How to Make Homemade Christmas Decorations with Oranges

Old-Fashioned Christmas Decor with Oranges & Cloves

Dried Orange Slices and Traditional Pomanders

There’s something about the scent of oranges and cloves that instantly makes a house feel like Christmas.

Before twinkling lights and plastic ornaments, Christmas was marked by simple things. The smell of citrus in the winter air, greenery brought in from outdoors, and handmade decorations that filled a home with warmth rather than clutter. Dried orange slices and traditional pomanders are part of that older way of celebrating, and they’re just as beautiful and meaningful today.

This is the kind of Christmas decor that doesn’t rush you, doesn’t cost much, and doesn’t need to be perfect. It’s slow, simple, and rooted in tradition, and that’s exactly why I love it.

A Brief History of Oranges at Christmastime

For much of history, oranges were a true luxury in winter. In colder climates, they were often saved for Christmastime and given as special gifts or tucked into stockings. Their bright color and sweet fragrance were symbols of abundance, health, and hope during the darkest time of the year.

By the Victorian era, oranges had become closely associated with Christmas traditions. Though still considered a luxury, they were more widely available and often tucked into stockings, displayed on holiday tables, or made into fragrant pomanders with cloves — a practice that fit perfectly with the Victorian love of natural decorations and a home filled with seasonal scent.

Pomanders (oranges studded with whole cloves) date back to medieval Europe. Originally, they were carried or displayed to perfume the air and ward off illness. Over time, they became a beloved Christmas tradition, valued as much for their beauty and scent as for their symbolism.

When you decorate with oranges and cloves, you’re continuing a tradition that goes back centuries — one rooted in simplicity, usefulness, and seasonal living.

How to Dry Orange Slices for Christmas Decor

Dried orange slices are one of my favorite natural Christmas decorations. They’re simple to make, endlessly versatile, and add instant warmth wherever they’re used.

Preparing the Oranges

• Wash and dry the oranges.
• Slice into even rounds, about ¼ inch thick.
• Blot gently with a towel to remove excess moisture.

Option 1: Drying Orange Slices in the Oven

This method works well if you don’t own a dehydrator.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 200°F.
2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Arrange orange slices in a single layer.
4. Bake for 2–4 hours, flipping slices every 30–45 minutes.
5. Continue drying until slices are fully dry and no longer tacky in the center.

Option 2: Drying Orange Slices in a Dehydrator

Using a dehydrator is the easiest, most hands-off method and produces very consistent results.

Instructions:

1. Arrange orange slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays.
2. Set dehydrator to 135°F (fruit setting).
3. Dry for 8–12 hours, rotating trays if needed.
4. Slices are done when completely dry and firm.

Tips for Best Results:

• Thicker slices take longer but look fuller and more rustic.
• Any softness in the center means more drying time is needed.
• Fully dried slices may feel leathery or slightly crisp.

Storage Tip (Important!)

Allow dried orange slices to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Properly dried slices can be made weeks ahead of time, and often last long enough to use again next Christmas.

How to Make Traditional Orange Pomanders

Pomanders are wonderfully simple to make and require very little fuss.