Discover a simple yet lovely crafting project a dried orange wreath with natural decorations. Along with this great project, I’ll also present various other easy DIY ideas to enhance your orange wreath. When it comes to holiday decor, nothing surpasses the charm of incorporating natural elements and making dried orange slices a perfect choice for our home.
Jump to Printable How To CardInspiring My Readers
My ultimate goal is to inspire and spark creativity in my readers, offering them simple crafts and home decorating ideas that will prepare your home decor for the holiday season. With the festivities bringing loved ones together, it’s the perfect time to make inexpensive Christmas craft pieces that welcome guests into your home.
In this post, we’ll be sharing a great way to make a dried orange wreath, which is an easy project for your home throughout the cooler months and the holiday season. This dried orange wreath is not only a great addition to your fall and Christmas decorating but also serves as an excellent homemade gift for someone special. Imagine decorating your coffee table or front door with this lovely orange wreath, complete with a battery-operated flickering candle. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate togetherness and give heartfelt gifts that will be cherished.
The good news, this DIY Christmas wreath is a great activity for the whole family during the cozy months, accompanied by a crackling fire. The best part, this is an eco-friendly way to get a head start on your holiday decor.
This craft is one of our favorite ways to incorporate natural elements into our Christmas decorating. It embraces everything magical this time of year, dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, gilded walnuts, and star anise. What makes this easy project even more special, are the preserved acorns I’ve treasured for years. Adding all these natural elements to this finished wreath brings a charming touch to your holiday decorations.
Table Of Contents
Why Do We Decorate With Oranges?
- Scent and fragrance: Dried oranges have a refreshing and pleasant aroma. With the beautiful addition of dried oranges into decorations, people can enjoy the natural scent that can uplift the feel of a room, especially during the fall or holiday season. Dried orange slices and dried oranges can retain their fragrance for a long time which makes this a sustainable and eco-friendly way to decorate for the holiday season.
- Seasonal representation: Dried oranges are often associated with certain seasons, such as winter or autumn when they are in abundance. For example, during fall harvest festivals, oranges can be incorporated into decorative displays to celebrate the bountiful harvest and the transition to the holiday season.
Why We Hang Oranges at Christmas?
Hanging citrus slices at Christmas is a tradition that has roots in both historical and symbolic significance. Here are a few reasons why this practice developed:
- Historical association: In the past, fresh fruits, including oranges, were a luxury and not readily available throughout the year. During the holiday season, when fresh produce was scarce, oranges became a special treat and were often given as gifts. Hanging citrus slices for Christmas decorating was a way to showcase these prized fruits and add a touch of indulgence during the holiday season.
- Decorative appeal: Citrus slices, when dried, become visually appealing with their color and unique texture. By hanging them as a Christmas decoration, they add a touch of natural elements and beauty to holiday decor. The orange hues of the citrus slices can complement other traditional Christmas colors and contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal.
- Traditional symbolism: Some believe that the circular shape of the citrus slices represents eternity or the continuous cycle of life. Additionally, the orange color is reminiscent of the sun and warmth, bringing a sense of joy and optimism during the holiday season.
How Long Do Dried Oranges Last?
Dry oranges generally last about two or three years. Meaning they’ll look their best for the first couple of years, and start to turn increasingly darker. However, this doesn’t mean the citrus slices are bad or unusable!
Do Dried Citrus Slices Attract Bugs?
Craft With Confidence: No Bugs In Your Dried Oranges
NO! Bugs are attracted to the juice in citrus. So, as long as your dried orange slices are removed from excess moisture and completely dry after the drying process, they will not attract bugs. Thank goodness for this fact. What would we do without these dried citrus slices in our homes?
Is The Drying Process Difficult?
Drying Oranges Like A Pro: Is The Drying Process As Simple As It Sounds?
I’m excited to share with you just how easy it is to dry oranges. At Cloches & Lavender, we strive to provide our readers with extensive answers and solutions.
To dry oranges, use your oven and follow a low-and-slow method. Slice oranges with a sharp knife into approximately 1/4-inch slices and dab them with a paper towel. Flip the citrus slices and dab them with a paper towel. This thickness is a great way to ensure the citrus slices dry evenly and thoroughly.
Next, arrange the citrus slices in a single layer on a wire rack on top of a baking tray or cookie sheet and place them in a low temperature oven. Adding parchment paper to the baking can be done but we don’t find it to be a necessity.
It only takes about 4-6 hours to make dried oranges, but it’s essential to rotate them periodically during the process. The rotation guarantees that all sides of the slices dry evenly, resulting in beautifully dried oranges.
Editor’s Tip: Transform Your Home with Timeless Elegance – Natural Christmas Decor
- Drying Process: Be sure to read about how to dry orange slices and how dried oranges are an eco-friendly way to decorate our homes for the holiday season.
- Heat Oven: Read about setting the oven at a low temperature and why this is the dried oranges and natural elements are the perfect way to decorate without extra cost for the best way for dried citrus.
- Best Oranges: Learn which oranges are the best for the drying process, such as blood oranges.
- Easy Project: Drying oranges whole and fresh orange slices is the perfect way to make a beautiful and easy way to make a DIY dried orange garland. We share how to use a clear fishing line and other natural elements for this inexpensive Christmas craft idea. This is a great activity for the whole family while watching a favorite movie.
- Natural Elements: Embrace nature and natural elements for the holiday season such as pine cones, evergreen branches, and cinnamon sticks when adding holiday decor. Most of these items are free from your own yard or parks.
- Beautiful Addition: Learn how we couple dried oranges with star anise, pine cones, fresh greenery, and evergreen branches for the holiday season and how it works straight through the winter season.
- Dried Lavender: See one of our favorite ways we combined dried oranges with dried lavender and other natural elements for an easy project.
Using this drying process, dried oranges can be used for various DIY projects. For Christmas decorating, make dried oranges to add to an orange slice garland, add them to a eucalyptus wreath, and beautiful garlands with a seeded eucalyptus garland. This would be so much fun and a great activity to do with the whole family.
Editor’s Tip: Make orange ornaments to hang on the Christmas tree. Add twine, jute, or ribbon through the small holes in the center. A great way to add more natural elements is to add small pine cones, star anise, and a small piece from evergreen branches.
Incorporating dried oranges and citrus slices into this wreath not only enhances the natural elements for the cooler weather and holiday season. It also brings together elegant yet rustic elements, a combination that is one of my favorite ways to add decorations to our home decor during the holiday season
Opting for a grapevine base is the perfect choice for this wreath project. The grapevine base adds a touch of organic beauty complements the look of this simple DIY Christmas wreath and adds to the other natural elements.
Other Wreath Base Options:
- straw
- wire wreath frame wrapped with burlap
- foam wreath form
- eucalyptus wreath
Set the hot glue gun on a low setting when using a foam wreath form. If the hot glue is too hot, it will break down the Styrofoam.
I especially like the texture a grapevine round adds to this DIY Christmas wreath.
Supplies List:
- 18″ wreath blank of your choice
- dried oranges navel oranges work best
- walnuts in the shell
- paint
- hot glue gun and glue sticks
- cinnamon sticks
- acorns
- star Anise
- paint brush
- floral wire (optional)
- glue pot (optional)
Gather Your Materials
Add Paint To Nuts
Step 1: Painting The Walnuts Adds Sparkle To The Orange Wreath
Start gilding walnuts using champagne craft paint. It’s best to make this orange slice wreath on a flat surface.
Add Paint To Nuts
Step 1: Painting The Walnuts Adds Sparkle For The Holiday Season
Start gilding walnuts using champagne craft paint.
Build The Wreath With The Dry Orange Slices
Step 2: Hot Glue Gun: Hot Glue Slices In Smaller Sections
The first step, using a hot glue gun, hot glue the dried oranges on top of the wreath. Add the dried orange slices in smaller sections using hot glue.
Another great way to attach the dried citrus is to use a clear fishing line or a piece of floral wire to hold the citrus slices. Make sure to pull the clear fishing line tight to keep each orange slice tight and flat.
Overlap different sizes of the dried citrus slices when making this simple orange decoration for when it’s added to your holiday decor.
Next, glue each dried whole orange to the top of the orange slices with hot glue onto the farmhouse wreath.
Tip: Remember when using a hot glue gun and hot glue to make sure children and pets stay away to avoid burns.
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Using A Glue Pot
Step 3: The Glue Pot: Attaching Dried Oranges To A Nature Inspired Wreath
Typically, I would utilize my hot glue gun to attach the dried oranges for this DIY Christmas wreath. However, I recently decided to experiment with a new product offered by Surebonder, and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed. This product has exceeded my expectations and I bought a larger size last year. It provides a secure and reliable hold, allowing me to effortlessly incorporate the dried oranges into this orange slice wreath.
Start Adding Pieces To The Wreath
Step 4: Adding The Natural Elements To The Dry Oranges
The paint of the walnuts and cinnamon sticks is a beautiful addition to the citrus slices and adds another natural element and texture to the entire wreath.
Next, hot glue the walnuts nestling them beside the dried oranges.
Here, carefully hot glue the cinnamon sticks next to the dried orange slices and add another beautiful aroma to this wreath as well as more texture to the Christmas decoration.
Editor’s Tip: Use caution when applying hot glue. Keep children and pets away from the wires and hot glue gun to avoid injury and burns.
The fragrance of the cinnamon sticks fills the wreath with a warm and inviting fragrance that complements its charming appeal. Furthermore, the contrast of the dried orange slices and the rough, textured surface of the cinnamon sticks adds depth and interest to the wreath, making it a centerpiece for the holiday season.
Adding Star Anise
Step 5: Elevate The Entire Wreath with Rustic Charm – The Star Anise Magic
Adding star anise adds a beautiful woodsy smell with its intricate design to the dried orange slices on the orange wreath for holiday decor.
Acorns Are Dry Brushed
Step 6: Finishing The Seasonal Wreath: Glue The Acorns
The next step, enhancing the acorns with the same paint used on the walnuts is a great way to add an elegant touch to these natural elements. To achieve this, we’ll use a dry brush technique, and I’ve provided a detailed tutorial on how to achieve this simple process.
Not only is this technique quick, but it’s also incredibly easy to apply. The key is to use a small amount of paint on your brush. Dip only the tip of the brush into the paint and then wipe off any excess on a paper towel before applying it to the acorns.
Lightly brush over the surface of the acorns. This technique allows the natural look of the acorns to shine through while adding a touch of color. It’s a great way to maintain the organic look of the acorns and incorporate them alongside the citrus slices on the wreath.
Collecting Acorns
Collect Acorns From The Yard
The acorns used for this easy project are gathered from the yard. When working with real acorns collected from nature, it is important to clean and bake them before including them in crafts.
In the mentioned blog post, I provide a detailed guide on the process of saving, cleaning, and preserving real acorns, guaranteeing their longevity for years to come. In fact, my own collection of acorns is over 20 years old and still retains its original beauty. Additionally, I share creative ways to decorate our home with these tiny natural treasures alongside dehydrated fruit.
Now, let’s get back to this orange slice wreath. It’s time to grab your hot glue gun and attach the acorns and star anise to the top of the dried orange slices. This step adds a captivating touch to the wreath, bringing together different natural elements and creating a natural farmhouse wreath.
Add Ribbon And Hang
Step 7: Hang The Finished Wreath
When adding this to natural Christmas decor, don’t forget to add a ribbon of your choice to the top of the wreath. Think outside the box, instead of using a traditional red ribbon, or a piece of gray buffalo check ribbon, consider using lace as an option that contrasts with the rustic nature of the dried orange wreath. The delicate and intricate patterns of lace create a charming look when paired with the natural elements of this wreath. Simply attach the ribbon to the top of the wreath, allowing it to hang from the top of the door frame. Now, find the perfect spot in your home to display this dried orange wreath and let its natural beauty shine throughout the holiday season into the winter months.
Packing The Wreath
Step 8: Preserving Perfection: Storing Your Rustic Natural Orange Wreath With Ease
The good news is that this dried orange wreath will last for two seasons allowing it to be used next Christmas, making this an eco-friendly way and a reason to craft dry orange Christmas decorations. To secure its longevity, store the wreath in a cool and dry place in your home. You can lay it on a flat surface or hang it from a shelf in a basement, attic, or closet whichever works best for your storage space. By taking proper care of this farmhouse wreath during the off-season, you can look forward to bringing it out again next Christmas and continue to enjoy its timeless beauty.
Reasons To Make This Easy Project!
- Create Your Own Natural Wonderland: Embrace the magic of the holiday season by crafting your own dried orange wreath with natural elements. Follow our easy steps to add a touch of rustic charm to your home decor. Share your creations with us and inspire others to add the beauty of nature to their homes.
- Explore Endless Possibilities: Dive into the world of DIY holiday decor and dried oranges. Discover how versatile they can be by making garlands, ornaments, and more. Experiment with different combinations of natural elements like cinnamon sticks, walnuts, and star anise. Unleash your creativity and make this holiday season special.
- Spread the Joy: Consider making dried orange wreaths or ornaments as handmade gifts for family members. Let this holiday season be a celebration of creativity and togetherness, and make an inexpensive Christmas craft.
I hope this inspires you to try a dried orange wreath, a DIY dried orange garland, or orange ornaments in your home for the holiday season and throughout the winter. We would love to know if you will try drying oranges, gilding nuts, or making your own orange slice garland for the cooler seasons. Feel free to send us an email with any questions or leave your questions in the comments section.
Please let me know your thoughts about your Christmas decorating plans.
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DRIED ORANGE WREATH WITH NATURAL DECORATIONS
Equipment
- 1 A hot glue gun and glue sticks
- 1 Hot glue pot optional
- 1 Baking Sheet drying oranges
- 1 paper towel
- 1 paint brush optional
- 1 grapevine wreath blank or a wire wreath frame
- 1 sharp knife optional
- 1 roll floral wire
Materials
- 1 whole dried orange
- 12 pieces dry orange slices
- 10 pieces walnuts
- 12 pieces acorns
- 1 bottle champagne craft paint or gold paint
- 24 pieces cinnamon sticks
- 1 jar Star anise
Instructions
- Step 1: Painting The Walnuts Adds Sparkle For The Season'Start gilding walnuts using champagne craft paint.
- Step 2: Hot Glue The Thin Slices To The BaseThe first step, using a hot glue gun, hot glue the dried oranges on top of the wreath. Add the dried orange slices in smaller sections using hot glue.Another great way to attach the dried citrus is to use a clear fishing line or a piece of florists wire to hold the citrus slices. Make sure to pull the clear fishing line tight to keep each orange slice tight and flat.Overlap different sizes of the dried citrus slices when making this simple orange decoration for when it's added to your holiday decor.Next, glue each dried whole orange to the top of the orange slices with hot glue onto the farmhouse wreath
- Step 3: The Glue Pot: Attaching Dried Oranges To A Nature Inspired WreathTypically, I would utilize my hot glue gun to attach the dried oranges for this DIY Christmas wreath. I used a glue pot I refer to above in this post.
- Step 4: Adding The Natural Elements To The Citrus SlicesThe paint of the walnuts and cinnamon sticks is a beautiful addition to the citrus slices and adds another natural element and texture to the entire wreath.Next, hot glue the walnuts nestling them beside the dried oranges.Here, carefully hot glue the cinnamon sticks next to the dried orange slices and add another beautiful aroma to this wreath as well as more texture to the Christmas decoration.
- Step 5: Elevate The Entire Wreath with Rustic Charm – The Star AniseAdding star anise adds a beautiful woodsy smell with its intricate design to the dried orange slices on the orange wreath for holiday decor.
- Step 6: Finishing The Seasonal Wreath: Glue The Acorns The next step, enhancing the acorns with the same paint used on the walnuts is a great way to add an elegant touch to these natural elements.To achieve this, use a dry brush technique, and I’ve provided a detailed tutorial on how to achieve this simple process.Not only is this technique quick, but it’s also incredibly easy to apply. The key is to use a small amount of paint on your brush. Dip only the tip of the brush into the paint and then wipe off any excess on a paper towel before applying it to the acorns.Lightly brush over the surface of the acorns.
- Step 7: Hang The Finished WreathWhen adding this to natural Christmas decor, don’t forget to add a ribbon of your choice to the top of the wreath. Think outside the box, instead of using a traditional red ribbon, or a piece of gray buffalo check ribbon, consider using lace as an option that contrasts with the rustic nature of the dried orange wreath. The delicate and intricate patterns of lace create a charming look when paired with the natural elements of this wreath. Simply attach the ribbon to the top of the wreath, allowing it to hang from the top of the door frame.Now, find the perfect spot in your home to display this dried orange wreath and let its natural beauty shine throughout the holiday season into the winter months.
Notes
Dried Orange Wreath With Natural Decorations
Supplies List
- 18″ wreath blank of your choice
- dried oranges navel oranges
- walnuts in the shell
- paint
- hot glue gun and hot glue sticks
- cinnamon sticks
- acorns
- star Anise
- paint brush
- glue pot (optional)
Gather Materials
Step 1: Painting The Walnuts
‘ Start gilding walnuts using champagne craft paint.
Step 2: Hot Glue The Citrus Slices
Use a hot glue gun and hot glue the dried oranges on top of the wreath. Add the dried orange slices in smaller sections using hot glue. Another great way to attach the dried citrus is to use a clear fishing line or a piece of floral wire to hold the citrus slices. Pull the clear fishing line tight to keep each orange slice tight and flat. Overlap different sizes of the dried citrus slices when making this simple orange decoration for when it’s added to your holiday decor. Next, glue each dried whole orange to the top of the orange slices with hot glue onto the farmhouse wreath.
Step 3: The Glue Pot: Attach Dried Oranges
Typically, I would utilize my hot glue gun to attach the dried oranges for this DIY Christmas wreath. I used a glue pot I refer to above in this post.Step 4: Adding The Natural Elements To The Citrus Slices
The paint of the walnuts and cinnamon sticks is a beautiful addition to the citrus slices and adds another natural element and texture to the entire wreath. Next, hot glue the walnuts beside the dried oranges. Here, carefully hot glue the cinnamon sticks next to the dried orange slices and add another beautiful aroma to this wreath for more texture to the Christmas decoration.
Step 5: Hot Glue – The Star Anise
Adding star anise adds a beautiful woodsy smell with its intricate design to the dried orange slices on the orange wreath for holiday decor..
Step 6: Finishing The Wreath: Hot Glue The Acorns
The next step, enhancing the acorns with the same paint used on the walnuts is a great way to add an elegant touch to these natural elements. To achieve this, use a dry brush technique, and I’ve provided a detailed tutorial on how to achieve this simple process. Not only is this technique quick, but it’s also easy to apply. The key is to use a small amount of paint on your brush. Dip only the tip of the brush into the paint and then wipe off any excess on a paper towel before applying it to the acorns. Lightly brush over the surface of the acorns.
Step 7: Hang The Finished Wreath
When adding this wreath add a ribbon of your choice to the top. Think outside the box, instead of using a traditional red, or a piece of gray buffalo check ribbon, consider using lace as an option that contrasts with the rustic nature of the dried orange wreath. The delicate lace creates a charming look when paired with the natural elements of this wreath. Attach the ribbon to the top of the wreath, allowing it to hang from the top of the door frame. Now, find the perfect spot in your home to display this dried orange wreath and let its natural beauty shine throughout the holiday season into the winter months. Don’t forget to check all my tips that are in the post for this easy project. Happy crafting!
Cindy, this is so beautiful! I think decor made of natural elements are the most beautiful.
This is so pretty! I love the neutral colors, and the organic feel of this wreath!
Thanks, I love it too
Your wreath is so pretty and I love all the natural elements. The acorns and Star Anise do make a nice added texture to your wreath. Looks good on your front door too. xoxo Kris
Thanks Kris, it’s fun to make
Loved this tutorial! Your wreath turned out just beautiful!!!
Thank you so much!
This is so pretty! I’ve pinned it for later – I really would love to make this for Christmas this year!
It’s easy to make. The longest part is drying the citrus
Your wreath is beautiful! I love all of the natural elements. Pinned for later!
So happy you Pinned it. I hope you make one or something similar. It’s fun
so many possibilities for using the dried fruit. I love your wreath Cindy.
Thanks Terrie
This wreath is so gorgeous, Cindy! I love how you mixed the different types of dried orange and painted the walnuts. Pinned!
Thanks for Pinning!
It’s absolutely beautiful!! I love the addition of the whole clementine. I don’t think I’ve seen that before. It really makes the wreath look extra special!
Thanks Kim. I never dried whole Clementines before Figured what did I have to lose
Beautiful wreath! I’m looking forward to making this in the fall.
Great Tammie. Hope you make it and it will last through Christmas
Thank you for this post, I have always wanted to make one, and now I have the instructions to do so! Looks great and I bet it smells pretty good too!
Great I’m so happy you like it.
This turned out so cute, you got me thinking of Fall. Love it!
Ah that’s my favorite seasons cold weather girl here
Really love the way it turned out. Usually they are so flat looking, but yours has so much dimension to it. Great job!
Thank you, I love it
Gorgeous wreath! Where did you find your anise stars?
Hugs,
Kippi
I guess I should have mentioned it. Anise stars can be found in the food store
This wreath is seriously so stunning! I always appreciate all the layers of texture you add to your wreaths and vignettes. They’re really pretty! Can’t wait to try your wreath making technique. I swear you make it look so easy! Hugs, CoCo
Thanks so much CoCo
Your wreath is gorgeous!
Beautiful!
This is wonderful. And thanks for the tip about storing it in a paper bag. Wouldn’t have thought of that.
This is just wonderful!
I just adore your wreath!!! The devil is definitely in the details here as you have created so much texture!
I love it and just may need to make one myself:)
Thank you so much Maria. I highly recommend making one!
I love wreaths with natural elements. Gives a comforting feel.
Thank you so much!
The wreath is beautiful! Thanks for sharing how to make it! I love your front door, by the way!
Thanks for the feature
Thanks for the feature!
thanks for the feature!
Thanks for the feature!
ooh, I love this. I definitely want o make one.
This was a fun project
Looks like you are all ready for fall!
Thanks for adding post to the FWF party fun.
RR
Not quite yet
Darn, I just passed up a bunch of acorns on my walk this morning. I had so wanted them, but I had a pup who was being mischievous and I could not get acorns and hold him on his leash at the same time. Thanks for the inspiration. I will have to go back less one pup to pick them up!
If you can grab them they last for years. Mine are 10 years old
This is a great wreath. I love that it is all natural components.
Thank you so much!
Cindy, I love this wreath! You can never go wrong with natural elements. Painting some of the elements is a great idea! Pinned!
Love this dried citrus wreath! Pinned!
Thanks so much Jayne!
Thank you Jayne
Oh Cindy! What a gorgeous way to bring natural elements to a seasonal wreath. Thanks for the tutorial so I can make my own. This would make a lovely gift, as well.
I love natural elements for these seasons