Crafting Dried Orange Peel Christmas Tree Decorations and Gifts

Mountain Mama 

As the holiday season approaches, the air turns crisp, the scent of pine fills our homes, and the warmth of family traditions becomes even more meaningful. One of my favorite holiday crafts is creating beautiful, natural decorations using dried orange peels—an easy, eco-friendly, and aromatic way to add charm to your Christmas tree or to share as thoughtful gifts. These handmade treasures not only fill your home with a festive fragrance but also provide a personal touch to your holiday decor.

Dried orange peels are a simple yet stunning material for Christmas decorations. Their rich, bright color pairs beautifully with greenery, gold, red, and white, making them versatile enough for any holiday theme. The best part? They carry a warm, citrusy fragrance that adds to the cozy ambiance of Christmas. Plus, they are completely natural and biodegradable, so they’re an environmentally conscious choice for anyone looking to reduce their holiday waste.

Drying orange peels is incredibly easy, and the process itself adds to the charm of the craft. Here’s a quick guide on how to dry your own orange peels:

Choose the Right Oranges: For best results, choose organic oranges that are free from pesticides. You can use any variety of oranges, but I recommend navel oranges for their thick skin, which dries beautifully.

Peel the Oranges: Using a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler, remove the peel in long strips, avoiding as much of the bitter white pith as possible. You can keep the peels in strips or cut them into smaller pieces depending on the size and shape of the decoration you want to create.

Dry the Peels: There are several methods to dry orange peels: Air Drying: Simply lay the peel strips out on a paper towel or baking sheet in a cool, dry area. This process can take 3 to 5 days depending on the humidity. Oven Drying: Preheat your oven to 200°F (90°C) and place the peel strips on a baking sheet. Leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. Turn the peels every 30 minutes. This method typically takes 1 to 2 hours. Dehydrator: If you have a food dehydrator, this is another great option. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but usually, it will take about 4 to 6 hours at the lowest setting. Store the Dried Peels: Once completely dried, the peels should be crisp to the touch. Store them in an airtight container until you are ready to use them.

Now that you have your dried orange peels, it’s time to get creative. Here are some simple and beautiful ways to incorporate them into your holiday decor:

1. Orange Peel Ornaments: Cut the dried orange peel into festive shapes like stars, hearts, or even miniature tree shapes. Use a small hole punch to create a hole at the top, then thread a string or ribbon through it for hanging. These can be hung on your Christmas tree or placed as part of a wreath.
2. Orange Peel Garland: String dried orange peel slices together to create a charming garland. Alternate with cinnamon sticks, cranberries, or dried apple slices for a beautiful, rustic look. Drape the garland across your Christmas tree, mantle, or stairway railings.
3. Scented Sachets: Combine dried orange peel with other fragrant elements like cinnamon sticks, cloves, or dried lavender to create homemade sachets. Place these in decorative fabric bags and use them to add a natural scent to your holiday spaces or give them as gifts.
4. Cinnamon-Orange Acorns: Glue small pieces of dried orange peel together with all those acorns that fell this fall.  Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a few sprigs of greenery. These make lovely additions to your Christmas tree or as festive centerpieces.

In addition to decorations, dried orange peels make wonderful homemade gifts. Here are some ideas to turn your dried orange peel creations into meaningful presents:

Citrus Potpourri: Combine dried orange peels with other dried fruits, pinecones, and herbs to make a fragrant potpourri. You can present it in a small decorative bowl or in a lovely jar tied with a ribbon. DIY Bath Sachets: Orange peels can be added to a bath soak mix. Combine dried orange peel with Epsom salts and essential oils like lavender or peppermint. Package the mixture in a jar or cloth bag for a relaxing and aromatic gift. Scented Candles: Add dried orange peel to homemade candles for a beautiful, natural look and a subtle citrus fragrance. You can make candles in jars, tea cups, or even small wooden containers for a rustic feel.

Dried orange peel decorations are not only a beautiful way to enhance your Christmas tree but also a thoughtful gift that can bring a little extra holiday cheer. Whether you choose to create ornaments, garlands, or scented sachets, each handmade piece will add a unique touch to your celebrations. Best of all, you’ll be enjoying the rich, warm scent of citrus throughout the holiday season. So, gather your oranges, get crafting, and make this holiday season even more special with the natural beauty of dried orange peels.