This holiday season, dried orange slices, fashioned into garlands, ornaments, and other festive decor, seem to be the undisputed darlings of TikTok and Instagram. We’re all craving handmade charm and a cozy, old-fashioned holiday spirit this year, and it shows.
The trend beautifully taps into the cottagecore aesthetic, celebrating natural materials and simple, heartfelt decorations. The translucent, jewel-toned slices look like little pieces of stained glass, bringing a touch of rustic elegance to any home. Online creators are sharing their easy-to-follow methods for getting the perfect dried slices, every time.
A Viral Sensation of Simplicity
One TikTok creator, known as Nest by Jess (@nestbyjess), has demystified the process in a popular video that has garnered over 116,000 likes. Her method is simple, and doesn’t call for any special equipment like a dehydrator, making it an ideal project for a quiet winter afternoon.
Her tips are straightforward. She suggests using any oranges you have, even those that might be a little past their prime for eating. The key is to slice them thinly, about an eighth of an inch thick, which helps them dry into lovely, translucent discs. Before they go into the oven, she recommends laying the slices flat on a dish towel and patting them to soak up excess juice. This simple step speeds up the drying process. After a short rest, she places them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in an oven set to a low 200 degrees Fahrenheit. With a flip every 30 minutes, the slices slowly transform, filling the home with a delightful citrus aroma.
@nestbyjess 🍊Orange you glad you know these dried orange tricks? 🍊 Dried oranges are a fun holiday DIY that make beautiful decorations, drink garnishes and desserts, but they can be a bit tricky to master! After three years of dried orange attempts, I’ve finally gotten the process down to a science and I’m sharing all my tips with you: 1. Pick oranges you wouldn’t want to eat. Pick the underripe ones that are firm to the touch. They’ll have less water content and will be easier to dry! 2. Use a sharp knife to cut thin slices. The thinner the slice, the better it will evenly dry! 3. Use a rag or paper towels to pat the oranges dry. This cuts down on drying time. 4. This is an important one: let them sit. I let mine sit out overnight and they begin to dry out before getting them into the oven. That way, your oven will be less humid and dry the slices faster. 5. Place the oranges on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and place them into your oven that’s been preheated to 200° F. 6. Every 30 minutes, flip the oranges slices. If you have multiple trays in the oven, make sure to rotate them as you go. 7. Enjoy! You now have the perfect dried oranges for your holiday decorations and entertaining! Will you be making dried oranges this holiday season? If so, how are you planning on using them?? Follow along this holiday season to see all the different ways you can use oranges to spice up your home! #christmasdiy #driedorangeslices #holidaydecorating ♬ Elf – Main Theme – Geek Music
More Than Just a Garland
The appeal of dried oranges goes beyond the quintessential dried orange garland. They are incredibly versatile and can add a festive touch to many aspects of your holiday celebration. A classic garland strung across a mantelpiece or woven through the branches of a Christmas tree is just the beginning. You can wire individual slices into a wreath, tie them onto gift packages for a personal touch, or simply place them in a bowl as a fragrant centerpiece.
These citrus gems also make a wonderful addition to your favorite warm winter beverages. Imagine a steaming mug of mulled wine or a cup of spiced hot cider, garnished with a fragrant, dehydrated orange slice. It adds a subtle flavor and a touch of visual elegance that elevates the entire experience, making any gathering feel more special and festive.
Creating natural decorations is more than trendy, it’s a connection with timeless tradition, turning something ordinary into something beautiful with your own hands. As the scent of oranges fills your kitchen, you’re not just making decorations. Tthese small, intentional acts of creativity bring a sense of peace and joy, reminding us that the most cherished parts of the holidays are often the simplest.
