10 Stunning DIY Dried Fruit Garlands to Brighten Your Home

Imagine walking into a home filled with the sweet, natural aroma of dried oranges and spices, with beautiful garlands adorning windows, mantels, and trees. That’s the magic of DIY dried fruit garlands! They’re rustic, eco-friendly, and oh-so-easy to make, bringing a cozy, handcrafted vibe to any space. In this guide, we’ll explore 10 creative ways to design your own dried fruit garlands, complete with step-by-step instructions to help you recreate each look. Let’s get crafting!

What You Might Need

Here’s a quick list of materials to have on hand for these projects:

• Fresh fruit (oranges, lemons, apples, etc.)
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Parchment paper and baking sheet
• Oven or dehydrator
• Twine, jute, or ribbon
• Large sewing needle or skewer
• Optional: cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, cranberries, star anise, or small ornaments for embellishment

Now, let’s dive into the 10 designs that will inspire your holiday (or everyday!) décor.

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1. Classic Orange Slice Garland

Dried orange slices are a staple for DIY fruit garlands, offering a vibrant, warm glow that pairs beautifully with twinkling lights.

How to Make It:

1. Slice oranges into thin, even rounds (about ¼-inch thick).
2. Lay the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake at 200°F for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway, until dry.
4. Thread the dried slices onto twine using a large needle, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart.
5. Tie loops at both ends for easy hanging.

Picture This:

Picture this: A warm, golden-hued garland of dried orange slices draped along your fireplace mantel, glowing softly as the evening sun filters through. The citrusy scent mingles with the cozy warmth of your home, creating an inviting, rustic charm.

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2. Festive Citrus and Cinnamon Garland

Add a touch of spice to your garland with cinnamon sticks for a festive, aromatic decoration.

How to Make It:

1. Follow the same process to dry orange and lemon slices.
2. Thread alternating orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and dried lemon slices onto a jute string.
3. Secure each cinnamon stick by threading the string through the center or tying knots on both ends.
4. Hang your garland on a wall or around a window frame.

Picture This:

Picture this: Bright orange and yellow citrus slices contrast beautifully with the deep, earthy tones of cinnamon sticks. Strung together, the garland adds a festive pop of color and a warm, spicy aroma to your holiday décor.

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3. Apple and Bay Leaf Garland

For a more understated, natural look, try combining dried apple slices with bay leaves for a garland that’s perfect year-round.

How to Make It:

1. Core apples and slice them into thin rings.
2. Dry the slices in the oven or dehydrator until firm.
3. Thread a needle with twine and alternate apple slices with bay leaves.
4. Finish by tying a bow on each end for a polished touch.

Picture This:

Picture this: A subtle, earthy garland of pale apple slices and vibrant green bay leaves hanging above a kitchen sink. Its understated elegance brings a sense of calm and nature indoors.

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4. Cranberry and Dried Fruit Garland

Bright red cranberries add a cheerful touch to any dried fruit garland.

How to Make It:

1. String fresh cranberries onto a needle and thread.
2. Alternate cranberries with dried orange or apple slices for a colorful garland.
3. Tie the ends securely and drape the garland along your Christmas tree or staircase.

Picture This:

Picture this: A cheerful garland of deep red cranberries and warm-toned fruit slices winding around a lush evergreen tree. The vibrant colors pop against the greenery, creating a festive and joyful display.

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5. Rustic Mixed Fruit Garland

Mix and match dried fruits like oranges, apples, and pears for a rustic, textured look.

How to Make It:

1. Prepare and dry an assortment of fruits (oranges, apples, pears).
2. String them onto twine, layering different fruits to create variety.
3. Add optional accents like star anise or dried flowers for extra charm.

Picture This:

Picture this: A mix of dried fruits in golden, red, and brown hues hanging along your dining room wall. Each slice catches the light, creating a warm, inviting backdrop for family gatherings.

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6. Star Anise and Citrus Garland

Add a touch of elegance with fragrant star anise paired with dried citrus.

How to Make It:

1. Dry orange and grapefruit slices as described earlier.
2. Thread citrus slices and whole star anise pods onto a thin ribbon.
3. Hang the garland in a doorway or over a mirror for a fragrant accent.

Picture This:

Picture this: Delicate star-shaped anise pods nestled between vibrant orange and grapefruit slices, creating a garland that’s both chic and aromatic. It’s the perfect blend of style and simplicity.

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7. Minimalist Lemon Garland

Lemons offer a refreshing, sunny aesthetic for a minimalist look.

How to Make It:

1. Slice and dry lemons into thin rounds.
2. Thread the slices onto white twine or ribbon.
3. Space the slices evenly and tie knots to keep them in place.
4. Hang your garland in a bright, airy space.

Picture This:

Picture this: A simple, bright lemon garland strung along a kitchen window, bringing a cheerful, sunny vibe to your cooking space. The soft yellow tones create an uplifting, natural décor piece.

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8. Orange and Pinecone Garland

Combine dried oranges with rustic pinecones for a cozy winter feel.

How to Make It:

1. Dry orange slices as usual.
2. Gather small pinecones and attach them to twine using hot glue or wire.
3. Alternate between orange slices and pinecones for a balanced look.
4. Hang the garland above a fireplace or on a staircase.

Picture This:

Picture this: Rustic pinecones and warm-toned orange slices create a garland that’s perfect for winter nights by the fire. The natural textures and colors evoke a woodland retreat.

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9. Tropical Fruit Garland

Go bold with dried tropical fruits like pineapples and mangoes for a summery twist.

How to Make It:

1. Slice pineapples and mangoes into thin rounds.
2. Dry them in the oven until firm.
3. Thread the slices onto colorful twine, spacing them evenly.
4. Hang the garland outdoors for a tropical-themed party.

Picture This:

Picture this: Vibrant yellow pineapple slices and soft orange mango slices strung together on colorful twine, adding a tropical vibe to your backyard party. It’s like a slice of paradise in your own home.

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10. Holiday Spice Garland

Create a truly festive decoration by combining dried fruit with holiday spices like cloves and cinnamon.

How to Make It:

1. Dry oranges and apples as described earlier.
2. Press whole cloves into the dried orange slices for extra fragrance.
3. Alternate fruit slices with cinnamon sticks on a ribbon or jute string.
4. Drape the garland along a mantel or banister.

Picture This:

Picture this: The spicy scent of cinnamon and cloves fills the air as a garland of dried fruit and spices hangs above the fireplace. Its rich colors and warm aroma make it the star of your holiday décor.

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Wrap It Up

Crafting DIY dried fruit garlands is more than just a project—it’s a way to infuse your home with warmth, creativity, and personality. Whether you’re decorating for the holidays or just adding a touch of nature to your space, these garlands are the perfect blend of beauty and functionality. So grab some fruit, preheat the oven, and let your imagination run wild. Your home is about to smell—and look—amazing!