Dried Orange Slice Ornaments: How to Make Them at Home

Dried orange slice ornaments hanging on a Christmas tree with twine bows and green leaves

Dried orange slice ornaments are made by slicing oranges thin, drying them slowly in a low oven until firm and dry, then threading twine through each slice to hang. They look warm and pretty on a tree, in a garland, or on a gift. One batch takes about 3 to 4 hours in the oven, mostly hands off time.

These simple citrus ornaments fit the natural, handmade look many homes want this year. Hallmark shared its 2026 Christmas trends with a focus on warm, classic, and hand made touches, and dried oranges sit right in that style. They also mix well with soft colors, so you can pair them with pink and velvet looks too.

What you need

  • Oranges: 3 to 5 firm oranges, lemons work too
  • Sharp knife and board: for thin, even slices
  • Baking tray and rack: a wire rack helps air flow
  • Baking paper: to line the tray if you have no rack
  • Paper towels or clean cloth: to blot juice
  • Twine, string, or thin ribbon: for hanging
  • Needle or skewer: to make a hole for string
  • Optional extras: whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, wooden beads

How to slice oranges for drying

Wash and dry the oranges well. Cut off a small bit from each end and throw those ends away. Slice the rest across the fruit into thin rounds. Aim for slices about one quarter inch thick, which is about 6 millimeters. Thin slices dry faster and look clear and bright. Thick slices take much longer and can stay soft in the middle.

Try to keep the slices even so they all dry at the same speed. Pick out seeds gently with the tip of the knife. Lay the slices on paper towels and blot the tops well. This small step cuts drying time and helps keep the color bright.

A person slicing a fresh orange into thin rounds on a white cutting board, with whole oranges waiting beside the board

Step by step: oven drying method

  1. Heat the oven to a low heat, 90 to 100 degrees Celsius, which is about 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Place slices in one layer on a wire rack over a tray, or on baking paper on a tray. Do not let slices touch.
  3. Put the tray in the oven. Leave the door just a tiny bit open if your oven traps a lot of steam, but only if it is safe to do so.
  4. Dry for 3 to 4 hours in total. Flip the slices every 30 to 45 minutes so both sides dry evenly.
  5. Check after 3 hours. Done slices feel dry and firm, bend a little without feeling wet, and look a bit see through when held to light.
  6. If some slices still feel soft or sticky, give them 30 minutes more and check again.
  7. Take the tray out and let the slices cool fully on the rack. They will feel more firm as they cool.

Good to know: Every oven runs a bit hot or cool, so time can change. Low heat is key. High heat will cook and brown the slices and can make them bitter and dark.

Orange and apple slices spread in a single layer on a round drying tray, drying slowly until firm and ready to string

How to string orange slice ornaments

  1. Make a small hole near the top edge of each cool slice with a needle or skewer. Go through the flesh near the peel, not right on the edge.
  2. Cut twine into short lengths for single ornaments, about 6 inches each.
  3. Thread the twine through the hole, tie a loop, and add a small knot or bow.
  4. For a stronger hole, thread the twine through twice or add a tiny drop of clear glue on the knot.

Single slices look sweet on tree tips and on gifts. Tie one to a wrapped present with ribbon for a simple, pretty finish that costs almost nothing.

A hand arranging dried orange slices with pinecones, greenery and a ball of twine on a dark wooden craft table

5 ways to use dried orange slices

1. Christmas tree ornaments

Hang single slices all over the tree. They glow when tree lights sit behind them. Mix them with velvet bow Christmas decor for a soft, warm look.

Dried orange slices arranged with a dark Christmas bauble, cinnamon sticks and candle holders as a festive ornament display

2. Orange slice garland

Thread a long piece of twine through two holes in each slice so it hangs flat. Space the slices out, add bay leaves, cinnamon sticks tied with twine, or wooden beads between them. Hang the garland on a mantel, shelf, or window.

Dried citrus slices hanging on strings among dried flowers, greenery and paper pages in a warm rustic hanging display

3. Wreath detail

Tie or hot glue dried slices onto a plain green or twig wreath. Three or five slices in a small group look best. Add pine cones if you have them.

A green Christmas wreath decorated with dried orange slices, pinecones and red berries lying on a dark wooden table

4. Gift wrap and table decor

Tie a slice on top of brown paper gifts, or lay slices down the middle of a table with greens and candles kept at a safe distance. They add color without any plastic.

A festive table flat lay with a wrapped gift, dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, pinecones and natural Christmas ornaments

5. Soft color mix

If you love a gentle palette, pair orange slices with blush and cream ribbon. The mix works nicely with DIY pink Christmas decorations for a fresh take on a classic craft.

A round tray of dried citrus slices in mixed colors, with orange, lemon, lime and apple slices dried together

Tips for bright, long lasting ornaments

  • Blot well before drying. Less juice at the start means faster drying and brighter color.
  • Keep heat low. Slow drying keeps the orange color. Fast, hot drying turns slices brown.
  • Flip often. Turning the slices stops sticking and helps them dry flat.
  • Cool fully before storing. Warm slices packed too soon can get damp.
  • Store dry. Keep finished ornaments in a paper bag or a box with tissue in a cool dry place.

Dried citrus is for decor, not for eating, once it has been handled and hung up. If slices show mold or smell off in storage, throw them away and make a fresh batch next season. Most well dried slices keep their look for the full holiday season and often longer if stored dry.

Make them on a quiet afternoon, put on music, and let the oven do the work. By evening you will have a tray of golden slices ready to string.

FAQ

How long do dried orange slices take in the oven?

At about 200 degrees Fahrenheit, thin slices take about 3 to 4 hours. Flip them every 30 to 45 minutes. Thicker slices take longer, so slice thin for the best result.

Why did my orange slices turn brown?

The oven was likely too hot, or the slices stayed in too long. Dry them at a low heat and check often in the last hour. Blotting juice off before drying also helps keep the color bright.

How long do dried orange ornaments last?

If they are fully dry and stored in a cool dry place, they can last for one to two seasons. Check them before reusing and throw away any that are soft, moldy, or smell bad.

Can I dry orange slices without an oven?

Yes, a food dehydrator on a low fruit setting works well. Air drying takes many days and needs dry air and good flow, so the oven is faster and more reliable for most homes.

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