Guest Post by Sam from Dove Cottage

Interested in a delightful craft to embrace the holiday ambiance? Seeking a cost-effective way to ready your home for ? You're in luck, because I have the ideal tutorial for you! The quintessential Christmas craft that's bound to immerse you in holiday cheer: drying your own orange slices. I typically undertake this a few times leading up to Christmas, and it's far simpler than you might imagine. Not only does it provide you with gorgeous decorations for mere pennies, but it also imbues your kitchen with an incredible Christmas aroma.

Things You'll Need: 

Citrus fruits

Sharp blade

Oven tray

Steps to Dry the Orange Slices: 

Cut your oranges into thin rounds – the thinner, the better. Thicker rounds will require more time to dehydrate, and there's a risk they could mold if any moisture remains. You're not limited to oranges – any citrus fruit is suitable, so why not introduce some limes, lemons, or even grapefruits for added color? 

Once your fruit is sliced, lay the pieces on a baking sheet and place them in the oven at a low temperature. I usually set the oven to 120 degrees Celsius (gas mark 1/2). Bake them for approximately 2-3 hours, but watch them closely, as ovens vary and they can scorch quickly. After two hours, I check them every few minutes and assess by appearance when they're ready. If they still feel moist, they need more time. 

Once the slices are fully dried, remove them from the oven and let them cool. I usually leave them overnight. And that's it, you're finished! 

Now for the exciting part: decorating your home with them! 

 

Creative Ways to Use Them for Decor

The possibilities are limitless – craft a stunning centerpiece for your dining table by arranging the slices in a hurricane vase. Add in some pinecones and a pillar candle to create a festive attraction. Alternatively, you could thread them onto a Christmas garland using embroidery thread, or even incorporate some slices into a door wreath. 

I also bake my favorite ginger sponge cake shortly before Christmas (perfect if you're not a fan of fruitcake like me!), and I adorn it with a few dried orange slices, cranberries, and sprigs of rosemary. Ideal for a show-stopping cake at your Christmas gatherings. 

See, wasn't that quick and simple?! An easy, inexpensive way to create your own holiday decor.

Love this? Don't miss our feature on Victorian Christmas Decorations, which follow a similar theme!

About the Author

I'm Sam, and I blog about interiors and DIY atwww.dovecottageblog.com and on Instagram: @dove_cottage.

I believe any place can feel like home if you fill it with things you cherish. Even if you're not in your ‘forever home', you can still live amidst beautiful surroundings! I share advice on DIY projects that help you achieve your dream home – all on an economical budget.