6. Dried Citrus Slice Garlands and Ornaments
Dried citrus slices are a stunning, traditional holiday decoration that dates back centuries. They bring a gorgeous pop of translucent, stained-glass color to your tree, especially when the warm Christmas lights shine through them. Making these ornaments is a wonderful sensory experience, filling your entire home with a bright, refreshing citrus aroma as they slow-bake in the oven. It is a slow, peaceful craft that teaches patience and appreciation for natural beauty.
To make these, select a variety of citrus fruits, such as navel oranges, blood oranges, grapefruits, limes, and lemons, to get a beautiful range of sizes and colors. Slice the fruit thinly and evenly, aiming for a thickness of about one-quarter of an inch. Pat the slices thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel to absorb as much excess moisture as possible. Place the slices in a single layer on a wire cooling rack set inside a baking sheet, which allows air to circulate around the fruit.
Bake the slices in a low oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for three to four hours, flipping them every hour, until they are completely dry and slightly brittle. Once cooled, use a darning needle or a toothpick to thread a piece of twine through the flesh of the fruit, just below the rind. You can hang them individually as minimalist ornaments, or string them together with wooden beads and bay leaves to create a gorgeous, fragrant garland for your mantel or tree. Over time, these slices will darken slightly, but they can be stored in a dry place and reused for several holiday seasons.