Citrus & Spice: A Solstice Ornament Tradition to Brighten Your Home
The air bites with a crisp, clean chill. Bare branches reach skyward, stark against the winter sky. The days are short, the nights long, and a certain quiet settles over the land. It's the heart of winter, the time of the Winter Solstice, a time for introspection, for gathering close, and for bringing light into the darkness. And what better way to bring light and warmth into your home than with the vibrant colours and intoxicating scent of citrus? This year, let's skip the frantic shopping and embrace a slow, simple, and fragrant Solstice tradition: crafting citrus ornaments.
This isn't just about making pretty decorations; it's about connecting with the natural world, creating memories with loved ones, and celebrating the season in a way that is both sustainable and deeply meaningful. These sun-kissed ornaments fill your home with a beautiful natural fragrance, add a pop of vibrant colour, and offer a tangible connection to the abundance of nature, even in the depths of winter. For centuries, civilizations have celebrated the Solstice, recognizing it as a turning point, the promise of returning light. And what symbolizes the sun better than a bright, juicy citrus fruit? This tutorial will guide you through creating beautiful and fragrant citrus ornaments to celebrate the winter solstice (or any winter holiday), connecting you to nature and family in a meaningful way.
Gathering Your Materials: A Foraging (or Shopping!) Guide
The first step in creating these delightful ornaments is gathering your materials. While "foraging" might conjure images of snow-covered forests, in this case, it might be as simple as a trip to your local farmer's market or grocery store. The key is to choose citrus fruits that are both visually appealing and fragrant.
Citrus Selection: Oranges are a classic choice, offering a familiar and comforting scent. Lemons and limes add a bright, zesty note, while grapefruits bring a touch of tartness. Blood oranges, with their deep red flesh, provide a stunning visual contrast. Don't be afraid to mix and match for a beautiful and diverse collection. Look for fruits that are firm, heavy for their size, and have a vibrant colour. Organic options are always preferable, minimizing your exposure to pesticides.
Spice Rack Treasures: Beyond citrus, a well-stocked spice rack is your best friend. Cinnamon sticks lend a warm, spicy aroma, while whole cloves add a touch of pungent sweetness. Star anise, with its delicate star shape, offers a licorice-like fragrance and adds a touch of elegance. Dried cranberries provide a pop of festive red, and bay leaves offer a subtle, earthy note.
Finishing Touches: You'll also need some basic crafting supplies: twine or string (natural twine adds a rustic touch), cookie cutters in various shapes (stars, hearts, circles – get creative!), parchment paper, a baking sheet, a paring knife, and a cutting board. Consider gathering rosemary or other evergreen trimmings from your garden for embellishment. Just remember to harvest responsibly, taking only what you need and avoiding over-harvesting. If you don't have access to evergreens in your yard, many Christmas tree lots will allow you to take discarded branches.
Ethical Considerations: If you choose to forage evergreen branches, be mindful of the environment. Never take more than you need, and always ask for permission if you are on private land. Avoid harvesting from stressed or damaged trees.
The quality of your materials will directly impact the beauty and longevity of your ornaments. Prioritize fragrant, unblemished citrus and high-quality spices.
Preparing the Citrus: Slicing, Shaping, and Scenting
Now comes the fun part: transforming your citrus fruits into beautiful ornaments. Careful preparation is key to achieving evenly dried and visually appealing results.
Slicing for Success: The most important step is slicing the citrus into thin, even rounds. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch. This ensures that the slices dry evenly and prevent burning. A sharp paring knife is essential for this task. Slice slowly and carefully, taking your time to ensure consistent thickness.
Shaping with Cookie Cutters: Once your citrus is sliced, use cookie cutters to create different shapes. Stars are a classic choice for the Solstice season, but hearts, circles, and even animal shapes can add a personal touch. Gently press the cookie cutter into the citrus slice and carefully remove the excess fruit.
Scenting with Spices: This is where you can really get creative. Embed whole cloves into the citrus slices, creating intricate patterns. Arrange star anise in the center of the slices for a touch of elegance. Press dried cranberries into the flesh of the fruit for a festive pop of colour.
Spice-Infused Water (Optional): For an enhanced aroma, consider soaking the citrus slices in a spice-infused water before drying. Simply combine water with cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and a pinch of nutmeg in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat and let cool. Soak the citrus slices in the spiced water for about 30 minutes, then pat dry before proceeding with the drying process.
Careful preparation is crucial for beautiful, evenly dried ornaments. Take your time and enjoy the process. Turn on some festive music, gather your family around the table, and make it a collaborative effort.
![hands arranging sliced citrus fruit with spices on parchment-lined baking sheet; cookie cutters visible]
Drying Your Citrus Ornaments: Oven vs. Dehydrator
Once your citrus slices are prepared, it's time to dry them. There are two main methods you can use: oven drying and using a dehydrator.
Oven Drying: Preheat your oven to the lowest possible temperature, ideally around 170°F (77°C). Arrange the citrus slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the oven and prop the door open slightly to allow moisture to escape. Dry for approximately 3-4 hours, flipping the slices every hour to ensure even drying. Monitor the slices closely to prevent burning. Keep in mind ovens can vary significantly.
Dehydrator Drying: If you have a dehydrator, this is arguably the easier and more consistent method. Arrange the citrus slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, ensuring that there is adequate airflow around each slice. Set the dehydrator to a temperature of 135°F (57°C) and dry for approximately 6-8 hours, or until the slices are completely dry.
Preventing Curling and Browning: To prevent curling, weigh down the citrus slices with another baking sheet or oven-safe plate during the drying process. Slight browning is perfectly okay and adds a rustic charm to the ornaments. However, if the slices start to burn, reduce the oven temperature or dehydrator setting.
The Importance of Thorough Drying: Ensure the ornaments are completely dry to prevent mold growth. They should be firm and slightly brittle to the touch. If they are still pliable, continue drying them for a longer period. A well-dried ornament will last for many years.
Choose the drying method that best suits your equipment and preferences. Ensure the ornaments are completely dry to prevent spoilage.
![citrus slices drying in oven - close up view through the glass door; other image showing a dehydrator with arranged citrus]
Assembling Your Ornaments: Stringing, Embellishing, and Displaying
With your dried citrus slices ready, it's time to assemble your ornaments and bring your creative vision to life.
Stringing with Twine: Cut a length of twine or ribbon and thread it through a hole in the citrus slice. You can create a hole using a skewer or toothpick. Tie a knot at the end of the twine to create a loop for hanging. Experiment with different knotting techniques for added visual interest.
Embellishing with Natural Elements: Enhance your ornaments with natural embellishments. Attach cinnamon sticks, dried cranberries, bay leaves, small pinecones, or evergreen sprigs using hot glue or by tying them on with twine. Let your imagination run wild and create unique and personalized designs.
Displaying Your Creations: Hang your finished citrus ornaments on your Christmas tree for a fragrant and festive display. Create a garland by stringing multiple ornaments together and draping it across your fireplace mantle or doorway. Attach ornaments to gifts as a unique and eco-friendly alternative to traditional gift tags. You can also hang them in windows or doorways to freshen the air with their natural citrus scent.
Other Uses: Dried citrus slices are not just for ornaments. They can also be used as a potpourri ingredient, a natural air freshener, or even as a decorative element for bird feeders.
Get creative with your embellishments and display! Let your personal style shine through and create ornaments that are as unique as you are.
![finished citrus ornament hanging on a Christmas tree branch with cinnamon stick and berries; garland on fireplace mantle]
A Touch of Homestead Hygge
This simple yet deeply satisfying tradition encapsulates the spirit of the Solstice and the essence of homesteading. It’s about slowing down, appreciating the natural world, and creating something beautiful and meaningful with your own hands. As a child, I remember helping my grandmother make these ornaments. The scent of citrus and spice would fill her kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that I still associate with the holidays. It wasn’t just about the ornaments themselves; it was about the time we spent together, the stories we shared, and the memories we created.
Call to Action
This year, I encourage you to embrace this tradition and create your own sun-kissed Solstice ornaments. Gather your loved ones, put on some festive music, and let the scent of citrus and spice fill your home.
What are some of your favorite traditions for celebrating the Solstice and Winter? Share in the comments below!
We'd love to see your citrus ornaments! Share photos on Instagram using #BetterHomesHarvestsHoliday or in the comments below.
Download our free guide to ethical foraging for winter greenery! [link to downloadable PDF]
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Want more natural ornament ideas? Check out our blog post on making pinecone ornaments! [internal link]