Dried orange slices are one of those simple natural materials that can make a home feel instantly more seasonal. Their warm color, delicate texture, and subtle citrus scent work beautifully in everything from Christmas decorations to gift wrapping and fall centerpieces.

And once you know how to dry orange slices, you can make a batch for all kinds of decorations and various projects.

The best part? You don’t need expensive supplies or complicated equipment. A few oranges, some twine, greenery, spices, and a little creativity can go a long way.

Below are some dried orange slice ideas, from classic orange slice garlands to simple decorating ideas you can put together in just a few minutes.

How to Dry Orange Slices for Dried Orange Slice Crafts

Before you start your projects, you’ll need dried orange slices.

For the best results, slice oranges evenly, about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. Thinner slices will dry more quickly, while slightly thicker slices will have a little more substance for projects such as garlands and ornaments.

Oven Method

Preheat your oven to 200°F.

Arrange the orange slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 2 to 3 hours, turning the slices halfway through.

The exact drying time will depend on the thickness of your slices and how juicy the oranges are. They should look dry and translucent when finished.

For decorating projects, let the slices cool completely before using them. If they still feel moist or soft after cooling, return them to the oven for a little longer.

You can also let orange slices air-dry on a wire rack in a dry area, although this takes considerably longer.

Once your slices are completely dry, you’re ready to decorate.

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1. Dried Orange Slice Garland

A dried orange slice garland is one of the easiest ways to decorate with oranges, and it has a beautiful natural look.

It works especially well across a mantel, along a staircase railing, in a window, or draped across a shelf.

What You’ll Need

• Dried orange slices
• Jute twine or natural string
• Wooden beads, optional
• Cinnamon sticks, optional

How to Make It

Cut a length of twine to the size you need.

Thread the dried orange slices onto the twine, spacing them evenly. You can alternate the oranges with wooden beads or small cinnamon sticks for added texture.

Once you’ve finished, hang the garland wherever you want a little extra seasonal color.

Styling tip: Don’t worry about making every space perfectly even. A slightly irregular arrangement gives the garland a more natural, handmade look.

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2. Make a Rustic Dried Orange Wreath

DIY dried orange decorations are beautiful on a simple grapevine wreath and can easily be combined with other natural materials.

What You’ll Need

• Grapevine wreath base
• Dried orange slices
• Cinnamon sticks
• Rosemary or other greenery
• Hot glue gun

How to Make It

Start by arranging the dried oranges around the wreath without gluing them down.

Once you like the arrangement, secure the slices with hot glue. Add cinnamon sticks and small sprigs of greenery between the oranges.

You don’t need to cover the entire wreath. Leaving some of the grapevine base visible keeps the finished wreath from looking too busy.

Hang it on a door, wall, or inside your home for a simple seasonal accent.

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3. Create a Dried Orange Table Centerpiece

Dried orange slices for work perfectly as home decor, like as part of a beautiful fall or Thanksgiving table.

Instead of making one complicated centerpiece, combine several simple elements for a relaxed, layered look.

Try Combining

• Dried orange slices
• Mini pumpkins
• Greenery
• Cinnamon sticks
• Pinecones
• Candles

Arrange the ingredients down the center of your table, placing the larger pieces first and filling in the gaps with the smaller elements.

For safety, keep dried orange slices, greenery, and other flammable decorations well away from candle flames. Battery-operated candles are an especially easy option for this type of centerpiece.

The result is colorful and seasonal without requiring a lot of decorating supplies.

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4. Make a Fragrant Gift Jar

A jar filled with dried oranges and spices makes a simple homemade gift for a friend, neighbor, teacher, or host.

What You’ll Need

• Mason jar
• Dried orange slices
• Cinnamon sticks
• Whole cloves
• Star anise
• Ribbon
• Gift tag

Layer the dried oranges and spices inside the jar until it looks full.

Add the lid, tie a ribbon around the jar, and attach a handwritten gift tag with instructions for using the ingredients as a simmer pot.

It’s inexpensive, easy to assemble, and looks much more special than a last-minute gift from the store.

Important: Make sure everything in the jar is completely dry before assembling it for storage or gifting.

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5. Make Dried Orange Slices for Christmas Ornaments

Dried orange slices make beautiful natural Christmas ornaments, especially when paired with wood, twine, pinecones, and greenery.

What You’ll Need

• Dried orange slices
• Ribbon, twine, or jute string
• Pinecones, optional

Choose your brightest, most evenly dried orange slices.

Carefully make a small hole near the top of each slice. Thread ribbon or twine through the hole and tie it securely.

Hang the oranges directly on your Christmas tree or combine them with small pinecones and other natural ornaments.

They look especially pretty on trees decorated with simple wood, white, green, or neutral-colored ornaments.

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6. Use Dried Orange Slices in Your Holiday Gift Wrapping

You don’t need expensive wrapping accessories to make presents look beautiful.

Dried orange slices can turn simple kraft-paper packages into something that looks thoughtful and handmade.

What You’ll Need

• Kraft paper
• Jute twine or ribbon
• Dried orange slices
• Cinnamon sticks
• Small pine sprigs

Wrap your gift in kraft paper and secure it with twine or ribbon.

Tuck a dried orange slice underneath the bow, then add a cinnamon stick or small sprig of greenery.

This works particularly well for holiday gifts, hostess gifts, homemade treats, and jars of homemade goodies.

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7. Add Dried Orange Slices to Holiday Drinks

A dried orange slice is an easy way to make an ordinary drink look ready for a party.

Use them with cocktails, mocktails, cider, mulled drinks, or even a simple glass of sparkling water.

For a cocktail, place a dried orange slice directly on the rim or float it on top of the drink.

You can also pair the orange with a cinnamon stick or small rosemary sprig for a more finished look.

An Old Fashioned is an especially natural pairing for orange, but you don’t need a complicated cocktail to use this idea.

For the prettiest presentation, choose slices with bright color and intact centers.

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8. Create Simple Kitchen Decor

Dried orange slices don’t have to be reserved for Christmas.

A glass jar or vase filled with dried oranges can add a warm, natural accent to a kitchen throughout the fall and winter.

Try This Combination

Fill a clear glass jar with dried orange slices and add a few cinnamon sticks and pieces of star anise.

Place the jar on an open shelf, countertop, or kitchen hutch.

You can also add a small amount of greenery for extra color.

This is one of the easiest projects in the article because there’s essentially nothing to make. You’re simply arranging beautiful natural ingredients in a way that complements your space.

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9. Make a Cozy Fall Potpourri Bowl

Turn dried oranges into a simple decorative bowl of natural potpourri.

What You’ll Need

• Dried orange slices
• Pinecones
• Whole cloves
• Cedar sprigs or other greenery
• Decorative bowl

Arrange everything loosely in the bowl, allowing the orange slices to remain visible.

The combination of orange, pinecones, spices, and greenery creates a warm seasonal display that’s perfect for a coffee table, entryway table, or shelf.

For a purely decorative arrangement, replace any greenery that begins to wilt or deteriorate.

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10. Make a Simple Seasonal Display

Sometimes the prettiest DIY is the simplest one.

Gather your favorite dried orange slices and arrange them with a few other seasonal pieces you already have around the house.

Try placing them in:

• A shallow wooden bowl
• A glass vase
• A decorative tray
• A dough bowl
• A basket
• Around a centerpiece

Add pinecones, cinnamon sticks, greenery, or small seasonal objects to create a layered display.

You can change the arrangement throughout the season without having to make anything new.

How to Store Leftover Dried Orange Slices

If you have extra dried oranges after finishing your projects, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Before storing them, make sure they are completely dry and no longer feel soft or moist.

If you notice any moisture inside the container, remove the slices and allow them to dry further before storing them again.

Having a small stash of dried orange slices on hand makes it easy to add a natural touch to future gifts, decorations, centerpieces, and seasonal projects.

Final Thoughts

Dried orange slices are inexpensive, easy to make, and surprisingly versatile. You can use them to create a garland one day, decorate a gift the next, and turn a simple drink into something special when you’re entertaining.

And because the oranges pair so naturally with ingredients like cinnamon, pinecones, rosemary, greenery, and twine, you can create beautiful seasonal decorations without buying a lot of new supplies.

If you already have a batch of oranges drying, start with a garland or a few natural Christmas ornaments. They’re two of the easiest projects and make a big visual impact.

Looking for something a little more polished and edible? Try our guide to making candied orange slices in the oven without a dehydrator for beautiful slices you can use for cocktails, desserts, and entertaining.