There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about decorating with natural materials at Christmas.

Long before shops were filled with plastic ornaments, homes were decorated with simple things gathered from nature—evergreen branches, pinecones, dried fruit and fragrant spices.

These dried orange and clove decorations are one of my favourite Christmas crafts because they’re beautifully simple to make, smell incredible and add warmth and character to any Christmas tree, wreath or garland.

They’re also a lovely project for children, creating decorations that become part of your family’s Christmas traditions year after year.

✨ Updated for Christmas 2026

How to Make Dried Orange and Cloves Christmas Decorations

What you need:

• dried orange slices (to see how to make dried orange slices take a look at our simple step by step guide)
• cloves
• ribbon

What you do:

• stick whole cloves through the flesh of the orange slices around the centre of each slice (both of my children, 5 and almost 3, helped me to make these)
• thread a ribbon through each slice to make a hanging loop
• hang on twigs or your Christmas tree for a pretty and rustic look.
• I also use these in garlands and wreaths.

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Beautiful Ways to Use Dried Orange & Clove Decorations

These fragrant decorations are incredibly versatile and can be used throughout your home.

On Your Christmas Tree

Hang individual slices using velvet ribbon, linen ribbon or natural twine for a timeless country Christmas look.

On Wreaths

Nestle them amongst evergreen foliage, pinecones and cinnamon sticks for a beautifully natural wreath.

On Garlands

Thread them onto greenery garlands or mix them with dried orange slices, popcorn and wooden beads.

Around the Table

Use them as napkin decorations or place settings for Christmas dinner.

Gift Wrapping

Tie one onto wrapped presents for a simple handmade finishing touch.

Decorative Bowls

Display them in bowls with cinnamon sticks, pinecones and star anise to create natural festive displays.

✨ 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.

You can download the Christmas Crafts Companion free here

Couldn’t be easier!  They also smell absolutely gorgeous!

Have lots of festive fun!

Ciara x

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dried orange and clove decorations smell nice?

Yes! The citrus and cloves create a lovely festive fragrance that makes these decorations especially popular at Christmas. The scent is strongest when they’re freshly made and gently softens over time.

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Can children make these decorations?

Absolutely. Older children can carefully push the cloves into the dried orange slices, making this a lovely family Christmas activity. Younger children may need a little help as whole cloves can be quite firm.

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How long do they last?

If your orange slices have been fully dried and are stored carefully after Christmas, they can often be reused the following year.

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What ribbon works best?

Natural linen ribbon, velvet ribbon, jute twine or thin satin ribbon all work beautifully depending on the style you’re creating.

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Can I use other citrus fruit?

Yes. Lemons, limes, blood oranges and clementines all look lovely and can be mixed together for extra colour and variety.

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Where can I find more natural Christmas crafts?

Download the free Christmas Crafts Companion for more festive inspiration, planning pages and handmade Christmas ideas.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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.

What are the terms of use for these printables?
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.

What size are the printables?
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.

Can I share these printables?
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.

🖨️ Create Your Christmas Companion Binder

If you’re planning to print several of our Christmas companions, a few simple supplies can make it easy to create your own beautiful Christmas binder to enjoy year after year.

(This section contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Our Little House in the Country.)

• 📗 A4 Display Book
• 📁 A4 Ring Binder
• 📄 Plastic Document Wallets
• 📎 Adjustable Hole Punch
• 🖊️ Fine-liner Pens
• 📑 Divider Tabs

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