How to Make Dried Orange Slices
One of my favourite things to use for decorating at Christmas are dried orange slices. They are perfect for Christmas Crafts, Decorations, Wreaths and Floral Arrangements. This is our step by step guide to making your own!
In my spare time I love to make things – floral arrangements, wreaths, decorations, curtains etc! I have even been trusted enough to do all the flowers for both my sister’s and brother’s weddings (they were very brave asking me to that for them!!!). Usually I but most of my supplies from a wholesaler but recently I started to think about making my own supplies.
I love to use fruit and vegetables in my displays and dried orange slices are a favourite of mine to use at Christmas. They are also really easy to make and a lot cheaper than buying ready made ones. For a step by step guide to a simple way to use your dried orange slices take a look at our post about how to make dried orange and cloves Christmas decorations.
How to Make Dried Orange Slices
What you need:
- oranges
- oven
- oven rack
What you do:
- cut the oranges into slices approximately 2cm thick.
- place the slices onto an oven rack – not a baking tray as they will stick and burn!
- place in a cool oven – I use 120 degrees celsius
- allow to dry for about 2-3 hours – cool and slow is key
- leave in oven until cool
- use in garlands, wreaths, decorations, potpourri etc. I often attach them to a wire to be used in floral arrangements.
Ways to Use Dried Orange Slices at Christmas
Once your orange slices are completely dry, there are so many lovely ways to use them around your home. Their warm colour, natural texture and gentle citrus scent make them perfect for simple, traditional Christmas decorating.
One of the things I love most about dried orange slices is just how versatile they are. With their rich golden colour, delicate citrus scent and natural beauty, they add warmth to almost any Christmas decoration. Whether your style is simple and rustic or traditional and festive, they’re an easy way to bring a little piece of nature indoors.
Decorate Your Home
- Add them to Christmas wreaths
- Thread them into natural garlands
- Hang them as Christmas tree ornaments
- Arrange them along a mantel display
- Add them to bowls of festive potpourri
Add a Handmade Touch
- Use them as natural gift tags
- Tie them around napkins for Christmas dinner
- Add them to festive table settings
- Decorate Christmas candles and lanterns
- Include them in handmade gifts
Try combining dried orange slices with cinnamon sticks, pinecones, evergreen foliage, velvet ribbon or natural twine for a beautifully simple country Christmas look.
✨ New for Christmas 2026
If you love creating a slow, handmade Christmas, I’ve added a beautiful collection of free Christmas printables to help you enjoy the season even more.
One of my favourites is the Christmas Crafts Companion, filled with gentle planning pages, nature-inspired craft ideas, handmade decoration inspiration and keepsake pages for recording your favourite festive projects.
It’s the perfect companion to this dried orange slice tutorial, giving you a place to gather ideas, plan future craft projects and preserve the traditions that make your Christmas unique.
Chat soon,
Ciara x
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dried orange slices last?
If they’re dried completely and stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, dried orange slices can last for several months. Many people make them in late autumn and enjoy them throughout the Christmas season.
What temperature should I dry orange slices at?
A low oven is best. Bake them at 90–100°C (fan) or 100–110°C (conventional oven) so they dry slowly without burning.
How long does it take to dry orange slices?
Most orange slices take 3–4 hours, depending on their thickness and the amount of juice in the fruit. Turn them every hour to help them dry evenly.
Why are my dried orange slices still sticky?
If they still feel sticky or soft after baking, they simply need a little longer in the oven. Once removed, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack, as they’ll continue to dry as they cool.
Can I use other citrus fruits?
Absolutely! Lemons, limes, blood oranges, grapefruits and clementines all dry beautifully and can be mixed together for colourful Christmas decorations.
Do dried orange slices smell nice?
Freshly dried orange slices have a gentle citrus fragrance. While the scent naturally fades over time, they still add wonderful warmth and beauty to Christmas decorations.
What can I make with dried orange slices?
They’re wonderfully versatile and can be used to decorate:
- Christmas wreaths
- Natural garlands
- Christmas trees
- Wrapped gifts
- Festive table settings
- Napkin ties
- Potpourri bowls
- Handmade ornaments
- Candle displays
- Christmas centrepieces
Can I make dried orange slices ahead of Christmas?
Yes! They’re one of my favourite Christmas projects because you can make them weeks in advance. Store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to decorate.
Do I need to use parchment paper?
Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to turn the slices during baking, but it’s not essential if you’re using a good-quality non-stick baking tray.
Where can I find more natural Christmas craft ideas?
If you enjoy creating a handmade Christmas, you’ll love my free Christmas Crafts Companion, filled with nature-inspired craft ideas, festive planning pages and keepsake journals. It’s the perfect companion to this tutorial and a lovely way to gather all your Christmas craft inspiration in one place.
Explore the Christmas Collection Further
If you’ve enjoyed this printable, I’d love to invite you to explore the rest of our growing Christmas Companion Library. Each beautifully illustrated collection has been thoughtfully designed to help you create a calmer, more organised and more meaningful festive season. Whether you’re planning Christmas, preparing festive meals, embracing Advent, slowing down to savour the season or making magical family memories, there’s a companion waiting for you.
Explore the collection: Christmas Printables Hub, Free Christmas Planner Companion, Christmas Kitchen Companion, Christmas Eve Companion, Christmas Bucket List Companion, Slow Christmas Companion and Advent Companion
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Christmas companion free to download?
Yes! This printable companion is completely free to download and print for personal use.
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Our printables are created for personal use and enjoyment. Please don’t sell, share or redistribute the printable files themselves — you’re always very welcome to share a link to the original page instead. You can read our full Printable Terms of Use here.
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All pages are designed in A4 format and print beautifully at home. Most printers can also scale them to US Letter if needed.
Can I print just one page instead of the whole companion?
Absolutely. You can print the entire companion or simply choose the pages you’ll use most.
How can I use this Christmas companion?
Many readers keep the pages in a Christmas binder or seasonal planner, while others print individual pages for the fridge, family noticeboard or kitchen.
Are there more Christmas printables available?
Yes! Visit our Christmas Printables Hub to explore the growing Christmas Companion Library, including planners, kitchen companions, bucket lists, Advent printables, Slow Christmas resources and more.
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You’re very welcome to share a link to this page with friends and family, but please don’t redistribute the PDF itself. That helps support Our Little House in the Country and keeps these printables free.
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Before You Go…
Looking for a little extra inspiration?
Browse our growing collection of free printables, including seasonal calendars, bucket lists, planners, journals and reflection pages designed to help you create a slower, more intentional life.
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Our Little House in the Country
Hi, I’m Ciara — writer, homemaker, and the heart behind Our Little House in the Country. I share slow, seasonal living from our cozy corner of the Irish countryside, where life is a little messy, a little magical, and deeply real. Whether it’s a teen-friendly recipe, a lived-in home moment, or a reminder to let go of perfection, this space is about embracing the everyday and finding joy in what’s already here. Come in, kick off your shoes, and stay a while — the kettle’s always on.
55 Comments
ilovemummymost
What a fab idea 🙂 one to add to my xmas board :-)xx
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Sarah
Brill post, I did these last year and they were a little ‘overdone’ shall we say! I must be more patient! X
Jenny Taylor
How do you know when they are ‘done’? I have tried this method but 10 days later they are still soft and the inside is damp and sticky. I don’t want them to go mouldy as I want to make them into decorations!
Our Little House in the Country
Hi Jenny, I usually put mine in the airing cupboard for a few days after drying them in the oven for several hours, this tends to dry them fully. Hope that helps. I also try to wipe as much juice as possible off each slice with paper towels before putting in the oven, which I omitted from the instructions, oops! Thank you for your question.
tinytotsadventure
I think I’ve read so many beautiful or age posts now that I’m smelling oranges.
Julie
Great idea.. I have made these before and they smell lovely. Before drying sprinkle with a little icing sugar and it adds a shiny to them. Thanks for you page.
Our Little House in the Country
Thank you Julie and thanks for that tip, I must try it! X
Elle
Oh wow. I am just planning to make my Christmas wreath for this year snd these orange slices will be fab!! Cant wait.
kimberly hahn
How long will the orange slices last after drying? ..thanks so much
Our Little House in the Country
Hi Kimberly, if dried well they should last about 2 months sometimes alot longer. I did these 6 weeks ago and they’re still perfect 🙂
Kay Bright
I have some that I did two years ago for Christmas. I stored them in the hot press during the year to see if they would last…..and they did!
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Michelle Palas
Can you use this method to make lemon slices ??
Our Little House in the Country
Hi Michelle, yes, it should also work with lemons 🙂
alison
great post, thank you so much! do you know if these would be okay for outside if sprayed with some kind of finish? (to keep bugs/insects away)
Our Little House in the Country
I’ve used them outside on wreaths etc and they were fine- I didn’t spray them or anuthing but perhaps a clear spray varnish or the likes might be worth a try! 🙂
Cherie
I just bought dried orange slices for my Amazon Parrot, Loro, at the pet store. Very expensive for several slices. So I googled dry orange slices and found your web site to be the one I needed to make my own for him. He is 49 years old. I only feed him the best and nutritious treats as well as Parrot food. His life expectancy is 75 to 100 years old. God put him In my hands to take care of. Pet store prices are so ridiculous. I need to provide him with good home made treats. I got him when I was a teenager at a Woolworths store my mother worked at. He was only 6 months old. 36 dollars cage and him. I have never responded to a website before but feel so grateful to have found this one. I will be back for more tips and recipes. Sorry I don’t have a nice logo to go along with my reply
Our Little House in the Country
Hi Cherie, thank you so much for your lovely comment and I’m so glad to have been of help. Wow, 49 years! What a wonderful companion Loro has been to have in your life. My children were fascinated when I told them about your message and my little girl in particular would love a parrot! God bless and thank you so so much for your message. Ciara x
lynne stuart
wonderful sight and suggestions thank you
Our Little House in the Country
Thank you for your kind words Lynne.
marion
great I was looking for a “how to” do this. apple slices how long do you think for them?
Our Little House in the Country
Hi Marion. I think apples take a really long time, from memory I think about 6 hours at 100 degrees C or about 200 F. Hope that helps.
Sharon Melrose
My oranges dried well but don’t have a good aroma. What did I do wrong?
Our Little House in the Country
Hi Sharon, I’m sorry to hear that. I’m not sure though, perhaps the oranges didn’t have a particularly strong scent to begin with? Sometimes I add a drop or two of orange essential oil to mine if they don’t have a strong aroma.
Jeanne
My bread recipe calls for chopped dried oranges. Would these work for that
Our Little House in the Country
I don’t see why not- sounds delicious!
Ruth
Can you put clives in the orange slices before drying them in the oven? Thank you
Our Little House in the Country
Yes, I think so Ruth. Thanks for visiting!
Robbin Sawyer
HI, just found your site. Can you also dry them for long term storage for food? TIA!
Caroline
I’m a bit confused. I need to put them on the oven rack at 120° for 2-3hrs?
Our Little House in the Country
Hi Caroline, yes, in a cool oven- 120 degrees Celsius for as long as possible- it’s a slow process but any warmer and they’ll burn. Hope that helps?
Alison
Wonderful idea have my whole family getting together this year and going to make it extra special and festive with these orange and lemon slices in my centrepiece for the table.
Atia
What do you mean by cool oven?
Joanne Harris
I’ve put my oranges into a good oven oven night but they still appear squishy and soft? What else shall I do?
Tami
orange, lemon, lime, what about grapefruit? anyone tried it?
Victoria
Thank you for your lovely site! I want to try drying orange slices for a family ornament making activity this year at our public library.
Elle
These are amazing. My house smells delicious! Next I’m going to try doing whole oranges after slicing a design in them. Have you done this before? I’d love any tips. I’m planning on starting with very low temp and being very patient. I’ll be stringing some cranberries while waiting.
FleeceHEAD
Decorations? I found this online because I EAT them 🙂
jaylene ayers
ive been drying oranges like this for years to hang on my christmas tree. before they completely dry and are still soft. put your string or hook through them and hang them in front of lights on your tree. the light shines through the meaty part of the orange and makes them glow. they are really beautiful. and they will finish drying hanging on the tree.
Our Little House in the Country
Super advice! Thank you and merry Christmas!
Maja
Tried with 120 celsius, and the slices turned brown very quickly. Perhaps 90 degrees is enough? Anyone that knows how to preserve them so that they last for several Christmases? Going out to buy more oranges to try with. Is it possible with mandarins as well?
Our Little House in the Country
Lower temp and longer time is best- 90 possibly better. I’ve only ever tried full mandarins and works well.
Jennifer
That’s what I was thinking. I usually dry things at 50-80 celcius or about 120-180°F. That being said, I don’t know how patient I would be, drying something with so much water content 😉 I’m probably going to crystallize mine because my mom just found out she developed diabetes and gave me her huge stash of sugar! Yay for me? Lol
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Olga Baker (@in_via_veritas)
I love this! Thank you so much for sharing! This idea is so simple, and yet the result is so beautiful!
I was looking for citrus decoration ideas and came across this post. So happy to have discovered you!
Jennifer Jones
I LOVE THIS!!!! I’m planning to start a blog…..such great inspiration Our Little House in the Country!!! Very lovely.
Lianna Parker
Great recipe. We tried it today as we wanted dried oranges as garnish for our cocktails. Only remark, the recipe says to cut 2cm thick slices, we sliced them 2mm thick.
Drying them took 3 hours and they were delicious.
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