We’ve decked the halls around here, and even our butler’s pantry is sporting some warmth with this fun little citrus garland!
I’ve always wanted to make one and decided this would be the season to try my hand at this simple little project. We love the way it all came out!
The kids were asking me why, and after a little Google search, I found the reason behind a childhood tradition, too.
Oranges were a luxury during the Great Depression. People saved up their funds to purchase them at Christmas time and even gifted them as sweet treats. So, these garlands were seen as a symbol of wealth. If you’ve ever received an orange in your stocking, this is probably why it has always been a tradition and once considered a luxury.
I never knew why we’ve always had oranges in our stockings.
You can always mix your citrus with other things, as these were traditionally mixed with popcorn and other accouterments. We kept ours bare this year and decided to go for all the colors. Want to make some of your own? Here’s what you’ll need to do:
A variety of citrus sliced thinly {at about 1/4 of an inch. Place them on a cooking sheet on top of parchment paper.
Note: if you’re not familiar with wax paper, it is not the same as parchment. Parchment will help absorb the moisture while they bake.
Blot them dry to remove as much of the excess juice as possible before baking.
Next, Preheat your oven to the lowest setting possible {no higher than 200 degrees} and let them bake.
I baked them for two hours on one side, then flipped them for two hours on another. Keep an eye on them as you go because some of the smaller pieces will dry out sooner.
Tada! They’re ready to go. But I let mine cool for a night before resuming.
Grab some twine and a toothpick. You can use the toothpick to poke a hole in the top of each one and attach to the twine however you like. I individually attached mine so that I could control their sliding.
I read that when stored in a cool, dry place, these garlands can hold up for a few years. I will probably keep mine packaged in my kitchen so that they don’t get gross. But it is fun to possibly break them out again for next year. We shall see.
I adore all these fun colors- nature’s stained glass.
String them up, and you’re ready to go with a little holidaisical cheer!
As always, let us know if you try them. We would love to hear. The perfect little project to take on for all things Thanksgiving and gathering family, if you ask us.
Have an inspired day!
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