Whether you’re sprucing up your home for the holidays or looking for a fun craft to try, a DIY dried orange wreath is a perfect choice. It’s not only beautiful with its warm, natural charm, but it also fills your home with a delightful citrusy vibe.
Let’s dive into this simple and rewarding project that’s sure to make your Christmas decor extra special!
December is a great time to pick fresh oranges in Florida. But only some are so lucky. Whether you pick fresh oranges from your backyard or grab a bundle from the store, be sure the oranges are very firm for your DIY Christmas wreath.
This DIY Christmas wreath will bring a unique charm to your holiday decor. Let's dive into how to make this stunning dried orange wreath step by step.
DIY Dried Orange Wreath
What You'll Need:
- Oranges
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mandoline slicer
- Ribbon
- Scissors
- Greenery (such as cedar sprigs)
- Glue gun
- Twine
- Dehydrator or oven
Step-by-Step Instructions for a DIY Dried Orange Slice Wreath:
Step 1: Slice Your Oranges
I used navel oranges for this project, but you could also use blood oranges for a darker color.
Start by placing the orange on a cutting board with the stem facing sideways. Cut a generous portion off both ends with a sharp knife to create flat surfaces.
You want a nice flat, wide surface for the mandoline so you will get a nice size slice.
Step 2: Use Your Mandoline
Set your mandoline to the desired thickness for your orange slices. I like thin slices, as thick slices will take longer to dehydrate.
Place the orange against the mandoline, using the finger guard for safety, and slide it down to create even slices. Uniform slices dry more evenly and quickly.
Step 3: Press Out the Juice
To reduce drying time, press the slices gently between paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
Step 4: Dry Your Orange Slices
I have a blog post about drying orange slices in a dehydrator and the oven. Check out the post: How to Dry Orange Slices the Easy Way. You can see how the slices look using both methods. For this project, I’m going to use the dehydrator.
Before arranging them in the dehydrator or oven, lay out your orange slices in the shape of your wreath on a baking sheet, cooling rack, or parchment paper to confirm you have enough.
Place the slices in a dehydrator in a single layer on each shelf, ensuring they do not overlap and allowing space for air circulation.
Let them dehydrate for 8-10 hours until they are dry and no longer sticky.
See how pretty turned out! I love decorating with dried orange slices at Christmas!
Step 5: Assemble the Wreath
Arrange your dry oranges in a wreath form. Attach two dried slices at a time using a hot glue gun, working around the circle until the entire wreath is glued together.
Add extra glue along the joints for reinforcement. Cover any joints with additional orange slices using a hot glue gun for a seamless look.
Your dried orange wreath is almost done!
Step 6: Add a Bow
Create a bow by making loops with your ribbon and securing them with twine. Add more ribbon to form tails, tying it securely with the twine. Use another piece of ribbon to cover the twine in the center for a neat finish and again tie it with the twine.
Step 7: Attach the Hanger
Determine the desired length for the hanger, cut the ribbon, and loop it around the wreath. Cut a small hole for hanging if you have a hook like mine, and secure the bow to the hanger with hot glue.
Step 8: Incorporate Greenery
Tuck cedar sprig stems or other greenery like juniper or evergreen branches under the ribbon and around the wreath to enhance its festive appearance.
Your dried orange slice wreath is ready to hang on a nail, command hook, or pot hanger like I did.
They also looks amazing hung in a window. The sunlight from outside makes them glow.
It's Christmas perfection!
If you want further embellishment, consider adding pine cones, berries, or cinnamon sticks with a hot glue gun or floral wire around the ribbon.
Final Thoughts on DIY Dried Orange Slice Wreath
Creating a DIY dried orange slice wreath is a simple yet effective way to add natural beauty and fragrance to your holiday decor. This Christmas decor project not only provides a personal touch to your decorations but also creates a cozy atmosphere with its citrusy natural vibe.
Whether you choose to hang it on your window or above your fireplace, this DIY wreath is sure to become a favorite seasonal decoration.
Are you going to make a DIY dried orange wreath this Christmas? I'd love to hear how it goes in the comments!
Need More Christmas DIY Inspiration?
If you're excited for more Christmas DIY inspiration, check out these posts:
- Charming Christmas Candle Hoop Wreath: A Step-by-Step Guide
- DIY Printable Gingerbread Village Centerpiece with Candles
- DIY Gingerbread Wreath Hanger: Easy Pottery Barn Dupe
Happy Decorating!
