Old-Fashioned Cranberry Orange Garland
This old-fashioned cranberry orange garland is a rustic, all-natural way to decorate for the holidays. With dried orange slices, fresh cranberries, and fluffy popcorn, it adds a cozy, homespun touch to mantels, trees, and doorways. Simple enough to complete in an evening, and charming enough to become a yearly tradition.
Yield: 1 garland
Cost: $4-$6
Equipment
- Knife
- Baking sheet
- Small bowl
- Scissors
- Sewing needle
Materials
- orange
- parchment paper
- popcorn fresh and plain
- cranberries
- 7' length hemp cord
Instructions
- Dry the oranges: Slice oranges thinly and bake them at 200°F (93°C) for 2-4 hours, or until completely dry, flipping every 30 minutes for even dehydration.
- Pop the popcorn: Make a batch of plain, firm popcorn and let it cool fully so it threads without crumbling.
- Prepare the cord: Tie a small loop in one end of your hemp cord, then thread a large needle onto the other end to anchor the pieces securely.
- Thread the popcorn: Add several pieces of popcorn, sliding them gently down to rest against the loop so they form the base of the pattern.
- Thread the cranberries: Pierce fresh, firm cranberries with the needle and slide them down so they sit snugly against the popcorn.
- Add an orange slice: Thread a dried orange slice through the center so it lays flat and becomes the focal point of the pattern.
- Build the sequence: Continue alternating popcorn, cranberries, and orange slices until you are close to the end of the cord.
- Finish the strand: Tie a small knot at the end of the cord to secure the final pieces in place so nothing shifts during decorating.
Video
Notes
- Use fully dried oranges: Choose slices that feel firm and leathery to prevent mold and ensure the garland lasts through the season.
- Select sturdy popcorn: Opt for crisp, air-popped or stovetop-popped kernels so they hold together when threaded.
- Choose durable cord: Hemp cord is the best option for strength and a natural look that supports the weight of the materials.
- Thread with steady pressure: Pierce each piece of popcorn and cranberries slowly and evenly to prevent splitting.
- Work in manageable lengths: Create multiple strands, for easier threading and styling, then combine them on the tree for a cohesive appearance.
