Create Festive Cheer with Dried Orange Slices!

December 10, 2025

Eagle House Eccleshall, Staffordshire Dried Orange Slices on string

The festive season is upon us, and there’s no better way to bring the scent and warmth of Christmas into your home than with beautiful dried orange slices. Perfect for creating garlands to drape over your fireplace, charming Christmas tree decorations, or even as a festive twist to your cocktails, these aromatic slices can be dusted with cinnamon, nutmeg and other Christmas spices to enhance the seasonal feel. Plus, it’s a lovely, eco-friendly craft that makes for a thoughtful homemade gift!

At Eagle House Eccleshall, we love helping our guests make the most of this magical time of year. Whether you’re staying in The Eagles Nest self-catering apartment or one of our luxury, award-winning bed and breakfast rooms, you’ll find Eccleshall is the perfect Christmas escape.

How to Make Dried Orange Slices

Here’s a simple guide to making your own dried orange slices to use as decorations or cocktail garnishes:

Ingredients & Materials

Fresh oranges
Cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves (optional, for dusting)
A sharp knife
Baking tray
Parchment paper

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 65–90°C (150–200°F).
Slice the oranges thinly, about 3–5mm thick. Uniform slices dry more evenly.
Pat the slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess juice.
Lay the slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. If desired, dust lightly with cinnamon or a mix of spices.
Bake for 2–3 hours, flipping the slices every 30–45 minutes to ensure even drying. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Once dried, let them cool completely before using them for decorations or garnishes.

Creative Uses for Dried Orange Slices

Fireplace Garland: String your orange slices together with twine, adding sprigs of greenery or cinnamon sticks for a rustic festive garland.
Tree Decorations: Hang them on your Christmas tree for a natural, eco-friendly look.
Cocktail Garnishes: Use them to adorn seasonal drinks like mulled wine or a Christmas gin and tonic.

Eagle House Eccleshall, Staffordshire Dried Orange Slices

Top Tips

Why not use red and white or green and white festive string to hang your orange slices for a pop of colour?
Add a Touch of Sparkle: Before baking, sprinkle a little fine sugar or edible glitter onto the orange slices for a subtle, frosted effect that catches the light beautifully on your tree or garlands.
Enjoyed this Christmas craft? Have a look at our blog on making orange pomanders for another festive DIY project!

Celebrate Christmas at Eagle House

Why not experience a true Staffordshire Christmas by booking a festive stay at Eagle House? Our luxury accommodations in Eccleshall are the perfect base for enjoying this picturesque market town, renowned for its festive high street adorned with twinkling lights and boutique shops. After a day of exploring, unwind in one of Eccleshall’s cosy pubs, or take a countryside walk to soak in the crisp winter air.

Whether you choose to stay in our self-catering apartment, The Eagles Nest, or one of our luxury B&B rooms, you’ll find comfort, charm, and festive spirit in every corner.

Book Your Festive Getaway Today

Make this Christmas truly special. Book your stay at Eagle House Eccleshall today and discover why so many guests return year after year for a holiday filled with luxury, warmth, and the magic of Staffordshire at Christmas.

Visit our website to secure your festive escape, and don’t forget to bring home the scents of the season with your own homemade dried orange decorations!