I love the simplicity of winter decorations that come from the kitchen or the land, bringing color and warmth to the home. I also love everything that gives me a reason to dehydrate fruit on a chilled winter morning; the smells of sweet goodness filling the early air. These fruit garlands have a wonderful rustic appeal to them and can be modified in a number of ways, depending on what you have available. Hang your garlands on windows, a staircase banister, or mantle for a primitive and simply beautiful touch of decor.
What you will need:
Fruit of choice
Suggestions - Oranges, Apple, Pear, Lemons, Grapefruits
Other Optional Touches - Whole walnuts, Cinnamon Sticks, Large Dried Bay Leaves, Cranberries
Hardware -String or Twine/ Yarn, Embroidery, or Upholstery Needle/ Scissors
Directions:
Choose your variety(ies) of fruit for your garland. Slice your fruit in approximately 1/4 inch slices (slight imperfection makes it rustic so no need to stress over perfect). Dehydrate your fruit slices. If you have a dehydrator, simply pop your slices in there for the appropriate time for your machine. You can also dehydrate in an oven. Set your oven at a low 150 degrees Fahrenheit, and bake for approximately 4-6 hours. You will want to keep an eye on your fruit if you are drying in the oven so that they do not over darken on the edges. Once your fruit is dried to the touch, remove it and allow to cool. Choose your string and any add ons you would like. If you are using cinnamon sticks, you can either wrap the twine around them as you go, or you will have to hammer or drill a small hole in the cinnamon stick before threading. If you are using whole walnuts, you will have to hammer or drill a small hole in those as well. Decide on the layout of your garland. I love the simplicity of the citrus garland and how it catches the light in the window; creations stained glass. Thread your needle with your string or twine, tying a small knot to secure. To make citrus lay flat, you will want to thread through the orange twice, threading once on each side of the slice. Repeat your design combination until you reach your desired garland length. Secure at each end, and enjoy the "fruit" of your labor.
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