DIY Dried-Orange Garlands (Eco-Chic Tutorial)
Let’s be real—holiday décor can get a little wild sometimes, right? I mean, who doesn’t love a glittery, sparkly mess? But if you’re craving something a bit more chill, a little eco-friendly, and oh-so-chic, then dried-orange garlands might just be your new best friend. They’re not just pretty; they bring that cozy, natural vibe that makes your space feel instantly warm and inviting. Plus, the smell? Citrus heaven.
I first stumbled upon dried-orange garlands a couple of years ago when I wanted to skip the usual tinsel overload. Since then, they’ve become my go-to for holiday decorating—and trust me, once you try making your own, you’ll wonder why you ever bought those plastic things. So, let me walk you through my fave easy 3-step method to make your own eco-chic garlands (with a bonus Etsy link for the best supplies to make your life easier).
Step 1: Gather Your Materials — The Essentials for an Eco-Chic Vibe
Alright, let’s start with the basics. You can’t make magic without the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Fresh oranges (preferably organic, because who wants pesticides in their living room, right?)
Sharp knife or mandoline slicer (if you want those paper-thin slices, a mandoline is life-saving)
Baking sheets and parchment paper
String or twine (natural jute twine works best for that rustic look)
Needle (a big one, like a tapestry needle, so you can thread the twine through the orange slices)
Optional extras: cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves (more on this later)
FYI, I always get my twine and needles from Etsy because the quality is top-notch and the designs are cute. I’ll link to my fave supplies later in the article so you can snag them hassle-free.
Step 2: Slice and Dry — The Patience Game You’ll Actually Love
Okay, slicing the oranges sounds easy, but here’s a pro tip: slice them as thin as you can without breaking the slices apart. Trust me, thin slices dry better and look more delicate on your garland. I usually go for about 1/8 inch thick.
Lay those slices flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Now, here’s the thing — drying oranges takes time, and no, you can’t microwave your way to instant garlands (I tried. Don’t be me).
Pop them in the oven at 200°F (90°C) for about 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them so they don’t brown too much or burn. Or if you’re patient AF, air drying for a couple of days works too, but who’s got that kind of time?
The key is slow and low heat — it helps the slices dry evenly and stay vibrant. When they’re ready, they’ll be dry, slightly translucent, and smell like you just sliced into a Christmas miracle.
Step 3: Thread, Decorate, and Hang — Showtime!
Once your slices are dried and cooled, grab that needle and twine. Carefully poke a hole near the edge of each slice (not the middle — unless you want a funky look, which could be cool, but hey, I like neat).
Thread the twine through the holes, spacing the slices however you like. Here’s where your personal style shines—keep it simple and minimalist or add some flair with extras:
Cinnamon sticks tied with mini bows
Star anise pods for a touch of spice and sophistication
Dried cranberries for pops of color
Tiny sprigs of fresh greenery or eucalyptus for that fresh-outside vibe
And voilà! You’ve got yourself a gorgeous, eco-friendly, DIY dried-orange garland ready to make any space feel festive yet natural.
Bonus Tips for That Extra Eco-Chic Touch
Since you’re here, I’ve got some insider tips to make your garlands stand out or keep them super sustainable:
Go local: Buy organic oranges from local farmers markets if you can. Fresher fruit = better scent and color.
Reuse your peels: Don’t toss those leftover orange peels. Dry them, and use them for DIY potpourri or fire starters. Win-win.
Use beeswax string: If you want to get fancy, beeswax-coated twine is durable and looks super classy.
Skip the glue: Some tutorials suggest gluing extras to slices—skip it! It messes with the eco-vibe and smells weird.
Where to Find the Best Supplies? (Etsy Link Roundup)
Now, let’s talk shopping without the headache. Etsy’s my go-to for craft supplies because it’s a small biz wonderland. Here are my top picks that make your DIY dried-orange garland experience smooth:
Natural jute twine — sturdy, eco-friendly, and oh-so-pretty.
Tapestry needles — these big needles make threading a breeze.
Decorative extras — cinnamon sticks, star anise, dried berries, and more—all sustainably sourced.
Bonus: Etsy has pre-cut dried orange slices if you’re in a serious hurry and don’t want to wait for drying.
I’ve linked all these in a handy list below, so you don’t have to hunt. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
Why Go DIY with Dried-Orange Garlands?
You might wonder why go through the trouble of drying oranges yourself when you can buy pre-made garlands? Well, here’s the thing:
Customizable vibes — you control the length, spacing, and extras.
Eco-friendly — no plastic, no synthetic scents, just nature.
Budget-friendly — it costs way less than those fancy store-bought ones.
Plus, it’s a fun weekend project that makes your home smell amazing.
IMO, it’s totally worth it. Plus, you can brag that you made it yourself (major decor cred).
Styling Your DIY Dried-Orange Garland — Where and How?
Let’s get practical. You’ve made this beauty, now where do you hang it?
Mantel magic: Draped over your fireplace mantel, paired with some pinecones and fairy lights, it’s a cozy dream.
Table runner: Lay it down the center of your dining table for an earthy, fresh holiday look.
Doorway delight: Frame your entryway with it—guests will instantly feel your eco-chic vibes.
Wall art: Hang it vertically on a blank wall for a minimalist, nature-inspired statement piece.
Honestly, the options are endless. Got a funky idea? Try it! Garlands are surprisingly versatile.
The Scent Factor — Bonus Aromatherapy in Your Home
One of the best perks of dried-orange garlands? The natural scent.
Forget fake air fresheners; these babies fill your home with zesty, fresh citrus aroma that lifts your mood and feels like a mini spa day. If you add cinnamon or star anise, you get subtle spicy undertones that make everything cozier.
Ever noticed how certain smells just click with the holidays? Yeah, this is one of them.
Eco-Friendly Holiday Decorating — Why It Matters
If you’re like me, trying to cut down on holiday waste can feel like swimming upstream. But small changes like making your own natural décor add up big time.
Using real fruit and natural materials means less plastic pollution and fewer chemicals in your space. Plus, it teaches kids and guests that festive doesn’t have to equal wasteful.
Feeling like an eco-warrior yet? You should.
Final Thoughts — Ready to Get Crafty?
So there you have it! A simple, fun, and eco-friendly way to jazz up your holidays with DIY dried-orange garlands. Whether you’re a crafting newbie or a seasoned pro, this project hits the sweet spot between beautiful and doable.
Plus, it smells incredible, looks stunning, and feels good to make your own nature-inspired décor.
FYI, I’ve dropped some handy Etsy links below so you can grab everything you need without the usual craft-store chaos. Go on, give it a try — your home (and your guests) will thank you.
Happy crafting! And hey, if you snap a pic of your garland, tag me — I wanna see those citrusy masterpieces 🙂
Etsy Supplies Link List (affiliate):
Natural jute twine — [link]
Tapestry needle set — [link]
Organic cinnamon sticks (bundle) — [link]
Star anise pods (pack) — [link]
Pre-cut dried orange slices — [link]