Dried Citrus

Dec 22

*Silvertooth Home participates in affiliate programs. This means that if you click or make a purchase from links on this page, Silvertooth Home will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for for supporting us in this way.

Dried Citrus

In addition to the common greenery and berries brought into our home around the holidays, dried citrus is one of my absolute favorite natural decor traditions. Our home smells glorious the day I prepare them and the results of perfectly preserved citrus can be used in countless ways. Dried citrus can even be saved in an airtight container or ziplock bag to be used again the following year; the slices get a bit darker but look just as beautiful as they age! You can see the difference in the photos below- bright orange slices are freshly dried this year while the dark red slices were saved from last years batch.

How to Dry Citrus

Preheat the oven to 200° fahrenheit.
Using a sharp knife, thinly slice citrus and arrange on a cookie sheet.
Bake until slices are mostly dried (3-4hrs), occasionally flipping for an even bake.

*Slices are done when the rinds are hard and dry but the centers are still tacky. The slices will continue to dry out after being removed from the oven so “under done” is okay!

Citrus Gift Wrapping

Oh, so many ways to use those dried citrus slices… I will share a few! First, using citrus for gift wrapping like I’ve done below. I have also used dried citrus on gift bags and name tags in years past.

Citrus Garland

Next, I decided to use my dried citrus as a garland. I used a large sewing needle and twine to string together these colorful orange slices. Then, I placed the string of citrus over the faux cedar garland I had on the mantel along with my collection of vintage sock stretchers (aka stockings). Topped with a watercolor painting of Saint Theresa by my mom, Caryl.

Citrus Wine Markers

Moving into the dining room I garnished my wineglasses with citrus, faux greens and red berries. Now, no one will get their glass mixed up with someone else’s and it looks so festive too.

Gift it

I’m always looking for a great host/hostess gift this time of year. Dried citrus along cinnamon sticks, whole dried cloves and whole dried star anise can be wrapped for a Stovetop Potpourri for neighbors and friends. To package, I like to place in a widemouth mason jar and top with a bamboo lid. Tie with your favorite cotton ribbon and its ready to be gifted.

Instructions for Stovetop Potpourri: place your potpourri mix in a pot on the stove with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil and then turn the heat to low for a slow simmer. Continue to let simmer adding more water as it boils off. Enjoy the stovetop potpourri as it fills your home with holiday aroma! *And if you’re afraid of forgetting a pot on the stove like I am, then add your potpourri mix to an uncovered crockpot instead. Set to high and remember to add more water as it boils off.