How to Dry Citrus for All Your Holiday Decorations
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
’Tis the season to deck the halls with bells, baubles, and of course loads of pretty dried citrus. This easy-to-make décor can be fitted with hooks and displayed as DIY ornaments on your tree, threaded with twine and woven throughout a garland, or attached with ribbon to wrapped presents. Also try using them as a garnish in a yummy holiday cocktail or on top of a flavor-filled clementine loaf cake. And don't feel limited to just oranges! Most common citruses, such as lemons, limes, and grapefruit, will dry up perfectly and look stunning when strewn around the house.
While you can buy dried citrus from craft stores or Etsy, it is so simple to make. So unless you still have to cook the entire holiday meal, buy and wrap all the presents, and entertain the in-laws—let's get crafting!
To Make Dried Citrus Slices
Preheat oven to 175°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or fit with an oven-safe cooling rack. Using a very sharp knife, slice citrus to about 1/8-inch thick. Place slices on paper towels to allow as much liquid to absorb as possible. Arrange slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake, turning slices once, until no longer sticky and dry to the touch, 4 to 6 hours.
Note: If you want to use in a recipe sprinkle with a little confectioners' or superfine sugar before baking.
Tree Ornaments
Dried orange slices add color and fragrance to a decorated pine tree—indoors or out. Pair with painted pine cones, clip-on LED candles, and berry garlands for a simple, old-fashioned Christmas look.
Table Centerpiece
A table runner of fresh greens dotted with dried orange slices complements any table setting, from heirloom china to everyday ironstone.
Tree Garland
To add an organic note, sparsely thread twine with various sizes of dried oranges and drape around a tree. Editor's tip: Choose a less dense tree to help the citrus really pop.
Ribbon Garland
Thread dried orange slices with a strand of ribbon for an easy way to embellish evergreen garlands around the house.
Package Adornment
Adorn brown paper packages with mini wreaths (cyprus clippings
arranged in a circle) secured with baker’s twine and red velvet ribbons. Use hot-glue to attach dried citrus for extra embellishment.
Door Swag
Magnolia leaves and greenery pair for simple, natural swag, while dried oranges and pine cones add just a little color and texture. Understated burlap ribbon bundles the bunch with a happily humble bow.
Simple Garland
Choose natural or jute twine to make a statement garland of dried citrus. Using a skewer or nail, poke two holes into the top
of each orange slice, then thread twine through each
hole, evenly spacing the oranges on the garland. Tie off each end with a loop, and hang from hooks.
Fragrant Ornaments
Pair slices of dried citrus with gingerbread cutouts, pomegranates, and kumquats for a beautiful and fragrant tree.
You Might Also Like
