Get in the holiday spirit with our tutorial on how to make a beautiful dried cranberry garland to adorn your home. As the holiday season approaches, we’re all about finding creative and natural ways to decorate our homes, and a cranberry garland is the ultimate classic choice. This nostalgic decoration is the perfect way to add a pop of color to your Christmas tree and fill your home with a warm, festive scent. This garland is made from fresh cranberries and dehydrated orange slices, making it the perfect eco-friendly decoration to complement any holiday decor. Whether you drape it over your mantel or wrap it around your staircase, a dehydrated cranberry garland adds a charming, rustic touch that’s sure to impress your guests. In our easy-to-follow tutorial, we’ll walk you through the simple process of creating your own gorgeous garland so your home is filled with the warm aroma and beauty of this classic holiday decoration.
Why Make a Cranberry Garland?
- Craft a natural and beautiful decoration that will enhance the look of your Christmas tree or any part of your home. A cranberry garland is a perfect way to bring nature indoors during the holiday season.
- Use fresh cranberries and orange slices to add vibrant color and a refreshing fragrance to your holiday decor.
- Make a unique and eco-friendly garland that fits perfectly with the holiday season.
- Get creative and make this a fun DIY project you can enjoy with family and friends.
- Add a touch of warmth and coziness to your holiday decor with a homemade garland. The combination of cranberries and dried orange slices brings a rustic charm that complements any holiday setting.
Materials Needed
- Fresh cranberries
- Orange slices (dried or fresh)
- Parchment paper
- Oven or dehydrator
- Needle and thread or fishing line
- Scissors
- Cinnamon sticks (optional)
Drying Cranberries and Orange Slices
- Dry cranberries in the oven at a low temperature (150°F – 200°F) for 5-7 hours, turning every 30 minutes
- Dry orange slices in the oven at a low temperature (150°F – 200°F) for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through
- Use a dehydrator to dry cranberries and orange slices for a faster and more efficient process
- Dry your own oranges to make dried orange slices for your garland
Creating the Garland
One of the prettiest and easiest garlands you can make is a cranberry orange garland.
To make it, thread your cranberries and orange slices onto a sturdy needle along with some thread or fishing line. I like to use my embroidery floss to string mine up.
Make sure to secure each piece well so they don’t fall off. I like to tie a knot before each berry and slice. Then thread on another piece right next to it so it doesn’t come loose. Alternate your cranberries with your orange slices. I like to do a few rows of each before varying it up.
You can also add cinnamon sticks to your garland for a fun fragrance. I like to tie them on with a sewing needle and some upholstery thread. This way they last a lot longer.
Ornament Inspiration and Variations
I like to do just cranberries and orange slices for my garland. The combination of the deep red cranberries with the bright orange slices is beautiful and the smell is amazing. You could also add in some rosemary or other herbs for some extra greenery and fragrance.
You could also try layering different types of citrus like the lemons and limes shown above. I like to do a combination of patterns and arrangements. You could alternate your cranberries and orange slices like I did here, or try a spiral effect like I did with my citrus slices. It’s up to you and what you think is pretty!
Displaying Your Garland
- Hang your garland on your Christmas tree or mantel. This will create a beautiful and festive display that everyone will admire. The vibrant colors and natural elements will enhance your holiday decor.
- Use your garland as a centerpiece for your holiday table. It adds a touch of elegance and warmth. Your guests will appreciate the effort, and it will make your dining room feel cozy and inviting.
- Wrap your garland around your staircase or banister. This creates a beautiful and fragrant decoration that will greet anyone who enters your home. The scent of the dried cranberries and orange slices will fill the air, making your house smell amazing.
- Combine your garland with Christmas lights. This creates a stunning and festive display that’s perfect for the holiday season. The lights will make the colors of the cranberries and orange slices pop, adding an extra layer of charm to your decor.
Caring for Your Garland
Final Touches
- Add a few drops of essential oil, such as cinnamon or orange, to your garland for extra fragrance
- Use your garland as a gift or decoration for your friends and family
- Make your garland a part of your holiday tradition and create a new one every year
- Enjoy the beautiful and fragrant scent of your homemade cranberry garland
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