The Rural Legend- The Rural Legend
Dried Orange Garland
I'm always trying to find décor that transitions beautifully from one season to the next - specifically fall into winter. It cuts down on the expense of having 2 different seasons to style for and also saves on time because there is less to take down and redo. When I find something I can also make myself, that is a major bonus!
This week is my beautiful mama's birthday and I thought, what better way to celebrate with her than to do a little crafting together?! My mom has a real gift for decor and DIY. We don't always see eye to eye on style - she leans toward a country aesthetic, I'm more contemporary. But her talent is undeniable when it comes to creating a stunning centerpiece arrangement or a gorgeous front door wreath.
This delicate dried orange garland works well in both of our worlds and I'm so excited to include it in my holiday décor this year! And can I just tell you, the smell it absolutely incredible! You can easily make this garland in an afternoon. Having a hot cup of coffee and someone to chat with is a great way to pass the time while the oranges dry.
Materials
oranges - we used navel and mandarins
mandolin or sharp knife - I LOVE this mandolin
baking sheets - my mom and I both use this brand
parchment paper
oven
fishing line or twine - I bought this twine. I will use this all season!
large needle
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Instructions
Preheat oven to 250.
Cut your oranges 1/4 inch thick and lay out in a single layer on parchment lined baking sheets.
Pat oranges with a dry paper towel to absorb any moisture.
Bake for 2 hours or until the oranges turn slightly brown. I checked on them every half hour and rotated my baking sheets so that they dried evenly. Note, if your oranges are thinner they will brown faster, so keep an eye on them!
Let them cool on a baking rack and string with fishing line or twine. *note - I found that it helped to let them sit out overnight and string them the following day. They were less sticky.
I made 2 strands of garland for my home - one for my mantle and one to add to the greenery above my kitchen window. I love how they turned out! I love the combination of the 2 types of oranges. It gives the garland great contrast in size and color. Blood oranges would look stunning too!
For more garland inspiration, check out these posts!
What DIY projects do you have planned for the upcoming holiday season? As always, I hope you share my ideas with others and I would love if you shared yours with me! And, Happy Birthday Mom! Thank you for supporting me in everything I strive to do. I love you so much! Make sure to subscribe at the bottom of the page to receive email updates when new posts are published! And don't forget to follow along on Instagram for more easy DIY's, home styling tips, and a peek inside our every day life!
xoxo, L
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