How to Make a Citrus Garland with Dried Oranges and Lemons
A dried citrus garland is a simple DIY decoration made by dehydrating slices of citrus fruit and stringing them together with wire or string. The result is a bright, natural citrus garland that works beautifully as seasonal decor, party decoration, or a cheerful handmade accent in your home.
In this tutorial, you'll learn how to dry citrus slices in the oven and assemble a dried citrus garland using copper wire and flowers.
Quick Overview: How to Make a Citrus Garland
To make a dried citrus garland:
Slice oranges and lemons into ¼-inch slices.
Bake the slices at 200°F for about 4 hours, flipping halfway through.
Let the citrus cool completely.
Create a wrapped loop at one end of a piece of copper wire.
Thread the dried citrus slices and flowers onto the wire.
Make another wrapped loop at the other end of the citrus garland.
Optional: Tie a piece of ribbon through each loop to easily hang the garland.
Materials for a Dried Citrus Garland
Fresh oranges
Fresh lemons
Yellow and white flowers (pom pom flowers or any other hardy flowers work well)
Copper wire (we used Fadeless Copper Wire 24 Gauge/0.5mm in Champagne Gold)
Scissors for cutting the copper wire
Baking sheet (we used USA Pan Nonstick Cookie Sheets)
Knife
Parchment paper (optional)
Ribbon (optional)
Thread any hardy flowers on your citrus garland.
We used Champagne Gold copper wire to thread our citrus garland.
Step 1: Slice the Citrus
Begin by slicing your oranges and lemons into about ¼-inch thick rounds.
Even slices help the fruit dry evenly in the oven. Thin slices will dry faster and develop the slightly translucent look that makes a dried citrus garland so beautiful when light shines through it.
Step 2: Dry the Citrus Slices
Preheat your oven to 200°F.
Place the citrus slices directly on a baking sheet. We used USA Pan Nonstick Cookie Sheets, and didn’t need parchment paper, but you can also use parchment paper if you want easier cleanup.
Bake the slices for approximately 4 hours, flipping them halfway through.
When the citrus is ready for your citrus garland, the slices should be:
Dry to the touch
Slightly firm
Bright in color (but will have some browning)
Allow them to cool completely before assembling your garland.
Dehydrate citrus slices in your oven or dehydrator.
Step 3: Prepare the Garland Wire
Cut a piece of Fadeless copper wire to the desired length of your garland.
Create a small wrapped loop at one end of the wire. This prevents the citrus slices and flowers from sliding off while you assemble your dried citrus garland.
Copper wire works well because it is sturdy enough to support the fruit but still flexible enough to bend.
Create a wrapped loop at each end of the wire to prevent your citrus and flowers from sliding off.
Step 4: Thread the Citrus and Flowers
Thread the dried citrus slices onto the wire by inserting the copper wire through one edge of the slice and out through the opposite edge. You might find that avoiding the rind makes that easier to do. Cut the stems off the flowers, then insert the copper wire through the back center of the flower (where the stem was attached) and guide it out through the front.
For our citrus garland, we alternated:
Orange slices
Lemon slices
Yellow flowers
White flowers
Adding flowers softens the look of the dried citrus garland and creates a cheerful color palette. But even a simple garland made with just dried lemon and orange slices looks lovely.
You can experiment with different patterns depending on how full you want your garland to appear.
Play around with different citrus arrangements to discover new color and pattern combinations!
Citrus garlands are beautiful and refreshing for any occasion.
Step 5: Finish the Citrus Garland
Once you're happy with the arrangement, create another wrapped loop at the other end of the wire.
These loops allow the citrus garland to hang easily from hooks, nails, or decorative clips. You can also tie ribbon to each end and use that to hang the garland.
If needed, adjust the spacing of the citrus slices and flowers until the garland feels balanced.
Tie neat bows at each end of your garland, or experiment with other simple finishing methods.
Where to Hang a Dried Citrus Garland
A dried citrus garland can be used in many ways throughout your home.
Popular decorating ideas include:
Hanging a citrus garland across a window
Decorating a mantel
Creating a bright party backdrop
Draping it over a mirror or doorway
Because the dried citrus slices become slightly translucent, sunlight shining through them can create a beautiful glowing effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a dried citrus garland last?
A dried citrus garland can last several months or even longer if stored in a dry environment. Keeping it indoors and away from humidity helps prevent the citrus from softening.
Can you use other citrus fruits for a citrus garland?
Yes. Try adding limes, grapefruit, or blood oranges to create different colors and patterns in their dried citrus garlands.
Final Thoughts
Making a dried citrus garland is a simple craft that turns fresh fruit into colorful handmade decor. With just a few ingredients and a little time in the oven, you can create a citrus garland that brings warmth, color, and a natural touch to your space.
It’s an easy project for an afternoon of crafting and a beautiful way to decorate with natural materials.
Making citrus garlands is a fun and relaxing activity.