Golden Garlands: A Simple Seasonal Tradition

As the days grow shorter and a crispness fills the air, our thoughts naturally turn towards the holidays. But amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to lose sight of the simple joys that truly make this season special. Here at Better Homes and Harvests, we believe in embracing a slower, more intentional way of celebrating, one that connects us to nature and fosters lasting memories with loved ones. And what better way to do that than by crafting your own natural Christmas decorations? This year, we're inviting you to join us in a heartwarming tradition: creating dried orange garlands.

Imagine your home filled with the warm, comforting scent of citrus, the soft glow of candlelight reflecting off translucent orange slice garland, and the satisfaction of knowing you created something beautiful with your own two hands. These DIY holiday decor pieces are not only visually stunning but also a wonderful way to bring the essence of the season indoors.

Why Choose Dried Orange Garlands?

In a world saturated with mass-produced decorations, homemade Christmas decorations offer a refreshing alternative. There are numerous reasons to embrace this simple tradition:

• Natural Beauty: Dried orange garlands bring the beauty of nature indoors, adding a touch of warmth and rustic charm to your home.
• Sustainable Decor: By using natural materials and creating decorations that can be composted at the end of the season, you're reducing your environmental impact.
• Budget-Friendly: Compared to store-bought decorations, DIY holiday decor is a cost-effective way to decorate your home.
• Family Fun: Making orange slice garland is a fun and engaging activity for the whole family, creating lasting memories and strengthening bonds.
• Aromatic Delight: As the orange slices dry, they release a subtle, yet invigorating citrus scent that fills your home with a festive aroma. This can easily be enhanced with additional spices.

Gathering Your Supplies

Before you begin, gather your supplies. The beauty of this project lies in its simplicity. Here's what you'll need:

• Oranges: Choose oranges that are firm and free of blemishes. Navel oranges are a popular choice, but any variety will work. Consider sourcing your oranges locally or even foraging from your own trees for a truly seasonal home decor experience.
• Twine or String: Natural twine adds to the rustic Christmas decor aesthetic, but you can also use embroidery floss or any other sturdy string.
• Knife or Mandoline: A sharp knife is essential for slicing the oranges. A mandoline can help you achieve uniform slices for a more polished look.
• Dehydrator or Oven: A dehydrator is the most efficient way to dry the oranges, but an oven works just as well (see instructions below).
• Optional Embellishments: Cinnamon sticks, star anise, cranberries, cloves, bay leaves, and evergreen sprigs can be added to your garland for extra flair and fragrance. Cookie cutters, such as star shapes, can be used to create fun, festive orange slices.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Golden Garland

Now, let's get crafting! Here's how to make your own dried orange garland:

1. Slice the Oranges: Wash and dry your oranges thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the oranges into thin, even rounds, about 1/4 inch thick.

2. Arrange on Trays: Arrange the orange slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays or on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

3. Dehydrate or Bake:

   • Dehydrator: Dehydrate the orange slices at 135°F (57°C) for 6-8 hours, or until they are dry and leathery.
   • Oven: Bake the orange slices in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) for 3-4 hours, flipping them halfway through. Prop the oven door slightly open to allow moisture to escape.

   

4. Cool Completely: Once the orange slices are dry, let them cool completely.

5. String the Garland: Using a needle or a small skewer, carefully poke two holes in each orange slice, near the top. Thread the twine or string through the holes, adding cinnamon sticks, star anise, cranberries, or other embellishments as desired.

6. Hang and Enjoy: Hang your DIY Christmas garland with oranges and cinnamon on your mantelpiece, doorway, Christmas tree, or anywhere else you want to add a touch of rustic Christmas decor.

Tips for Drying Oranges

• Slice Evenly: Uniform slices will dry more evenly and create a more visually appealing garland.
• Pat Dry: Before dehydrating or baking, pat the orange slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• Don't Overcrowd: Ensure the orange slices are not overlapping on the dehydrator trays or baking sheets.
• Be Patient: Drying time will vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the humidity in your environment. Check the oranges periodically and adjust the drying time as needed.
• Add Fragrance: Sprinkle the orange slices with cinnamon, cloves, or other spices before drying to enhance their aroma.

Variations and Embellishments

Get creative and personalize your DIY orange garland with these variations:

• Cranberry and Orange Garland: Alternate dried orange slices with dried cranberries for a pop of color.
• Spice-Infused Garland: Incorporate cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and bay leaves for a fragrant and festive garland.
• Evergreen Accents: Add small sprigs of evergreen to your garland for a touch of winter greenery.
• Beaded Garland: String small wooden beads between the orange slices for added texture and visual interest.
• Geometric Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes like stars, hearts, or snowflakes from the orange slices.

Caring for Your Dried Orange Garland

With proper care, your dried orange garland can last for several years. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. To refresh the scent, you can lightly mist the garland with water and a few drops of essential oil. To keep them safe from any pests, especially when storing, place the garland in an airtight container or bag with a bay leaf or two.

Embrace the Simple Joys

Creating a dried orange garland is more than just making a decoration; it's about embracing a slower, more intentional way of celebrating the holidays. It's about connecting with nature, fostering creativity, and creating lasting memories with loved ones. It's about finding joy in the simple things and appreciating the beauty that surrounds us. So, gather your supplies, invite your family, and let the warmth of the golden hour light and the scent of citrus fill your home with the spirit of the season.

This year, skip the store-bought decorations and create something truly special with your own two hands. We promise, the memories you make and the beauty you create will be far more valuable than anything you could buy. These simple Christmas decorations for rustic homes can be scaled up or down based on your available time and orange supply, but the beauty of a homespun garland shines through at any size. Enjoy!