How to Make a Dried Fruit Garland | Nature Inspired Tree

The holiday season is all about warmth, coziness, and that special touch of homemade charm. What better way to bring that into your home than with a DIY dried fruit garland? This easy project is perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of natural beauty to their decor, and it’s something that can last you throughout the entire season. Plus, it’s an excellent way to create something unique and personal without spending a fortune.

In this post, I’ll guide you through the process of drying fruit in the oven and turning those dried slices into a stunning garland and ornaments for your mantel or holiday tree. This project not only adds a lovely, rustic touch to your home but also fills the air with a delightful, natural fragrance.

How to Dry Fruit in the Oven

Before we dive into making the garland, the first step is to dry your fruit. Oven-drying is a simple and effective way to preserve fruit slices for decoration. Here’s how you can do it:

What You’ll Need:

• Fresh fruit (oranges, lemons, apples, and limes work beautifully)
• A sharp knife
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Oven

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to its lowest setting, typically between 140°F and 170°F (60°C to 75°C). If your oven doesn’t go that low, prop the door open slightly to keep the temperature down and allow moisture to escape.
2. Prepare the Fruit: Wash your fruit thoroughly and pat them dry. Using a sharp knife, slice the fruit evenly into thin rounds, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Thinner slices will dry faster and more evenly, so try to keep them consistent.
3. Arrange the Slices: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Lay the fruit slices on the parchment paper in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap.
4. Drying Process: Place the baking sheets in the oven. Depending on the type of fruit and your oven’s temperature, drying can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. To ensure even drying, flip the slices every hour or so. The fruit is ready when it’s completely dry and leathery but still slightly pliable.
5. Cool and Store: Once dried, remove the fruit from the oven and let it cool completely. Store the slices in an airtight container if you’re not using them right away. Properly dried and stored, these slices can last for several months.

Creating a Dried Fruit Garland

Now that you’ve got your beautifully dried fruit slices, it’s time to turn them into a festive garland that will bring a touch of nature into your holiday decor. This project is wonderfully simple and adds a cozy, handmade feel to your home.

What You’ll Need:

• Dried fruit slices (oranges, lemons, limes, apples)
• Ribbon or twine (I love using a bright green velvet ribbon)
• Safety pin
• Scissors
• A needle (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ribbon: Start by cutting your ribbon or twine to the desired length. The length will depend on where you plan to hang your garland, whether it’s across a mantel, along a staircase, or framing a doorway.
2. Thread the Fruit Slices: Using a safety pin or a needle, poke a small hole near the top of each fruit slice. This will make it easier to thread the ribbon or twine through. If you’re using a thick ribbon like velvet, you may need a larger needle or just the safety pin to get the ribbon through.
3. Assemble the Garland: Once you have all your fruit slices ready, start threading them onto the ribbon or twine. You can space them out evenly or bunch them together depending on the look you’re going for. Mix and match different fruits for a vibrant, colorful garland.
4. Hang Your Garland: After you’ve threaded all your fruit slices, tie a knot at each end of the ribbon to secure the fruit in place. Hang your garland on the mantel, across a window, or anywhere that could use a festive touch. Use small tacks or adhesive hooks to hold it in place.

Dried Fruit Ornaments

If you have leftover fruit slices, don’t let them go to waste! Turn them into charming ornaments that you can hang on your Christmas tree or around your home. These ornaments are a great way to extend the natural, rustic theme of your decor.

What You’ll Need:

• Dried fruit slices
• Ribbon or twine
• Scissors
• Safety pin or needle

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ribbon: Cut short lengths of ribbon or twine, about 6 to 8 inches long, depending on how you want the ornaments to hang.
2. Thread the Fruit Slices: Just like with the garland, poke a hole near the top of each fruit slice using a safety pin or needle. Thread the ribbon or twine through the hole and tie it in a loop to create a hanging ornament.
3. Decorate: Hang your dried fruit ornaments on your tree, or use them to decorate wreaths, gifts, or even as festive additions to your table settings. The natural colors and shapes of the fruit add a unique, organic element to your holiday decor.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Fruits: Oranges, lemons, limes, and apples are the most popular choices for dried fruit garlands and ornaments because they dry well and hold their color. However, feel free to experiment with other fruits like pears or grapefruits for different shapes and sizes.
• Keep an Eye on the Oven: Since oven temperatures can vary, check on your fruit slices regularly to prevent burning. If you notice any browning, reduce the oven temperature slightly or prop the door open a bit more.
• Add Spices for Extra Scent: For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on your fruit slices before drying them. This will not only enhance the look but also fill your home with a delightful holiday aroma.
• Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to combine your dried fruit garland with other natural elements like pinecones, cinnamon sticks, or sprigs of evergreen. This can create a more textured and visually interesting display.

Final Thoughts

Creating a dried fruit garland is a fun, easy, and inexpensive way to bring the beauty of nature into your holiday decor. Not only does this DIY project allow you to craft something truly unique, but it also fills your home with a cozy, warm ambiance that’s perfect for the season. Whether you’re decorating your mantel, tree, or just adding a little festive flair around the house, this dried fruit garland is sure to impress. Plus, with the addition of matching ornaments, your whole home can carry this beautiful, cohesive look throughout the holiday season.

So why not give it a try? Gather some fresh fruit, preheat your oven, and start creating a holiday decor masterpiece that’s as charming as it is fragrant. Happy decorating!