The Citrus Decor DIY You Need to Try This Holiday Season

This holiday season, give your decor a chic citrus twist with carefully carved and dried whole citrus fruits, also known as pomanders. These sculptural, natural accents bring earthy textures, vibrant colors, and a fragrant charm to wreaths, garlands, and table settings. Not only are they a stunning, sustainable choice, but they’re also completely compostable, making them the perfect way to decorate without the waste. They’re easy to create and endlessly versatile, not to mention a fantastic way to preserve your own garden bounty for years to come. These citrus beauties will elevate your holiday style with minimal effort, while offering subtle, natural fragrance that enhances the festive atmosphere. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into how to craft your own, along with a few creative tips to inspire your seasonal decor.

Kristin Guy

Materials

• Small to medium citrus fruits (limes, lemons, oranges, or kumquats)
• Sharp paring knife or citrus scorer
• Oven or food dehydrator
• Baking sheet and parchment paper
• Twine, thin wire, or ribbon for hanging or assembling

How to Make

1. Prep Your Citrus: Wash and dry your fruit thoroughly. Use a paring knife to make even slits along the sides of the fruit, being careful not to cut all the way through. These slits allow the fruit to dry into striking starburst-like shapes.

2. Drying Process: Place your citrus on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at the lowest temperature (no higher than 200°F) for 4-6 hours, turning occasionally to ensure even drying. For a more energy-efficient and more even drying method, use a food dehydrator.

3. Store for Later: Once fully dried, store your citrus in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it in your holiday projects.

Kristin Guy

Pro Tips

• Achieve even drying: Rotate fruits during baking or dehydrating to avoid uneven moisture retention.
• Avoid scorched skin: Brush your citrus lightly with lemon juice before drying to prevent browning or sprinkle them with fine sugar for a frosted look.
• Experiment with sizing: Use a mix of citrus sizes for visual variety in your designs that will create a one of a kind statement. 
• Pre-Plan Placement: If you’re looking to string these together as a green garland, consider threading a large needle and sting through limes while they are still soft. Or screw in small screw eyes pins for jewelry to hang as ornaments once complete. 

Kristin Guy

How To Use

1. Tree Ornaments: Tie a ribbon or thin wire around the top and hang on branches for a rustic, elegant look.

2. Wreath Accents: Incorporate into holiday wreaths alongside greenery, berries, and pinecones.

3. Table Decor: Arrange in bowls or scatter along a holiday table for a natural centerpiece.

4. Garlands: String together with other natural elements like dried flowers, cinnamon sticks, or star anise for an aromatic and visually striking garland.

5. Gift Wrap Embellishments: Add to wrapped presents as a unique, fruity-fragrant accent.

Kristin Guy

Styling Statements 

Need some inspo on how to utilize these with your current holiday decor or not sure where to begin, try one of these festive themes that will give your citrus creations the spotlight

1. Classic Holiday Charm: For a timeless holiday look, pair dried orange slices with fresh evergreen sprigs and vibrant red berries. This combination evokes the cozy nostalgia of a crackling fire and twinkling lights, perfect for wreaths or garlands draped over a mantle. Add a burlap ribbon or twine bow for a finishing touch that feels both traditional and effortlessly elegant.

2. Modern Minimalism: Elevate your holiday decor with a sleek, monochromatic palette using dried limes and crisp white ribbon. The subtle green hues of the citrus against the clean white accents create a striking yet understated look. String them together to make a simple garland or tie them to gift boxes for an elevated, design-forward presentation.

3. Tropical Holiday: Bring a touch of sunshine to your seasonal style by pairing bright lemons and kumquats with palm leaves or dried grasses. This beach-inspired look feels warm and festive, perfect for West Coast homes or anyone dreaming of a tropical escape. Use them in a tabletop centerpiece or weave them into a garland to infuse your space with relaxed, vacation vibes.

4. Rustic Elegance: Capture the beauty of the forest with dried citrus combined with eucalyptus sprigs, fragrant lavender, and rustic pine cones. This woodland-inspired blend creates a soft, romantic aesthetic that’s perfect for a farmhouse-style holiday. Use it to craft a centerpiece, or adorn your front door with a wreath that smells as good as it looks.

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