Dried Orange Garland

If you've read my most recent post, you'll know that this year we will be leaving for the holidays, so I've decided against the hassle of getting out our tree and large decorations. But I love this season way too much to not decorate at all. I've scattered my smaller items through the house but being on a tight budget this year, i needed some fun and real cheap ways to spruce up the house for winter. One day i was skimming through photos online and came across this beautiful orange garland strung between evergreen and I was pretty much sold. Don't worry, I've already told Zach he has to help me go forage in the woods for evergreens ;) so that post will be coming next!

These are so easy to make you guys, and if you have children it is a totally do-able and simple holiday craft to enjoy with your littles.

HERES WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

Oranges (lemons work too!)

Sharp knife

small rope or fishing line

Parchment paper

An oven

The first thing youll want to do is set your oven to 200 degrees. It's just hot enough to warm and dehydrate the oranges without burning them to a crisp. Then you will want to cut your oranges about 1/4 thickness. You don't want to cut them too thick!

Once your oranges are cut, pat them dry with a paper towel just to get some extra moisture off of them. Then lay them flat on the parchment paper and let them bake in the oven for 2 hours or so. Depending on your oven, times may vary slightly. I was able to play some games with gemma AND take a shower while they sat and baked, it was great.

Once they are dry (and cooled off) take your rope and string it through. Because i used fishing line, I was able to easily pierce through the oranges but if you are using a softer rope you will need something small like a nail to poke a hole through.

Then just string your oranges through and find a spot to display them. It's that easy! If you decide to try out this simple and beautiful garland in your own home, please tag me @kimberinteriors so i can see how they all turn out!