to Drying Orange Slices

Contributed by Sam from Dove Cottage

Are you in search of a delightful craft to usher in the holiday cheer? Trying to transform your home into a Christmas haven without breaking the bank? You’ve found the right post! This is the ultimate Christmas project that’s sure to spark festive joy: drying orange slices yourself. I typically engage in this activity a few times as Christmas approaches, and it’s much simpler than you might expect. Not only do you get stunning decorations for mere cents, but your kitchen will also exude a splendid Christmas aroma. 

Supplies Required: 

Citrus fruits

Sharp blade

Baking sheet

Steps to Dehydrate Orange Slices: 

Cut your oranges into thin slices – the thinner, the better. Thicker pieces will take longer to dry and may spoil if any moisture remains. Don’t limit yourself to just oranges – limes, lemons, or grapefruits can add vibrant colors. 

After slicing, arrange the fruit on a baking sheet and place in the oven at a low temperature. I usually set it to around 120 degrees Celsius (Gas mark 1/2). Bake for approximately 2-3 hours, but monitor closely as ovens vary, and slices can burn easily. After two hours, I check every few minutes until they are adequately dried. If they still feel moist, they need more time. 

Once completely dried, remove from the oven and cool, typically overnight. And voilà, you’re done! 

Now for the enjoyable part: decorating your home! 

Creative Ways to Decorate with Them

These slices offer limitless decor possibilities – craft a stunning centerpiece for your dining table by placing the slices in a hurricane vase, adding pinecones and a pillar candle for a festive touch. Alternatively, you can string them into a Christmas garland with embroidery thread or incorporate slices into a door wreath. 

I also often bake a delicious ginger sponge cake before Christmas (a great alternative if you dislike fruit cake!). Topping it with a few dried orange slices, cranberries, and rosemary sprigs makes for an impressive dessert at Christmas gatherings. 

See, wasn’t that quick and straightforward? A speedy, budget-friendly way to create your own Christmas adornments.

Adore this? Check out our Victorian Christmas Decorations feature with a similar aesthetic!

About the Contributor

Hello, I’m Sam, and I write about home decor and DIY atwww.dovecottageblog.com and on Instagram: @dove_cottage.

I believe any place can become a home filled with beloved items. Even if you’re not in your ‘forever home’, you can still live surrounded by beauty! I share tips on how to DIY your dream space – all within a frugal budget.