How to Make Dried Orange Decorations
Christmas doesn’t need to be expensive to be beautiful. One of my favourite ways to add festive charm to the season is by making dried orange slices. They’re simple, cost-effective, and fill your home with the most incredible scent as they slowly dry in the oven.
Whether you’re stringing them up for the tree, weaving them into a wreath, or packaging them as gifts for friends, these little slices of sunshine bring both colour and nostalgia to Christmas decorating. And the best part? They’re just as useful in the kitchen — pop a slice into mulled wine, Christmas punch, or even garnish a festive cake.
Ingredients
Oranges (as many as you’d like to dry)
Method
Preheat your oven to 90°C (low and slow is key).
Slice the oranges thinly and evenly — about 5mm works well. Too thick, and they’ll take hours longer; too thin, and they may burn.
Place the slices on wire racks set over baking trays to allow air to circulate.
Dry in the oven for 3–5 hours, turning them occasionally, until they’re no longer sticky and feel leathery to the touch.
Let them cool completely before using.
Elliot’s Top Tips
Fill the oven: Make a big batch at once — these keep well for weeks, and you’ll always find a use for them.
Uniform slices: A sharp knife or mandoline ensures even drying.
For colour: The longer they bake, the deeper and more rustic they look. Pull them out earlier if you want to keep a bright, citrusy orange colour.
Extra aroma: Add cloves to the centres before drying for a spiced effect.
Storing: Keep dried slices in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to use them.