How to Create an Orange Garland DIY: Step-by-Step Guide

Dried orange garlands are one of the easiest ways to bring cozy, natural decor into your home. They smell amazing, look beautiful, and add a warm pop of color to mantels, windows, and holiday tables.

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The best part? You can make an orange garland at home with just a few simple supplies and a little time. Follow this step-by-step DIY to create your own citrus garland from scratch, complete with tips, visuals, and styling ideas.

Gather Your Supplies for an Orange Garland

Before you start, set yourself up for success with the right materials. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

• Fresh oranges (3–6 depending on garland length)
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Paper towels or a clean dish towel
• Baking tray and parchment paper
• Oven or dehydrator
• Needle and twine, thin string, or fishing line
• Optional extras: cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, star anise, wooden beads

Choose oranges that are firm, bright, and unbruised to get even, attractive slices. Blood oranges, lemons, and limes can also be mixed in for extra color.

Action tip: Lay out all your supplies on a clear workspace before you begin so you can move from slicing to drying without stopping.

Slice and Prep the Oranges

Clean, even slices will make your orange garland look polished and professional. Take your time here to avoid torn rinds or overly thick pieces.

• Wash and dry the oranges thoroughly
• Slice into 1/4 inch (about 0.5–0.7 cm) thick rounds
• Discard end pieces or very small slices
• Gently blot each slice on both sides with paper towels to remove extra juice

Try to keep each slice the same thickness so they dry at the same rate and do not curl too much. If you prefer, you can carefully remove most of the seeds with the tip of your knife for a cleaner look.

Action tip: Aim for thinner, even slices, too thick and they will take much longer to dry and may stay sticky.

Dry the Orange Slices in the Oven

Drying is the most important step for a long-lasting garland. Low heat and patience will keep the oranges bright while preventing burning.

• Preheat oven to 200°F (90–95°C) or the lowest setting
• Line baking trays with parchment paper
• Lay orange slices in a single layer, not touching
• Bake for 2–4 hours, flipping every 30–45 minutes
• Check regularly until slices look dry, slightly translucent, and no visible moisture remains

If edges start to brown too quickly, lower the temperature or move trays to a lower rack. You can also finish drying by placing slices on a rack at room temperature overnight if they are almost done.

Action tip: Set a timer to flip and check your slices regularly, this prevents burning and ensures even drying.

String Your Dried Orange Garland

Once your slices are completely dry and cool, it is time to assemble your garland. This is where you can get creative with spacing and add decorative accents.

• Cut a length of twine or string slightly longer than your desired garland
• Thread a needle with the twine or use a sturdy embroidery needle
• Pierce each orange slice near the top, slightly inside the rind so it does not tear easily
• Slide slices onto the twine, spacing them 1–3 inches apart
• Add extras like cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, or beads between slices if you like

Tie loops at both ends of the twine for easy hanging. Adjust your spacing by gently sliding slices along the string until you like how it looks.

Action tip: Double-knot the twine at both ends of each slice cluster to hold them in place if you plan to move or store the garland.

Style, Display, and Store Your Orange Garland

With your garland finished, you can use it to decorate for holidays, parties, or everyday cozy decor. The natural citrus look pairs beautifully with greenery and candles.

• Drape along a mantel or shelf
• Hang across windows or doorways
• Layer with pine garlands, eucalyptus, or fairy lights
• Use mini garlands as table runners or around centerpieces

Keep your garland in a dry place away from direct moisture to help it last for weeks or even months. When the season is over, you can compost the slices or store the garland in a breathable paper bag in a cool, dry area.

Action tip: For a festive look, combine your orange garland with fresh greenery and warm white string lights on your mantel or dining table.

Variations

You could add sticks of cinnamon, star anise or other spices to the garland to change up the smell of it if you like a festive aroma.

Conclusion

Creating an orange garland DIY is a simple, rewarding project that instantly warms up any space with color, texture, and a hint of citrus aroma. With just a few oranges, an oven, and some twine, you can make a beautiful, natural decoration that feels both timeless and handmade.

Use this guide as your go-to process each season, and experiment with different citrus, spices, and greenery to make the garland uniquely yours. Start with one strand today, then build a collection to decorate mantels, windows, and tables all year long.