Dried Orange and Cranberry Garland: A Homestead Christmas

Make this dried orange and cranberry garland as a natural decor around the farmhouse this Christmas. A charming old fashioned Christmas craft.

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As the years go on more and more traditions are being added every year. A few years ago, the kiddos and I started making decorations from organic materials. I love the vintage effect that this has on our home environment. Citrus, being one of the only things in season around here during the Christmas season, is the perfect way to deck the halls! I like to make orange slice ornaments, and bake cookies for the trees as well. The process of making the decor every year, enjoying it, then composting it after the season is over is a fun experience. Plus we’ve got minimal Christmas decor to store each year!

In years past we have strung popcorn with cranberries for a classic touch. Last year, I made the cranberry orange garlands, I loved the combinations the red with the orange against fresh pine…so pretty! There is room to get creative here with how the oranges are spaced and hung, but here’s how I did it!

What you’ll need to make dried orange and cranberry garland

• Waxed dental floss
• Needle
• Cranberries
• Dried Oranges

How to make dried orange and cranberry garland

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees
2. Slice oranges thin
3. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet or on a wire rack on a cookie sheet
4. Bake for 3-4 hours- be sure to flip oranges every 30 minutes to make sure they dry evenly. 
5. When all your oranges are dry, it is time to make your garland! Cut a long piece of waxed dental floss (as long as you want your garland to be). Thread your sewing needle and tie a knot on it so you don’t lose your thread. Sew on the first cranberry, push it to the end of your thread and then tie a knot around it.
6. Sew about 15 cranberries onto your thread, pushing them all the way to the end, then add an orange. I like to sew two holes in the orange with the needle so that the orange is facing out. Continue this pattern until your garland is finished.
7. Hang on your Christmas tree use with cedar garland to decorate your fireplace or windows.

Dried orange and cranberry garland tips

• Get creative with how you dry oranges-oranges can be dried in the dehydrator, oven or freeze dryer, all with a different affect. You can even sprinkle cinnamon on the bace side of the oranges to boost their Christmas smell!
• Slice the oranges thin-not only will this help they dry faster, but it will allow the light to come through them on the tree. This makes them look so pretty at night!
• Use waxed dental floss instead of thread-Since the cranberries are not dried, the waxed dental floss holds up better. It is also a bit thicker than thread so the garland is less likely to break
• Add some fairy lights-these battery operated warm fairy lights are the perfect way to add even more charm to this garland!

Dry the cranberries first to make it last longer

If you want to make a garland that will last until next year, consider drying the cranberries first before stringing them. To dry the cranberries you’ll need a dehydrator, parchment paper and cranberries. To dry them:

1. Start by washing and drying the cranberries.
2. Line the dehydrator trays with parchment paper, so they do not fall through.
3. Set your dehydrator on 158F or as low as your dehydrator will go.
4. Start with 10 hours, but check them after that they may need more time.
5. To check the cranberries cut them open and feel for any moisture.

The dried cranberries will be slightly darker in color than the fresh, but they are still gorgeous next to the bright orange the dried orange slices.

If the dried cranberries are completely dry they should last up to two years.

Ideas for how to use a dried orange and cranberry garland

Once you have strung your garland, the options are endless! It can be used as Christmas decor even as

• Strung as garland for your tree and mantel
• Tucked into wreaths
• Napkin rings

Commonly asked questions 

How long does dried cranberry garland last?

Dried cranberry garlands will last up to two years. If you string fresh cranberry for a garland it will only last for one season.

How to decorate with dried orange slices?

Dried orange slices can be used as ornaments, to decorate garland, tied onto gifts, on place settings, or simply put into a bowl!

How to dry orange slices for decoration?

Orange slices can be dried in a few different ways. The most popular is dehydrating them in the oven at 200F on a parchment lined baking sheet. You can alternatively dry them in a dehydrator or a freeze dryer. I wrote a whole post pointed out the different results of each method.

How long does a dried orange garland last?

If the orange slices are dried properly, a dried orange garland can last up to two years. I prefer to make one fresh every year though.

How do you dry oranges and cranberries for garland?

The dehydrator is the best tool to prep oranges and cranberries for a garland. An oven set on low heat can also be used, if you do not have a dehydrator.

You may also be interested in:

Orange Slice Ornaments

Dutch Oven Popcorn

Gingerbread Cookies Without Molasses

50+ Gifts for Homesteaders You’ll Want to Keep

Rosemary Parmasan Bread + Free Gift Tag Printable

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