Decorate with fragrant oranges
One of the most satisfying ways to express your creativity in December is by making your own Christmas decorations. There is something very special about taking some simple materials and turning them into something that can spread joy in the home. You don't have to spend a lot of money to create something unique and personal - in fact, it can often be even more satisfying to create something beautiful with very little means.
For example, a walk in the forest can turn into a treasure hunt for pine cones, branches and leaves, which can be transformed into scenic decorations. Perhaps an old book can come to honor and dignity again. With a little paint, glitter or ribbon, you can make beautiful ornaments for the Christmas tree, and old newspapers and old paper can be folded into fine stars.
Oranges are cheap right now, and they can be used for many different things, including as dried orange slices for decorations, for vines or as table decorations. They can also be used as fresh oranges with cloves in them, because they spread a fantastic scent in the Christmas home.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make them:
materials:
Oranges (you can also use lemons or limes)
Sharp knife
Baking paper
Baking tray
Furnace
Course of action:
Start by cutting your oranges into thin slices, approx. 0,5 cm thick. Make sure the discs are level so they dry evenly.
Preheat the oven to 75-100°C. It is important that the temperature is low so that the oranges dry slowly and do not burn.
Place baking paper on a baking tray and place the orange slices evenly spaced, without overlapping each other.
Put the plate in the oven and let the slices dry for 2-4 hours. Turn them halfway through the process to ensure they dry evenly on both sides. Keep an eye on them so they don't turn brown. The slices are done when they are dry but still slightly pliable.
When the slices are finished in the oven, let them cool completely on a baking rack.
Use in decorations:
Garlands: Pull a string or twine through the discs and hang them as garlands on the tree, windows or above the fireplace.
Advent wreath: Add the dried orange slices to your Advent wreath along with cinnamon sticks, pine cones and ribbon for a rustic look.
Christmas tree decorations: Tie a string through the top of the orange slices and hang them directly on the Christmas tree.
Gift Wrapping: Use the dried orange slices as decorations on Christmas presents by tying them up with natural twine.
Christmas scent dish: fill a nice bowl with orange slices, cinnamon, star anise and put cloves in a few oranges. Then a wonderful natural Christmas scent spreads in the house.
The dried oranges keep their beautiful color and scent for a long time, and they add a natural and nostalgic touch to your Christmas decorations.
