How to Make Old-Fashioned Christmas Decorations with Oranges
Some of my favorite Christmas decorations are the simplest ones, made with things gathered from nature or found right in the kitchen. Fresh pine branches, strings of cranberries, sprigs of holly, and fragrant oranges bring a little old-fashioned charm to the holidays. I especially love decorating with oranges, whether it’s making traditional pomanders or drying slices to hang on the tree. There’s something so warm and welcoming about these homemade decorations, and their simple beauty never goes out of style.
There are so many lovely ways to use oranges in your holiday decorating. Dried orange slices look lovely strung into garlands with cranberries or tied with cinnamon sticks and sprigs of rosemary to make simple ornaments. Whole oranges studded with cloves make traditional pomanders that fill the house with a wonderful holiday fragrance. You can even arrange dried orange slices or pomanders in a bowl with pinecones and cinnamon sticks for a natural, homemade potpourri. These little touches are easy to make, inexpensive, and bring so much warmth and charm to a home at Christmastime.
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:
- Preheat oven to 200°F.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Arrange orange slices in a single layer.
- Bake for 2–4 hours, flipping slices every 30–45 minutes.
- 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:
- Arrange orange slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays.
- Set dehydrator to 135°F (fruit setting).
- Dry for 8–12 hours, rotating trays if needed.
- 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.
Supplies:
- Fresh oranges (navel oranges work well)
- Whole cloves
- A toothpick or skewer
- Ribbon or twine (optional)
Instructions:
- Wash and thoroughly dry the oranges.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to gently poke small holes in the peel.
- Press whole cloves into the holes, spacing them evenly. You can cover the entire orange or create simple patterns.
- If desired, tie ribbon or twine around the orange for hanging.
Drying & Curing:
- Place finished pomanders in a warm, dry location with good air circulation.
- Turn them occasionally over the first week.
- They will gradually dry and darken over several weeks.
Tips:
- Pomanders will smell wonderful right away, but the scent deepens as they cure.
- If any moisture develops, move them to a drier location. If you see any mold, you should dispose of the orange.
- Once fully cured, they can last for months and sometimes even be saved from year to year.
Pomanders are lovely displayed in bowls, hung on greenery, or tucked into drawers and closets for a gentle holiday scent.
Decorating Ideas with Dried Oranges & Pomanders
Once you’ve made them, there are so many beautiful ways to use these natural decorations:
- String dried orange slices into garlands
- Hang slices as tree ornaments with twine or ribbon
- Add to wreaths and swags with evergreen clippings
- Fill bowls with oranges, cinnamon sticks, and pinecones
- Use as gift toppers for a simple, old-fashioned touch
- Tuck pomanders into drawers, closets, or entryways
They pair especially well with greenery, wood, linen, and simple white lights.
A Simple, Old-Fashioned Christmas
There’s a quiet comfort in decorating this way, by using what’s natural, useful, and rooted in tradition. Oranges and cloves don’t shout for attention, and they don’t go out of style. They simply make a home feel warm, welcoming, and lived-in. Sometimes the most meaningful Christmas decor isn’t bought or boxed away but instead it’s made slowly, with care, and meant to be enjoyed right where you are.
If you try making your own old-fashioned Christmas decorations with oranges, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate the recipe. It helps others discover it too!
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