Drying Orange Slices for Holiday Decoration

How to Dry Citrus

When it comes to festive and natural holiday décor, dried citrus slices are a timeless favorite. They add a rustic, cozy charm to wreaths, garlands, ornaments, and even gift wrapping. Best of all, learning how to dry citrus at home is simple, affordable, and eco-friendly. In this post, you’ll learn step-by-step how to dry citrus slices, the best types of citrus to use, and creative ways to incorporate them into your holiday decorations.

Why Use Dried Citrus for Holiday Decorations?

Dried citrus is not only beautiful but also versatile. Its bright orange, yellow, and red hues bring warmth to winter décor. Plus, dried orange slices or lemons release a subtle citrus scent that enhances the holiday atmosphere. Unlike store-bought ornaments, homemade dried citrus decorations are biodegradable, sustainable, and customizable to your style.

Best Citrus Fruits to Dry

Different citrus fruits create a variety of colors and sizes:

• Oranges – Classic choice for bright orange slices.
• Blood Oranges – Rich red tones for a dramatic holiday look.
• Lemons – Add cheerful yellow hues.
• Limes – Small, green slices for contrast.
• Grapefruit – Large slices with beautiful pink or red centers.

Mixing different types of citrus will give your holiday decorations depth and variety.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Dry Citrus Slices

Ingredients & Supplies
Fresh citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit)
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Paper towels
Baking sheet with parchment paper
Oven or dehydrator

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 175°F (80°C). A low temperature is essential to dry the citrus without burning.
• Slice the citrus fruits into thin rounds, about ¼ inch thick. Uniform slices dry more evenly.
• Pat slices dry with paper towels to remove excess juice. This speeds up the drying process.
• Arrange slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Keep them in a single layer, not touching.
• Bake for 2–4 hours, flipping every 30–45 minutes. Dry until the slices are firm and no longer sticky.
• Cool completely before using. Store extras in an airtight container to keep them fresh until decorating.

👉 Tip: If you have a food dehydrator, set it to 135°F (57°C) and dry the slices for 6–8 hours. the now-wise.

I used my dehydrator this year and I loved it; however, it took about 24 hours for them to fully dry. That’s a long time to keep an appliance running, especially unattended while sleeping. Not to mention the fact that my house is super old and so if the electricity… I don’t need a fire happening overnight, you know what I’m saying?

No matter how you are dehydrating your citrus, you will need to keep a close eye on it. In the oven they can burn/ darken quickly. If you like to have a mix of orange or burnt orange like me then that’s great, but the lemons and limes do not look good if you let them go too long so keep an eye out if you decide to dehydrate them.

Last year’s dried oranges are still hanging in my kitchen and window sills. They looked so beautiful I never took them down after the holidays. They are still bright, vibrant and just a tad bit dusty but still going strong. Once your citrus is dried you can use them right away to make holiday decor, or you can store them. I have some in Mason jars and some displayed in wood bowls and both displays look fabulous!

Once your citrus slices are dry, you can use them in a variety of ways. You can add them to tea, cocktails, or mocktails. You can also use them to garnish desserts, salads, and other dishes. Dried citrus slices can also be used to make potpourri or holiday decorations.

Extra Tips for Drying citrus

• Use ripe, fresh citrus fruit.
• Slice the citrus fruit into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. This will help the citrus slices dry evenly.
• Arrange the citrus slices on the baking sheet or dehydrator trays in a single layer. This will allow the air to circulate freely and help the citrus slices dry evenly.
• Check the citrus slices regularly to make sure they are not overdrying.
• Let the citrus slices cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This will help to prevent moisture from forming and causing the citrus slices to spoil.

Creative Ways to Use Dried Citrus for Holiday Decorations

Garlands

String dried orange slices together with twine or ribbon. Add cinnamon sticks, cranberries, or star anise for a rustic garland to hang on mantels, windows, or Christmas trees.

Ornaments

Tie ribbon through the top of a citrus slice and hang it directly on your tree. Combine with dried herbs like rosemary for a fragrant holiday touch.

Wreaths

Hot glue dried citrus slices to a greenery wreath for a farmhouse-style holiday decoration. Pair with pinecones, berries, or eucalyptus for extra texture.

Gift Wrapping

Tie a dried citrus slice into your holiday gift ribbon for a natural and elegant finishing touch.

Table Décor

Scatter dried citrus slices across your holiday table for a festive centerpiece. They pair beautifully with candles, greenery, and pine sprigs.

How Long Do Dried Citrus Decorations Last?

If stored in a cool, dry place, dried citrus decorations can last for months. Keep extras in an airtight container with silica gel packs to reduce moisture. For the best color and scent, refresh your dried citrus each holiday season.

Drying citrus for holiday decorations is a simple DIY project that adds charm, fragrance, and sustainability to your seasonal décor. Whether you’re making garlands, ornaments, or gift toppers, dried citrus slices bring natural beauty and a cozy holiday vibe to your home.

Happy Holidays!

Ciearra

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