How to make a DIY dried fruit garland made with dried oranges and cranberries for the Christmas tree.
I've already shared my dried orange slice ornaments that I made, including easy instructions on how to dry orange slices. I loved them so much that I added a matching fruit garland.
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've never made dried oranges before, make sure you check out how I did it. The smell when you make 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
You can use fishing line or string for this project. I had some fishing line lying around so that's what I used.
Just look at all of that fabulous color. I just can't get enough. Obviously...I've put them all over our house.
Putting together your dried orange garland
First I tied a loop in one end of my fishing line and then treaded my needle.
You can really do whatever you want with this but I kept it simple. 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. Easy peasy, and very thrifty.
After the holidays are over I'll take it outside and let the birds enjoy 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 more nature inspired Christmas decor...
Easy DIY Dried Orange Slice Ornaments
A Rustic Christmas Tree
The Thrifty Style Team is sharing their best thrifty ideas for our last get-together of the year. Check out what they've been working on.
Debbie Halcomb says
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.
Kristi says
Awww, what a wonderful memory, Debbie! Thanks so much for sharing that with me. There's nothing like Christmas with little ones. 🙂
Pat M. says
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.
Kristi says
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!
Toni says
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.
Kristi says
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.
Marlene Stephenson says
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.
Kristi says
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.
Deborah Sommerlot says
Literally, just made some dried oranges this morning 🙂
Kristi says
I love dried oranges for the holidays! 🙂
meegan says
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.
Kristi says
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!
Julie says
This is such a great idea, Kristi! Just pinned. Merry Christmas!
Kristi says
Thanks so much, my friend! I appreciate it! Merry Christmas to you!
Mary Beth says
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!
Kristi says
Thanks so much, Mary Beth! I think the older you get, the more you appreciate the good times. Hope you have a Merry Christmas!
Michelle @ The Painted Hinge says
Your tree is gorgeous and I love the fresh DIY garland! I always love using natural elements for creating decor.
Kristi says
Thanks Michelle! I love to use natural elements, too! I don't know why it took me so long to use dried oranges. 😉
Pat says
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
Kristi says
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! 🙂
Denise says
When I've tried this in the past, the cranberries dried up and basically became craisins. How do you keep them pretty?
Kristi says
They do eventually dry up but keep their color so I didn't mind. Sorry no tips to keep them fresh.
Deborah Halcomb says
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.
Kristi says
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).