Orange Ap-peel

If you’ve ever received an orange at the bottom of your stocking, there's a good reason. Oranges symbolise the spirit of generosity of St. Nicholas, and represents a gift of gold. Citrus fruits also signify joy, happiness and hope. What better reason to bring oranges into your holiday decor?!

Getting crafty around the holidays builds memories and brings creativity to your days. Working with your hands is a therapeutic way to unwind, so set aside a little time for yourself, some girlfriends or your kids, and get creative!

You can bring these ideas to life with any citrus fruits; lemons, oranges (both blood and navel), grapefruit and even limes. They’re a wonderful addition to holiday gifting and decor, table settings and even baking.

HOW TO DRY ORANGES (OR OTHER CITRUS FRUITS)

Low and slow are the key words when drying fruit. Too fast, and you’ll lose the visual appeal, too hot and you’ll burn the fruit.

Start the process early in the day to allow yourself enough time. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees fahrenheit. Cut oranges thin, roughly ⅛” thick and place on a paper towel. Once you’ve cut the desired number, place another piece of paper towel over top and gently press down to absorb the moisture out of the oranges. Do this until most of the juice has been removed. (This process may require a few pieces of paper towel)

Arrange the orange slices on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet, and place them in the oven. Bake for 4-6 hours until the edges and centres are slightly brown and the oranges are dry. Flip the oranges occasionally for an even bake.

Once done, allow to cool completely before using.

NOTE:

The oranges may still feel a little soft when removed from the oven however once cool, they should be crisp and dry.

ADORNMENTS

I love adorning my gifts with ribbons and tags. Taking it a step further with dried oranges adds an unexpected hint of colour and texture to an already special gift. Drying the oranges will naturally result in a hole at the centre, the perfect spot to feed the ribbon through to adorn your gift.

GARLAND

Creating festive garland with orange slices is as easy as 1-2-3.

Cut a length of twine or ribbon to your desired length (depending on where you plan to hang it).
Feed orange slices through the centre hole.
Space according to desired look, and hang!

POTPOURRI

Potpourri

Pot·pour·ri

/ˌpōpəˈrē/

Noun

a mixture of dried petals and spices placed in a bowl or small sack to perfume clothing or a room.

INGREDIENTS

Dried oranges (navel and/or blood)
Dried apples
Cinnamon sticks
Whole star anise
Whole nutmeg
Whole cloves
Essential oil of your choice

*Mix together 8 drops of the essential oil mixture for every one cup of dried plant material and toss to coat. Use a plastic zip-loc bag to blend the scent evenly.

TIPS

Place in a bowl, and style on a coffee table, bookshelf or powder room vanity.
Stir often to allow the scent to continue to release.

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