Orange and Cranberry Garland

For something different this year, I decided that I wanted to try drying oranges and making my own orange and cranberry garland to hang up in the house.  It was so easy to do (and fun when Sam joined in!), that I am sure that I will do this every year now.  (Note: the garland won't last until next year; I'll put it out for the birds after the holiday season is over).

I began by thinly slicing oranges and dehydrating them in the oven -- it took a little over 4 hours at 200*.  Once they were as dry as I wanted, I laid them out on paper towel over night.  The next day, I used clear fishing line and a large needle and strung the slices with fresh cranberries to make both garland and a few ornaments.

Samantha chose to work on her own small strand and I was impressed with how well she did!

She chose her own pattern and then I helped her tie off the ends.

It's now hanging on the hutch in the dining room and adds such a pretty color to the area.

My longer strand of garland, just waiting to be hung up on the mantle:

I already had some faux cranberries mixed in with the greenery, but I love how beautiful the oranges look up there, especially when the light shines through them at night or in the early morning.

We had a few orange slices left over, so I decided to make some ornaments, as well.

They are gorgeous on my red and gold Christmas tree!

Yes, I am definitely going to add this to our list of holiday traditions!