Easy DIY Dried Oranges for Natural Holiday Decor
This time of year, we’re all about infusing our home with joy and warmth, and we are always scouting low-waste ways to do just that. The reality is, the holidays can produce a lot of waste. We’re not here to shame — quite the opposite! This season is the perfect time to find creative and realistic ways to take simple steps in our sustainable journeys.
One of our absolute favourites is a classic that never gets old: dried oranges. These are the best of both worlds for natural decor — elegant and zero waste. Not to mention, there are only a few steps followed by minimal cleanup. Each year, we like to find new ways to use dried oranges, and we wanted to share a few ideas with you today!
Natural decor ideas using dried oranges
There are so many ways you can take this simple DIY and turn it into a holiday season multitasker! Here are some possibilities:
Make a DIY orange garland! Poke holes at the top of each sliced orange and string with twine. Add pine cones, fallen pine off the ground, whatever you can find.
Elevate your wrapping game. Tie dried oranges to your gifts with rosemary, cedar, ethically sourced cinnamon sticks, dried lavender, etc. for the most beautiful presents your friends and family will have ever seen! (If you use twine you don’t need tape.)
Add dried oranges to your wreath, mantel, centrepiece, or homemade sustainable potpourri. You can even turn them into ornaments for your tree!
Use as a ready-made garnish for any seasonal cocktails or beverages.
When you’re ready to take down your decorations, you can either compost your dried oranges or keep them to reuse next year! Store in a glass jar with a sealed lid, you’ll notice the oranges get darker each year.
How to make dried oranges: step-by-step
Slice 1-2 oranges (not too thick).
Use a Swedish dishcloth to pat them dry (we love this one from Goldilocks Goods, a Vancouver Island-based company!).
Place on a rack and cook for 2.5-3 hours at 250 degrees Fahrenheit (this will depend on your oven, so watch for burning — but we also love the half burnt look).
Let dry even more afterwards if a little sticky (they will crisp as they cool).
Enjoy using some of our above ideas or however you like to decorate!
Purposeful living has this wonderful way of bringing us together because it forces us to be more mindful. For us, the most important thing during the holidays is to slow down and have time with family at home. The best part of DIY crafts like this one is that you can make them with your loved ones and turn it into a whole cozy day — put on some tunes, maybe make a little mulled wine (for the adults!), and let any little helpers get involved.
We would love to see how you use dried oranges! Tag us on Instagram @thepurposefulyou to share your masterpiece, and jump in the comments to let us know about any other zero waste holiday decor ideas you might have. Happy holidays!
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