DIY Orange Peel Star Garland: Festive Natural Holiday Decor

I love making handmade Christmas decor—there’s something nostalgic about crafting ornaments from simple materials. This easy orange peel star garland repurposes citrus peels that might otherwise be discarded and turns them into charming, natural decorations. Save any leftover peel scraps, let them dry, and use them later for homemade potpourri.

Orange Peel Star Garland strung up on twine, laid out and ready to be placed on a tree.

This project was created in collaboration with King of Christmas, a company known for high-quality artificial trees that make festive memories easier to create and enjoy. I also recently made a handmade ornament with my nephew as part of another collaboration.

Materials

You only need a few basic supplies to make this orange peel star garland. The finished look suits rustic, primitive, or Nordic-inspired decorating styles.

What you need:

Oranges
Knife
Twine or string
Scissors
Star cookie cutters (several sizes if you like variety)
Skewer or sharp tool to make holes
Sheet pan or drying tray

Method

Begin by scoring the orange skin gently with a knife. Cut only through the peel—avoid cutting into the fruit. Work slowly, easing the peel away with your thumb so you can remove it in one or two large pieces.

Oranges on a table, one has had its peel removed in one large piece.

Gently slicing an orange to remove the peel only.

Place a star cookie cutter on the peel and press to mark the shape. Use scissors to cut out the star shapes—mix sizes for visual interest. Lay the cut stars on a sheet pan to dry naturally for a few days, or speed the process with a food dehydrator set on a low temperature.

Using a star cookie cutter to score the orange peel, then using scissors to cut them out.

Before drying, poke a small hole near the top of each star with a skewer so you can easily thread the twine later. If drying naturally, check the pieces daily; they’ll darken slightly and become firm as they lose moisture. In a dehydrator, dry until the stars are crisp to the touch.

Cut out orange peel stars laid out on a table, in various sizes.

Using a skewer to poke a hole in dried orange peel stars.

When the stars are fully dry, thread them onto twine or string. You can space them evenly, cluster them, or tie knots before and after each star to keep them in place. Adjust the spacing and length to fit your tree, mantel, or doorway.

Drape the garland on your tree, along a banister, or across a shelf. The natural texture and warm tones of the dried peel add a cozy, handmade touch to any holiday display.

Orange Peel Star Garland strung up on a tree.

I added this garland to my nostalgically themed tree this season. The natural stars pair well with classic ornaments and soft lighting for a timeless look.