Dried Oranges for Christmas: 8 Natural Decorating Ideas

Dried orange slices are the natural Christmas decoration: a translucent slice hung on the tree, tucked into a wreath or laid on the table catches the candlelight, scents the room and keeps from one year to the next. No plastic, no glitter, and they suit a bohemian home as well as a classic white-linen table.

Here are eight simple ideas for using them, how many slices to plan for, and a few tips to keep them looking good until January.

Why has dried orange become a Christmas classic?

Dried orange brings together three things we look for at Christmas: the warmth of an amber colour, a gentle scent and a natural gesture. Citrus has decorated homes at Christmas for a long time, well before plastic baubles. If the dried orange slice is coming back today, it is for a simple reason: it is beautiful, it keeps, and it ends up in the compost rather than the bin.

Our slices are dried slowly, at low temperature, in our workshop in the Drôme provençale. This long drying keeps their round shape, their translucency and their colour, with no additives or preservatives.

8 Christmas decorating ideas with dried oranges

1. On the tree

Thread a linen ribbon, cotton thread or jute twine through the slice, just under the peel, and hang it from the branches. Placed in front of the fairy lights, the slices glow like stained glass. Alternate with cinnamon sticks or pine cones for a fully natural tree.

2. As a garland

Thread the slices onto a strong string a few centimetres apart, with wooden beads or eucalyptus leaves if you like. An orange garland dresses a mantelpiece, a window or a shelf, and packs flat in a box for next year.

3. In the Advent wreath

Attach the slices to a wreath of branches, fir or dried rosemary with a little fine wire or hot glue. Mix orange, lemon and grapefruit for tones from yellow to pink: our dried citrus mix is made for this.

4. As a centrepiece

Lay the slices as a table runner on a linen cloth, between fir branches, pine cones and candle holders. They add colour without upstaging the tableware. Always keep a good distance between the slices and the candle flames.

5. As Christmas Eve place cards

A citrus slice on each plate, with the guest's name, turns the seating plan into a small gift. Our dried citrus place cards are printed from your list of names; remember to order early to receive them before the holidays.

6. On gift wrapping

An orange slice tied with a ribbon and a sprig of rosemary replaces a plastic tag or bow. Kraft paper instantly looks more festive, and the slice can go on the tree afterwards.

7. In mulled wine and festive drinks

Our slices are edible: set one on a glass of mulled wine, a winter spritz or a hot chocolate. They rehydrate gently and release their scent. For an aperitif or a cheese board, the Table d'Exception brings together gourmet dried fruit to share or to give.

8. In a scented jar or pot-pourri

In a large glass jar, layer orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves and star anise. Set in the hallway, it scents the house discreetly all season and makes a lovely hostess gift.

How many slices do you need?

These are guide quantities for medium-sized slices:

• Tree of 1.50 to 1.80 m: 30 to 50 slices.
• 2-metre garland: 20 to 30 slices.
• 30 cm wreath: 15 to 25 slices.
• Table runner for 8 people: 25 to 40 slices.
• Gift wrapping: one slice per parcel.

The 100-slice pack of dried orange slices therefore covers the tree, a garland and a few gifts. For freer projects, workshops or a shop window, the second-choice citrus mix offers large quantities at a small price: the slices have more visible natural imperfections, but the same slow drying. For a touch of brightness, our dried lemon slices also come in a small pack of 25.

Dry your own oranges or buy them?

You can dry oranges in the oven at a very low temperature for several hours, turning them regularly. It is a nice moment to share, but the result is often uneven: slices that brown, stick, or keep moisture and end up going mouldy in the decoration.

Buying slices that are already dried saves time and makes sure they last. Ours are sliced, dried slowly and checked one by one in the workshop, then packed to travel without breaking.

Frequently asked questions

How long do decorative dried oranges keep?

Fully dry and stored away from moisture and direct light, our slices keep their shape and colour for about 12 months. After Christmas, store them flat in a cardboard box with a sheet of tissue paper to use again next year.

Can dried oranges go near candles?

Dried slices are flammable, like paper or fir branches. Always keep them away from flames, prefer glass candle holders or LED candles, and never leave a lit candle unattended.

Can you eat decorative dried oranges?

Our slices are dried fruit with no additives, so they are edible as long as they have not been varnished, glued or left out in the dust for a long time. Slices that have decorated the tree all month stay decorative; keep some aside for your drinks.

How do you hang a dried orange slice on the tree?

Push a darning needle or a toothpick through just under the peel, then slip a ribbon or string through and tie it. On a thin slice, a dot of hot glue on the back holds the ribbon without piercing the fruit.

When should you order to receive it before Christmas?

Plain slices ship quickly; personalised products, such as name place cards, take longer. We recommend ordering by early December at the latest. Shipping is free from €45 in France and €65 in Europe.

The essentials

One dried orange slice is enough to make a Christmas decoration warmer and more natural: on the tree, in a garland, in the wreath, on the table or on gifts. Discover our dried orange slices, the citrus mix and our whole Christmas selection. For more ideas, read our guide to citrus slices in decoration.