Dried Orange Ornaments

Not only are these ornaments festive, they're inexpensive and SMELL DELICIOUS!

I've been making these on and off for a few years now. It takes a little time, but its easy and you won't regret it. So here's how to make your own.

1. slice some oranges. (I only had four, but really would have liked a few more.)

2. dab the extra juice off the orange slices with a paper towel. Don't 'squish' the juice out.


3. If you have a dehydrator, good for you. Use that. If not, line the orange slices on your oven rack. Bake at 275 degrees for 1 hour and them 225 degrees for 2 more hours. Every once in a while open the oven door and smell (this also lets the moisture out of your over, and they'll dry better). Turn the oranges a couple times to prevent lines and curling. I lined the lower oven rack with tin foil because I was afraid the oranges would make a mess in my oven, but they didn't. Maybe one or two drips. They didn't stick to the rack either.



4. your oranges might be a little but sticky, but don't worry, they dry the rest of the way on their own.

5. use a needle and thread to string an orange slice, cranberries, and cinnamon stick together. Leave a loop at the top so you can hang your ornament on the tree.

6. Enjoy!

These are so pretty when its dark and the lights shine through them like stained glass.

Other ideas for using dried oranges....

tie a few to the tops of the goodie bags/plates you give to the neighbors

tie on the top of presents with name tags

put in a bowl or vase or mix with potpourri

hang them in the window so the light shines through

add them to wreaths, garland or other decorations

here's where we link!