DIY Orange Slice Garland for the Christmas Tree
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How to make a DIY orange slice garland with dried orange slices and cranberries for the Christmas tree.
Dried orange slice garland is a wonderful way to add a natural touch to your Christmas tree or holiday decor around your home. Plus, it’s so easy to make.
I’ve already shared the dried orange slice ornaments that I made, including easy step-by-step instructions on how to dry orange slices.
I loved them so much that I added an easy-to-make orange slice garland with cranberries.
When our oldest daughter was 3 years old we sold our first house and moved into my in-laws weekend home until our new townhouse was built.
We just happened to move right around Christmas so, instead of taking our holiday decor out of the boxes we just packed, we put the top half of our tree up and handmade our decorations.
I sat with my daughter and we drew, colored and cut out all of our ornaments for that little tree.
She was so excited about that tree and was so proud to point out her ornaments to everyone that visited.
I’m not sure if she remembers any of it but it’s a wonderful memory that has always stayed with me.
I’ve been thinking about that tree a lot lately, while I’ve been decorating the nature-inspired Christmas tree that sits in our dining room.
All of the ornaments aren’t handmade but the dried orange slice ornaments are, as well as the DIY Christmas garland I made with dried orange slices and cranberries.
Just like the dried fruit ornaments this was so easy to make.
If you haven’t tried to make dried orange slices before, make sure you check out how I did it.
The smell when you are drying them is just heavenly.
Supplies to make a DIY garland with oranges and cranberries
- dried orange slices
- fresh cranberries
- length of fishing line or string
- large sewing needle
What string do you use for orange garland?
You can use fishing line or string for this project. I had fishing line on hand so that’s what I used.
Just look at all of that delicious color. I just can’t get enough.
Obviously…I’ve put them all over our house.
How do you make garland out of orange slices?
First I tied a loop in one end of my fishing line and then treaded my needle.
Then it’s just a matter of stringing your orange slices and cranberries.
You can really do whatever you want with this but I kept it simple.
So, for every 10 cranberries I strung, I added an orange slice.
I just stuck the needle through the middle of the cranberry and through two segments of the dried orange slice.
It’s really that simple.
Once I felt the garland was long enough I tied off the end and hung it on my tree.
Over the course of a week or so, the cranberries all dried out, changing the look of my garland.
Easy peasy, and very thrifty.
How long does orange garland last?
They can last for years if stored properly. That means keeping them in a cool, dry place. I package my garland up in tissue paper and store it in a plastic bin.
If you don’t want to keep it you can always take it outside for the birds. I’m sure they’ll love it.
It may not be just like the tree we had all those years ago but it’s definitely up there as one of my faves.
How do you feel about homemade Christmas ornaments and dried fruit garland? Better than store-bought?
Don’t forget to check out our webstory and more of our nature inspired Christmas decor
DIY Dried Orange Slice Garland
How to make a beautiful and fragrant DIY dried orange slice and cranberry garland for your Christmas tree or holiday decorations.
Materials
- dried orange slices
- fresh cranberries
- length of fishing line or string
- large sewing needle
Instructions
- Cut fishing line and loop the end
- String other end through large sewing needle
- Start stringing fruit
- First string 10 cranberries by putting needle through middle of each cranberry
- Stick the needle through two segments of the dried orange slice
- Repeat process until garland is desired length
- Loop end of garland
- Hang your garland and enjoy!
Notes
If you dry your own oranges for this project it will take 4 hours to complete that process.
Your nature inspired tree wass my favorite tree. When my children were young we made popcorn and cranberry garlands for the tree. After Christmas my husband would haul the tree to a small patch of woods near our house and leave it for the birds and animals. My children loved the idea of the birds and squirrels having a Christmas tree after Christmas. We always had real trees because I love the smell.
Love your story, Debbie! Thanks for sharing. I love the smell of real trees too. Unfortunately my allergies prevent us from having one (we”ve tried it several times).
When I’ve tried this in the past, the cranberries dried up and basically became craisins. How do you keep them pretty?
They do eventually dry up but keep their color so I didn’t mind. Sorry no tips to keep them fresh.
I loved those orange slices as ornaments, but with the cranberries they make a very pretty garland. I’m collecting ideas for next years Christmas and this is on the list.
Thanks, Pat
Thanks so much, Pat! I just love the pretty colors of the dried oranges with the fresh cranberries, and they’ve changed into a darker yet prettier color after drying. I’ll definitely be doing this again. Hope you give it a try! 🙂
Your tree is gorgeous and I love the fresh DIY garland! I always love using natural elements for creating decor.
Thanks Michelle! I love to use natural elements, too! I don’t know why it took me so long to use dried oranges. 😉
Your tree is beautiful, and I love the DIY Christmas garland. What a lovely memory you created with your daughter. Sometimes, those simpler times are filled with the most joy. Have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year!
Thanks so much, Mary Beth! I think the older you get, the more you appreciate the good times. Hope you have a Merry Christmas!
This is such a great idea, Kristi! Just pinned. Merry Christmas!
Thanks so much, my friend! I appreciate it! Merry Christmas to you!
Oh my goodness. Your home must smell delicious with your garland. Homemade ornaments and family mementos are the best way for decorating for Christmas. Such gorgeous photography, Kristi.
You are so sweet, thanks so much, Meegan! I agree, homemade decorations and family mementos are the best kind of Christmas decorations to have. Happy holiday to you!
Literally, just made some dried oranges this morning 🙂
I love dried oranges for the holidays! 🙂
Love homemade Christmas decorations, i have some on my tree from my sons and now grandchildren. I want to make some of these they are so pretty.
There’s nothing like homemade, especially when they’re made by children. I still treasure the ornaments our girls made for us growing up.
I hope you give this a try, Marlene. It’s so easy to do and they look lovely on the tree.
I love all ornaments…..homemade and purchased! I bet your house smells amazing! You could also add short pieces of cinnamon sticks. Love the idea.
I love all ornaments, too! 🙂 I actually bought cinnamon sticks to use but kept it simple this time. I know the smell would be amazing. Thanks for sharing that tip.
I recall decorating an outside tree every year when my children were small with popcorn, pieces of apple and cranberries. The birds and squirrels loved it and made for many entertaining window-watching days for them.
I do believe, though, that your dried orange slices are the DIY tree decoration winner of 2018. I can only imagine the number of trees out there that are wearing dried orange slices this year.
I’m loving the dried orange slice ornaments, too! Thanks so much for sharing your Christmas memory and for your sweet comment. Hope you have a great weekend!
Great Idea with the garland. I remmember when my son and daughter were small we decorated with cranberries, popcorn and other bird friendly ornaments. After Christmas my husband took the tree to the woods behind the house for the birds and other criters. Great memories we build with our children. Thanks for reminding me of wonderful Christmases past.
Awww, what a wonderful memory, Debbie! Thanks so much for sharing that with me. There’s nothing like Christmas with little ones. 🙂