There's something special about morning sun shining through a window full of dried orange slices. A DIY dried orange garland is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to bring that cozy glow home, and I'll show you exactly how to string one for fall, Christmas, and beyond.
Every September, I get the itch to start crafting. Dried oranges for decoration have that warm autumn color I adore.
Best of all, they bring a natural element into your decor.
Designer Tip: Faux pieces are perfectly fine, but mixing in something real, like dried citrus, makes a room feel warm and alive.
Better yet, dried orange slices decor is so simple to make. Once you learn how to string the slices, you can make garlands, suncatchers, and even a mobile.
How to Make a DIY Dried Orange Garland
An orange slices garland is so easy that once your slices are dry, it takes less than an hour to make. First, let's gather your supplies.
Supplies You Need
- Dried orange slices
- Yarn needle (one with a large eye)
- Thin twine or baker's twine that fits through your needle
- Scissors
- Optional add-ins: faux fir sprigs or Christmas tree cuttings, wood beads, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, or tiny pine cones
First, Dry Your Orange Slices
If you don't have dried orange slices yet, start there. I tested both the oven and a dehydrator in my post on how to dry orange slices the easy way, so you can pick the look you like best.
The oven gives your slices a deeper amber color. Meanwhile, a dehydrator keeps the color bright and even.
My favorite is the dehydrator I found at a garage sale for $2. Let me tell you, that little machine has paid for itself ten times over.
I simply buy a bag of nice, firm oranges at the grocery store. Then, once they're dry, I keep them in a bowl so they're ready whenever inspiration strikes.
Short on time? You can also buy dried orange slices on Etsy and skip the drying altogether.
Step 1: Measure and Cut Your Twine
First, decide where your garland will hang. I've hung mine on my hutch and my bookcase, but a mantel, doorway, or window works just as well.
Next, cut your twine to that length, plus an extra inch or two on each end for tying. If you're making it as a gift, make it at least 36 inches long.
Step 2: Thread Your Needle
Push one end of the twine through the eye of your yarn needle. Then pull a few inches through, so it doesn't slip out while you work.
Step 3: Add the Orange Slices
Here's the trick for a garland where you see the whole face of each slice. Push your needle down through the soft fruit near the top, just inside the peel.
Then run the needle straight across the back and push it up through the other side at the same height. Finally, gently slide the slice down the twine.
Threading near the top is the way to go for a garland that swags from one end to the other. That way, each slice hangs down and faces forward.
If you want an all-orange garland, simply repeat this step. Then space the slices however you like.
Step 4: Add Greenery, Wood Beads, or Ribbon
Now for the fun part. For evergreen sprigs, tie each one in place with the twine.
For bay leaves or other flat leaves, stitch through them the same way you did the oranges. Go down one side and up the other so the leaf lies flat.
For wood beads, just slide them straight onto the twine. Easy as pie.
For ribbon, tie a small bow right onto the twine between the slices.
And for cinnamon sticks, either tie them on or drill a hole and thread the twine through.
Step 5: Repeat the Pattern and Tie It Off
Keep repeating your pattern: orange slice, cinnamon stick, ribbon, and so on. The twine holds everything snug, so the pieces won't slide around much.
Pro Tip: If anything slides around when you hang it, dab a little decoupage or craft glue on the twine to hold it in place.
Once you reach the end, tie a small knot on each side to finish it off. That's all there is to it.
My Dried Orange Fall Garland with Cinnamon Sticks
This fall, I used my leftover orange slices to make a cozy garland for my bookcase. It has that warm, country fall feeling, and it smells wonderful.
I threaded the slices near the top so the garland swags across the shelves. Then I added cinnamon sticks and little gingham ribbon bows between the oranges.
The Pattern
I repeated this pattern: orange, cinnamon stick, orange, ribbon bow. Then I started all over again.
To add the cinnamon sticks, I drilled a small hole through each one with a 1/8-inch drill bit. Then I threaded the twine right through the hole.
For the bows, I tied a short piece of 3/8-inch orange and white gingham ribbon I found at Hobby Lobby onto the twine between the slices. It's a small detail, but it makes the whole garland feel so autumnal.
How I Styled It
I hung the garland across my bookcase and tucked a vibrant fall leaf garland onto the shelf behind it. Next, I added a wooden bowl of tiny orange and white pumpkins.
Finally, I tied the same gingham ribbon on my bookcase lamp. That little touch pulls the whole look together.
My Dried Orange Christmas Garland
Years ago, I made this dried orange Christmas garland for my hutch. I used sprigs from my artificial Christmas tree, dried orange slices, and small wood beads.
Then I layered it with a white felt ball and pom-pom garland for a soft, cozy look. It's so simple, but it makes the whole hutch feel like Christmas.
To hang it, I just use regular gift wrap tape. I tape one end to the top of the hutch, then tape the other end to the opposite top corner or angle it down to one of the shelves.
How to Make an Orange Slice Suncatcher for Fall
This year, I made an orange slice suncatcher for my window, and it's quickly become one of my favorite things. It's the same idea as a garland, except the strands hang straight down so the sun shines right through each slice.
The only real change is how you thread the slices. Instead of threading near the top, you'll go straight through the center.
Every morning, I sit in my husband's grandmother's rocking chair with my breakfast and this fall devotional by Stacy Edwards. With the sun glowing through those orange slices, it's about as cozy as a morning can get.
Thread Through the Center
For a suncatcher, you'll thread straight down through the center of each slice. Start by pushing your needle through one side of the slice, close to the edge.
Then go directly across from where you put the needle and thread the yarn needle through the other side, coming out of the top.
Then slide the orange slice down the twine to make room to do the next one.
This method lets the slice hang flat, and the light pours right through it.
Leave a few inches between slices so the sun has room to shine. I made five strands to fill my window.
Add a Weight to the Bottom
A little weight on the end helps each strand hang straight. I made tiny white pumpkins out of air dry clay and tied one to the bottom of each strand.
To make them, I rolled out the clay using the same method from my DIY air dry clay ornaments post. Then I cut the pumpkins with a set of mini pumpkin cookie cutters that comes in several sizes.
However, this step is totally optional. Honestly, I did it more for looks than anything else.
Later, I added that same gingham ribbon bow to the bottom with the pumpkin. It turned out so adorable!
How to Hang Your Suncatcher
The easiest way is to tape the top of each strand to the top of your window frame. That's exactly how I hung mine, and I double-taped each one so it would stay put.
Or, find a pretty stick in your yard and tie your strands to it. Then tie a piece of twine to the top of the stick and hang it in a window or anywhere you like.
Also, you don't need several strands. A single garland draped across a sunny window glows beautifully too.
More Dried Orange Garland Ideas to Try
Once you get the hang of stringing oranges, the ideas are endless. Here are a few more ways to use your slices.
Packed Orange and Bay Leaf Garland
For this style, push your needle straight through the center of each slice so the slices stack close together. Add two or three orange slices, then one bay leaf, and repeat.
You'll only see the sides of the oranges, and you'll need a lot more of them. But oh, does it smell good.
Make a Dried Orange Mobile
A mobile is really just a suncatcher hung from a ring. Tie several hanging strands to a metal ring from the dollar store or to a small grapevine wreath.
Add a dab of hot glue where each strand meets the ring so it won't slide. Then hang it anywhere that needs a little warmth.
Other Natural Add-Ins
Basil leaves, herbs, and tiny pine cones all look lovely mixed in. This kind of dried fruit decor is meant to be relaxed, so use whatever you have on hand.
When to Dry Oranges for Fall and the Holidays
Thankfully, you can buy oranges at the grocery store all year long. So if you want a dried orange garland for fall, go right ahead in September.
Here in Florida, though, fresh oranges don't really come in until closer to Christmas. If I don't get around to drying oranges early, I wait and pick them fresh. You can learn more about Florida citrus and when it's in season from Visit Florida.
An Orange Slices Garland Makes an Easy Holiday Gift
A dried orange holiday garland makes a thoughtful handmade gift for friends and neighbors. Make it at least 36 inches long so it's easy to drape on a mantel or tree.
Suncatchers and mobiles make sweet fall gifts too. Tie on a bow, and it's ready to give.
Dried orange slices make lovely little gifts on their own, too. In fact, one of my readers bought dried slices on Etsy, bagged them with my Etsy simmer pot gift tags, and gave one to every woman in her Sunday school class.
Tips for Long-Lasting Dried Citrus Decorations
- Dry them completely. Make sure your slices are fully dry before you string them, since leftover moisture can lead to mold.
- Skip humid spots. Keep your garland away from steamy places like bathrooms or right next to the stove.
- Handle gently. Dried slices are delicate and can crack if you pull too hard on the twine.
- Store extras in a cool, dry place. I keep leftover slices in a closet, and they still looked good the next year.
More Dried Orange Decor Ideas
- How to Dry Orange Slices the Easy Way
- DIY Dried Orange Wreath
- How to Make a Candle From an Orange
- 11 Easy DIY Fall Garland Ideas
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a dried orange garland last?
It will last all season as long as it stays dry. I make a fresh one each year, but I save extra dried slices in a closet, and they still look good the next year.
Can you make one without a dehydrator?
Yes, your oven works great. It just gives the slices a deeper amber color, and you can see both methods in my orange drying post.
How do you keep dried oranges from molding?
Dry the slices completely before stringing them. Then keep your finished decor out of humid spots.
Bring a Little Sunshine Home
Whether it hangs on a hutch at Christmas or in a sunny window in the fall, a dried orange garland brings so much warmth for so little money. Best of all, once you learn to string one, you can make suncatchers, mobiles, and gifts too.
So grab a bag of oranges and give it a try this season. I'd love to hear what you make, so leave me a comment below.
Happy Decorating!
