Natural Christmas decorations have a timeless charm, and one of my favourite festive traditions is making dried orange slices and simple popcorn garlands.

Using an air fryer makes the process even easier, allowing you to create beautifully dried orange slices without needing to use the oven for hours. Once they’re ready, you can transform them into a classic orange slice and popcorn garland that’s perfect for decorating your Christmas tree, mantel, staircase or festive table.

Whether you’re crafting on a quiet winter afternoon or making decorations with the children, this simple project is a wonderful way to slow down and enjoy the season.

Step 1: Choose and Prep Your Oranges

For the best results, choose firm, fresh oranges. You’ll want to avoid overly soft or old oranges, as they may be too juicy to dry evenly.

Instructions:

1. Gather your materials: You’ll need fresh oranges, a sharp knife, paper towels, and an air fryer with a dehydrate function.

2. Slice the oranges: Cut the oranges into thin slices, about 1/4-inch thick. Try to keep the slices even so they dehydrate at the same rate.

3. Pat dry: Use paper towels to gently pat each orange slice, removing excess moisture. This helps the oranges dehydrate faster.

Step 2: Dehydrate the Orange Slices in the Air Fryer

Instructions:

1. Set up the air fryer: Place the orange slices on the air fryer rack in a single layer. Try to avoid overlapping so that each slice dries evenly.

2. Dehydrate: Set the air fryer to the dehydrate setting at 135°F (57°C). If your air fryer doesn’t have a dehydrate setting, use the lowest heat setting possible.

3. Timing: Dehydrate the orange slices for 4–6 hours, checking every hour or so. Rotate the slices if needed to ensure they’re drying evenly. They’re ready when they feel dry to the touch but are still slightly pliable.

4. Cool down: Once dried, let the orange slices cool completely. This helps them firm up and get ready for stringing!

Step 3: Stringing Your Orange and Popcorn Garland

Now that you have your beautiful dried orange slices, it’s time to make a garland! This is a wonderful, mindful activity that’s fun to do with the whole family—and it makes a beautiful, natural addition to your Christmas decor.

What You’ll Need:

• Dried orange slices

• Popcorn (preferably air-popped for less oil)

• A large needle

• Sturdy thread or twine

Instructions:

1. Pop the popcorn: Pop your popcorn and let it cool completely before using. If possible, choose a plain popcorn that isn’t buttered or salted—this keeps it looking fresh and doesn’t add grease to your garland.

2. Thread the needle: Cut a long piece of thread (around 5–6 feet) or your preferred length, depending on where you’ll be hanging the garland.

3. Start stringing: Begin by threading a piece of popcorn, followed by an orange slice, and continue alternating. You can create a pattern (e.g., three popcorn pieces, one orange slice) or make it random for a more rustic look.

4. Leave space: Leave a small gap between each item, around 1/4 inch, to help the garland drape nicely.

5. Secure the ends: Once you reach the end, tie a secure knot at each end of the garland to hold everything in place.

Step 4: Decorate with Your Garland

Now for the fun part—decorating! Hang your garland on your Christmas tree, across a mantel, or along a window frame for a festive, natural touch. These garlands bring a cozy, country charm to any space, with the oranges adding a pop of color and the popcorn creating a bit of texture.

Extra Tips for Garland Success

• Storage: If you want to keep the garland for next year, store it in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.

• Layer the Fragrance: For a touch of extra holiday scent, you could add a few dried cinnamon sticks or bay leaves along the garland.

• Mind the Pets: If you have pets, make sure the garland is hung out of reach, as they might be tempted by the popcorn!

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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.

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✨ 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

This dried orange and popcorn garland is such a simple, charming way to bring a little bit of the outdoors inside for the holidays. The oranges add a lovely, subtle fragrance and a vibrant pop of color, while the popcorn gives that cozy, old-fashioned feel that’s perfect for the season. Plus, it’s eco-friendly and low-cost—what’s not to love?

We’d love to see how your garlands turn out! Share your creations with us by tagging @OurLittleHouseInTheCountry on Instagram, and let’s fill our homes with these cozy, homemade touches this Christmas.

Enjoy!

Ciara xox

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it quicker to dry orange slices in an air fryer?

Yes. If your air fryer has a dehydrate function, it’s a convenient alternative to using the oven, while still producing beautifully dried slices for Christmas decorations. Drying times vary depending on the model, so check them regularly as they dehydrate.

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Can I use a regular air fryer?

Some air fryers have a dedicated dehydrate setting, while others can be set to their lowest temperature. If yours runs quite hot, check the slices frequently to prevent browning.

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How long will an orange and popcorn garland last?

If stored in a dry place indoors, it should last throughout the Christmas season. Because it’s made from natural materials, it’s best considered a seasonal decoration.

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Can children help make this garland?

Absolutely! Children can help thread the popcorn and orange slices onto twine, making this a lovely festive activity for the whole family. An adult should handle the slicing and drying of the oranges.

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Can I use other dried fruit?

Yes. Dried lemon, lime and blood orange slices all work beautifully and can add lovely colour variation to your garland.

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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.

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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.

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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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