The holidays are often associated with numerous different scents ranging from fresh pine needles to roasted pumpkin seeds.  Below is a do-it-yourself project to add a natural touch to any home’s holiday decor.  This dried citrus garland will add a pop of color to a mantle or wall and infuse the air with a sweet, citrus smell throughout the home that will impress every guest that walks through the door. 

Dried orange garland materials:

2-4 oranges depending on desired length of garland

Sharp knife

Parchment paper

Cookie sheet

Twine or string

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 250 degrees and line the cookie sheet with parchment paper.  While the oven is warming, thinly slice the oranges cross-wise. 

Step 2: Pat the slices dry to eliminate as much juice as possible.  Place the orange discs onto the cookie sheet.  Bake the slices for about 3 hours or until the slices are dehydrated and the orange peel is a little crispy. Be sure not to burn the slices. Flip the slices halfway through the cooking time to ensure they dry out completely. 

Step 3: To create the garland, poke two holes in each slice near the peel.  To create the holes trying using a nail or even a pencil. Weave the string or twine through the holes while spacing the slices evenly. After threading through the desired amount of slices, tie the ends of the string.  Keep in mind that 2 oranges creates garland about 3 feet long. 

Step 4: Hang the garland. It could be hung on a mantel, wall or above a window. Consider placing it in the dining room to enjoy while eating Thanksgiving dinner. Also, the slices could be used to make ornaments.