Hey there! Citrus season is here, and you know what that means! While Elsie is mixing up a delicious orange cranberry margarita, I’ll be getting crafty with some oranges and lemons to create holiday decorations. Yep, we’re turning fruit into Christmas ornaments. They smell amazing while you make them, and the leftovers are totally snackable. Now that’s my kind of craft!
What You’ll Need
- Oranges, lemons, or limes
- Wide blade knife
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Ornament hangers
How to Make Dried Citrus Ornaments
Step One: Slice Your Fruit
Start by slicing your citrus fruits into 1/4-inch slices and remove the seeds. Using a wide blade knife helps keep your slices even (and let’s be honest, a cute knife set can make it more fun too).
Step Two: Bake the Slices
Place your fruit slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them in a warm oven set to about 150-170°F. Let them bake for 3-4 hours, flipping the slices every hour. You want them dried but still vibrant in color, not browned or shriveled.
Air Drying Alternative
If you prefer, you can air dry the slices instead. It takes around four days for them to stiffen up nicely. Bear in mind, orange slices might curl up a bit, while lemon and lime slices usually stay flat.
Step Three: Add the Hangers
Once your fruit slices are dried, pierce them with ornament hangers. And there you have it—beautiful and aromatic ornaments perfect for your tree or even for gifting.
Display Ideas
I love how these dried citrus slices look like little pieces of stained glass when the light shines through them. They’re stunning on a Christmas tree, in an amber vase of evergreens, or strung together for a window garland. Plus, they look fantastic next to DIY porcelain tree lights.
And hey, if you’re running short on time, you can also buy dried orange slices ready to go!