Christmas Creations: DIY Citrus Fruit Garland
While most of us head to the shops when we see that last year's Christmas decorations are looking a little tired, there's another option: to make our own! Hand-making festive decorations adds a personal touch to your home and can save you some serious pennies to spend on your Christmas shopping. What’s more, the whole family can get involved, allowing you to spend precious time with your loved ones. We've created a guide to making your very own garland using easily accessible materials. Just snip a couple of branches from your Christmas tree, pick up a some citrus fruits and spices from your local shop, and you’re all set! Whether draped across your mantelpiece or as a centrepiece on your dining table, these citrus fruit garlands are sure to add a touch of Christmas cheer to your home!
What you’ll need:
• Citrus fruits: oranges and lemons• Cinnamon sticks
• Star anise
• A needle and nylon thread
• A serrated knife
• A few fir branches
Step 1: Dry your citrus fruit slices
1. Start by preheating your oven to 90°C. Then, using a serrated knife, cut your fruit into thin slices of around 4-5mm.2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and arrange your fruit slices in a single layer. You will want to leave them in the oven for around 5 hours, turning the slices over every hour. Make sure to keep an eye on them, ensuring they don't burn and turn black.
3. Remove your fruit slices and leave them to cool for a few hours, or overnight if you prefer.
Step 2: Assemble your garland
1. Start by playing around with different designs, arranging the various decorations into patterns on your table until you’re happy with your layout. We chose to create 5 small garlands. However, you can modify the number and size of garlands you make based on your own personal preference!2. Once you’ve decided on your design, thread a needle with a fairly long string of nylon. Pass the needle and thread through each of your decorations, to attach them one by one. You can string them close together or leave larger gaps between each decoration depending on your own taste!
3. For the citrus fruit slices, you’ll want to pierce the flesh twice with the needle, in order to hold them securely. Tie a knot on either side of the slice to prevent it from sliding around on the thread.
4. To attach the fir branches, you will need to pierce the needle through the branch and then wrap the thread around it a few times before tying a knot.
5. When it comes to the cinnamon sticks and star anise, wrap the thread around the middle a few times before tying a secure knot.
6. Once you’ve finished threading your decorations, knot the ends of your thread on both sides, in such a way that it leaves two small easy-to-hook loops.
Now, all that’s left to do is hang up your garland! Our favourite place to do so would be just above your dining table, as it adds an extra warm atmosphere to all your festive feasts. If you’re looking for an impressive way to welcome your guests over the holiday period, why not attach your garland to your staircase? And for those who prefer a classic, traditional touch, you can drape your garland over your mantelpiece. If you’re hesitating on where to place your new Christmassy creation, why not make multiple garlands!
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