DIY Kathi's Winter Garland

by Amy Bley December 11, 2024

Winter in New England can be dreary and grey. But it doesn’t have to be! Follow this DIY recipe to make your own gorgeous winter garland, perfect for brightening up any space. One of the best things about this garland is that it can be made completely compostable and biodegradable! 

What you’ll need:

• Assorted citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits - whatever you have on hand)
• A dehydrator or oven with baking sheets
• Assorted greenery (evergreen boughs, dried plants, etc.)
• Metal darning needle 
• String or twine
• Optional: other dried fruits or vegetables, wooden beads, etc.

To dehydrate citrus in the oven, you can:

• Preheat the oven to a low temperature, between 170°F and 200°F 
• Slice the citrus into even rounds that are 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick 
• Place the slices in a single layer on a rack on top of a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper 
• Bake for 2–5 hours, or until the citrus is dry and no longer sticky 
• Flip the slices every 30 minutes to 1 hour to prevent curling 

Step one: Prepare your dried citrus slices with either method (dehydrator or in an oven)

Step two: Prepare your assorted greenery into small bundles for your garland

Step three: Cut string/twine to your garland’s desired length

Step four: Thread your needle with string/twine and string on your dried fruit and greenery bundles in your desired pattern. 

Hang garland + enjoy! 

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