Orange Slice Ornaments: A Homestead Christmas

Make these orange slice ornaments to add a rustic old fashioned touch to your Christmas tree. They are so easy and fun!

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Thanksgiving is over, and we just got back from our traditional Black Friday Christmas tree hunt the mountains! One way that I love decorate the tree is with sentimental ornaments we have collected over the years, gingerbread cookies, popcorn cranberry garlands, as well as organic elements grown right here on out homestead. I like to take the boughs from our Christmas tree and decorate shelves. I even love to use goji berries which look like little vintage Christmas lights in my decor!

One way to add a traditional homestead Christmas touch is to dry citrus and add orange slice ornaments and cranberry orange slice garland around our home. I love to do orange and clove pomanders for our dining room table as well. This is a natural way to add a beautiful winter scent to the home.

These orange slice ornaments can be customized, (see the ‘how to dress up orange slice ornaments’ section) and used in a variety of different ways. Enjoy this old fashioned Christmas decor to add vintage charm to your home.

Supplies needed to make orange slice ornaments

• Oranges
• Twine
• Parchment paper
• A way to dry oranges- I tested out the oven, dehydrator, and freeze dryer. Check out the results below to choose which you like best!

How to make orange slice ornaments

Oranges can be dried a few different ways. I did an experiment this year and dried my oranges three different ways:

• Low temperature oven
• Dehydrator
• Freeze dryer

Depending on what supplies you have, or what result you like best, choose the best method for you!

Orange slice ornaments in the oven

• Preheat oven to 200 degrees
• Slice oranges thin
• Place on a parchment lined baking sheet or on a wire rack on a cookie sheet
• Bake for 3-4 hours- be sure to flip oranges every 30 minutes to make sure they dry evenly.
• Poke a small hole towards the edge of one side of the orange.
• String a 4 inch piece of twine through the hole.
• Tie the twine so it makes a loop.
• Your orange slice ornaments are ready to hang on your tree, or wherever else you might like to use them!

Make orange slice ornaments in a dehydrator

• Slice oranges thin
• Place on dehydrator trays. Set to 158F.
• Let dry for 15-20 hours.
• Check to make sure orange or completely dry.
• Poke a small hole towards the edge of one side of the orange.
• String a 4 inch piece of twine through the hole.
• Tie the twine so it makes a loop.
• Your orange slice ornaments are ready to hang on your tree, or wherever else you might like to use them!

How to make orange slice ornaments in the freeze dryer

• Make sure to valve on your freeze dryer is shut before starting.
• Push to start button on your freeze dryer to allow the chamber to cool down while you prepare the oranges.
• Slice oranges thin
• Place oranges on a freeze dryer tray in one single layer.
• Put the trays in the freeze dryer.
• Press start.
• When the freeze dryer is done check to make sure there is no more moisture.
• Poke a small hole towards the edge of one side of the orange.
• String a 4 inch piece of twine through the hole.
• Tie the twine so it makes a loop.
• Your orange slice ornaments are ready to hang on your tree, or wherever else you might like to use them!

Freeze dried orange slices vs. Dehydrated

In years past, I dehydrated my orange slice ornaments, and orange slice garlands because that is the way I had learned. Since we got a freeze dryer about a year ago, I was curious to see what these ornaments would turn out like if I freeze dried them instead! The main differences are:

• The color-Freeze dried oranges maintain a vibrant orange color, and don’t darken like dehydrated oranges.
• The texture-Freeze dried oranges are more delicate because they have a crispy texture. Freeze dried orange slices almost look “frosty.”

If you are interested in the differences between a freeze dryer and dehydrator in general, check out this article.

Ideas to dress up oranges slice ornaments

• Swap out jute for a decorative ribbon like red velvet or gold.
• Add a whole star anise to the center of the orange, before drying
• String a small evergreen twig like pine or rosemary towards the top of the orange slice.
• Add a small piece of cinnamon stick.
• Use red berries to embellish the top of the orange slice.
• Get creative and add multiple elements for a layered look

Other dried orange decorations ideas

This tutorial is for ornaments however it is quite easy to turn these dried orange slices into a variety of different decorations. Add them to wreaths or garland for a colorful touch. They can also be made into a orange slice and cranberry garland, to be hung around the house. I also love the look of adding dried orange slices to brown paper packages, to send a sweet gift to someone for the holidays. The point is to get creative!

Orange slice ornaments tips

• Before handling orange slices, let them rest for about an hour to finish curing.
• Swap out other varieties of citrus to add interest to your decor. Try blood oranges, lemons, limes, or grapefruit!
• Dry them low and slow. If your temperature is too high, it will burn the oranges.
• If you want to speed up the drying process, pat dry with a tea towel to remove excess moisture.

Orange slice ornaments FAQ

How long do orange slice ornaments last?

Orange slice ornaments will last up to 2-3 years. It is a good idea to replace the after this to maintain freshness and optimal appearance.

Is it better to freeze dry or dehydrate orange slices?

Freeze dried oranges and dehydrated oranges have a slightly difference appearance in color and texture. Which is better is completely dependent on your preference.

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