How to Make a Dried Orange Garland (Oven or Dehydrator)

ByAmy
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A dried orange garland is one of those classic Christmas decorations that instantly makes your home feel warm, cozy, and nostalgic. They are so cute and look like you really have your life together, but are also SO easy to make at home! With just a few oranges and a little time, you can create a beautiful garland that works perfectly on a Christmas tree, mantel, staircase, or window. Growing up, I always associated Christmas with oranges because that was when our giant box of FFA fruit would arrive and we’d eat so many oranges for weeks. So to me, this is the perfect Christmas decoration, because it screams Christmas in so many ways.

The best part? You can make dried oranges two different ways – in the oven or in a dehydrator – depending on what you have at home. Both methods are easy and kid friendly, and the finished garland pairs beautifully with other natural Christmas decorations like cinnamon ornaments and popcorn garlands.

Why You’ll Love a Dried Orange Garland

  • Budget friendly and made with simple ingredients
  • A great slow, cozy winter activity
  • Adds natural color and texture to your Christmas decor
  • Pairs perfectly with other DIY garlands
  • Smells amazing while drying

This is also a fun project to work on in stages—slice one day, dry the next, and string them together while watching a Christmas movie.

Supplies Needed

  • Oranges (navel or Valencia work best)
  • Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
  • Baking sheet or dehydrator trays
  • Parchment paper or cooling rack (for oven method)
  • Twine, jute, or string
  • Large needle or skewer
  • Optional: whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves

How to Make Dried Oranges in the Oven

This method is perfect if you don’t own a dehydrator and want to make dried oranges using what you already have. It’s also the quicker of the two options, but does require a bit more attention to make sure you don’t burn them.

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°F.
  2. Slice oranges thin, about ¼-inch thick. Try to keep slices as even as possible so they dry at the same rate.
  3. Pat slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess juice.
  4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack on top for better airflow.
  5. Arrange orange slices in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overlapping.
  6. Bake for 2–4 hours, flipping the slices every 30–45 minutes.
  7. Oranges are done when they feel completely dry and slightly crisp around the edges.

Let the slices cool fully before stringing—they’ll firm up even more as they cool.

How to Make Dried Oranges in a Dehydrator

If you have a dehydrator, this method is very hands off and produces consistently dried slices. It does take longer for the oranges to dry though, so plan accordingly.

Instructions

  1. Slice oranges about ¼-inch thick.
  2. Arrange slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays.
  3. Set dehydrator to 135°F.
  4. Dry for 10-14 hours, rotating trays if needed.
  5. Oranges are ready when fully dry with no soft or sticky spots.

This is a great option if you’re making a large batch for multiple garlands or ornaments.

Oven vs Dehydrator: What’s the Difference?

Both methods work well, but there are a few differences worth noting.

Oven Method

  • Faster overall
  • Uses equipment most people already have
  • Requires flipping and checking regularly
  • Slightly darker, more rustic look

Dehydrator Method

  • More consistent drying
  • Hands off once started
  • Preserves brighter orange color
  • Takes longer

If you’re short on time, the oven is great. If you want the most even, polished slices, the dehydrator is worth using. Full disclosure, I use the dehydrator for mine because I love the brighter color and the fact that I won’t accidentally burn them to a crisp. That being said, we have had this hand me down dehydrator for years and this is the ONLY thing it gets used for. Do I think it’s worth it to go out and buy a dehydrator just for this? No. Do I think it’s worth getting it off the shelf if you already have one at home? Yes.

How to String a Dried Orange Garland

Once your oranges are fully dry:

  1. Use a needle or skewer to poke a hole near the outside on each side of the slice – at a 9:00 and 3:00 type position.
  2. Thread onto twine or jute, spacing slices evenly.
  3. Tie knots at each end to secure.
  4. Optional: add cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, or wooden beads between slices.

Hang your garland on a mantel, banister, window frame, or Christmas tree and enjoy your crafty Christmas!

Pairing Dried Orange Garland with Other DIY Garlands

Dried orange garlands look especially beautiful when layered with other natural, handmade decorations. In our Easy DIY Christmas Garlands, we love pairing them with:

Try draping a dried orange garland over greenery or ribbon scrap garland, then weaving in cinnamon ornaments for a cozy, farmhouse Christmas feel.

Tips for the Best Results

  • Slice evenly so oranges dry at the same rate
  • Always let slices cool completely before storing or stringing
  • Store extras in an airtight container in a dry place
  • If humidity is high, display garlands indoors only

A Cozy, Natural Christmas Tradition

Making a dried orange garland is a simple way to slow down and add a handmade touch to your holiday decor. Whether you use the oven or dehydrator, the end result is a beautiful, timeless garland you’ll look forward to pulling out each Christmas season—or remaking as a new family tradition.

If you’re building a whole DIY garland collection this year, be sure to pair your dried oranges with cinnamon cookie cutter ornaments and other easy garlands for a layered, festive look that feels warm and welcoming. Enjoy the cozy holidays at home with your festive new garland!

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