Christmas orange ornaments are a delightful way to add a natural touch to your festive decor. These handmade decorations bring warmth and a fresh citrus scent to your home. Creating them is simple and fun, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. All you need are some oranges, a few tools, and a bit of time. Slice the oranges and dry them to preserve their vibrant color. You can hang them on your Christmas tree or use them in wreaths and garlands. They pair beautifully with cinnamon sticks and other natural elements. Not only do these ornaments look stunning, but they also smell amazing. Embrace this easy DIY project to make your holiday decor truly special and memorable.
Introduction to Dried Citrus Ornaments
Dried citrus Christmas ornaments have become a lovely holiday tradition.
Those boring, scentless ornaments are a thing of the past. We love the cheery look of citrus ornaments and how they fill your home with a warm and inviting aroma. The lovely scent of dried citrus is sure to make your home feel like a winter wonderland. Hang them on your Christmas tree or use them to decorate your mantel or dining table. They’re a lovely addition to any holiday decor.
Have fun and get creative! This is a super easy and fun project. Everyone can help make these lovely ornaments.
These colorful and interesting ornaments are a great way to decorate your Christmas tree. They’re sure to add a lot of visual interest to your tree and fill your home with the warm and inviting aroma of citrus.
Preparing the Orange Slices
Dehydrating oranges is a fun new thing for many of us snackers at home.
We used to just hack at our fruit before dehydrating it. Not anymore!
When dehydrating oranges, you want to slice them up into 1/4 inch thick rounds. A sharp knife is a must for this. You want your slices to be even, so try to do your best job.
Be sure to pick out any seeds before dehydrating. You can always pick them out after if you prefer.
A wide blade knife is perfect for slicing your oranges. Be sure to pat them dry with a paper towel before dehydrating to remove excess moisture.
Place your orange slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave plenty of space between each round.
You want them to dry evenly and not be stuck together.
Place your wire rack on top of your baking sheet. This is a game changer when dehydrating. It allows air to circulate underneath your orange slices.
Drying the Orange Slices
- To dry orange slices in the oven, preheat it to a low temperature of 150-170 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your orange slices on a baking sheet and allow them to dry for 3 to 4 hours. You can also dry them in a dehydrator at 135 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-8 hours.
- Make sure to flip your orange slices every hour so they dry evenly on both sides. If you dry them in the oven, you’ll notice they’ll start to brown a bit. This is okay, but try to avoid letting them get too dark.
- You can also air dry your orange slices by leaving them out for 4 to 5 days. They’ll dry completely and curl up at the edges. This method brings out even more of the orange flavor and is a great way to add some rustic charm to your healthy snacking routine.
Scented Ornaments
- Make your ornaments smell like the holidays with orange and cinnamon oils. You can also use other oils you enjoy, but we love the classic combination of orange and cinnamon.
- Add a few drops of oil to each ornament and let them air dry. This will help the scent last longer and not fade as quickly.
- Use a hot glue gun to attach star anise or cinnamon sticks to the center of your dried orange slices. This is a great way to add some personality to your ornaments. You can also use this technique to add other dried ingredients like cloves or berries.
- Use a toothpick to poke a hole in the top of each citrus slice. This is where you’ll thread your ribbon or twine.
Assembling the Ornaments
- Glue the citrus slices to some twine or ribbon using a hot glue gun.
- Hang on your tree or use throughout your home this holiday season. The warm glow of your candles or tree lights will make the citrus slices glow and fill your home with a sweet, citrusy scent.
- Embellish your ornaments with embroidery floss and ribbon. This is a great way to add some color and co ordination to your ornaments. Choose fabrics and colors that fit with your holiday decor.
- Have all your supplies ready before starting. Cut your oranges, gather your twine or string and collect your embellishments. This will make it easy to focus on the fun part of assembling your ornaments.
Problems and Preserving Them
- If your ornaments become brittle and break, you can try reviving them by dripping a little oil or water onto them. This can help moisturize them and make them less prone to breaking.
- Keep your ornaments in an airtight container to preserve their scent and protect them from moisture.
- If your ornaments aren’t turning out the way you wanted, it’s time to tweak your recipe. Experiment with different drying times and temperatures until you get the results you’re looking for.
- Make sure your ornaments have plenty of time to air dry before storing them. This is especially important. If your ornaments are still damp, mold and mildew can set in. This will cause damage to the ornaments and make them unhealthy to burn. Spare yourself the headache and take the time to properly dry your citrus slices. Then, they’ll be ready to enjoy for months to come.
Customizing the Ornaments
- Play around with different citrus fruits. Lemons and limes will produce a much different holiday ambiance than oranges. Grapefruit is another great option.
- Experiment with different shapes and sizes. Cut your citrus slices into circles, half-moons or even stars.
- Try different oils. Ginger and clove essential oils can fill your home with a warm, spicy scent that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Use wire or twine to create hangers. This adds a rustic touch that’s perfect for a wood tree.
Tips and Suggestions
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent your orange slices from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. A wire rack is a great way to display your slices as they dry. This allows air to circulate around them and helps them dry evenly.
- Have all your supplies ready before starting. Cut your oranges, gather your twine or string and collect your embellishments. This will make it easy to focus on the fun part of assembling your ornaments.
- Embellish your ornaments with cinnamon sticks or star anise. Poke a hole in the top of each slice with a toothpick.
- Experiment with different shapes and sizes. Cut your citrus slices into circles, half-moons and stars. Use different types of citrus for a variety of colors. This is a great way to add some personality to your ornaments.
Finishing Your DIY Christmas Orange Ornaments
Making your own Christmas orange ornaments is a fun and easy holiday craft. These natural beauty’s fill your home with a warm, citrusy scent and add a unique touch to your decor. From slicing the oranges to drying and embellishing them, this process is simple and enjoyable. You can customize your ornaments to fit your personal style and add some personality to your holiday decor. The result is a beautiful, fragrant ornament that’s sure to delight. So why not give it a try? You’ll love the process and the result. Your home will smell amazing and your tree will be the talk of the town.
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