12 November 2025
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5 Ways to Use Dried Orange Slices This Christmas

Simple, sustainable, and beautifully festive — here’s how to bring a touch of citrus magic to your Christmas.

There’s something about the scent of citrus that instantly feels like Christmas. Our dried orange slices bring that cosy, nostalgic warmth into every part of the festive season — and they’re just as versatile as they are beautiful. Whether you’re decorating, gifting, or simply elevating your festive drinks, here are five creative ways to use them this Christmas.

Festive cocktails with a citrus twist.

Garnish Your Christmas Cocktails

If you’re mixing up festive drinks this season, a dried orange slice is your new best friend. Float one on top of a mulled wine, gin and tonic, or Christmas spritz to instantly make your cocktail bar-worthy. The dried citrus adds a hint of colour, a touch of texture, and that unmistakable festive aroma.

✨ Try this: Freeze dried orange slices into ice cubes for a striking twist – they’ll slowly release their citrus notes as they melt, keeping your drinks chilled and beautifully festive.

🍊 Bonus tip: Rim your glasses with sugar and perch a dried orange slice on the edge for a classy, Insta-worthy touch.

Naturally beautiful Christmas cake décor.

Decorate Your Christmas Cake

Forget plastic toppers – nature does it better. Use dried orange slices alongside cinnamon sticks, star anise, and sprigs of rosemary to give your Christmas cake a rustic, fragrant finish. Not only will it look stunning, but it’ll fill your kitchen with that traditional Christmas scent we all love.

🎄 Top tip: Add them just before serving to keep their colour vibrant.

Dried orange slices ready to hang as festive baubles.

Create a Natural Garland or Tree Decoration

Few things feel more homely than a DIY orange garland. Simply thread dried slices with twine, alternating with wooden beads or cinnamon sticks for a timeless look. Drape it across your mantelpiece, staircase, or Christmas tree – it’s a sustainable, biodegradable alternative to tinsel that you’ll love making.

🧵 Get creative: Mix in dried apple slices, bay leaves, or cranberries for extra texture.

The perfect finishing touch for festive gifts.

Add a Festive Touch to Gift Wrapping

A dried orange slice makes a simple gift look so much more thoughtful. Tie one onto your wrapped presents with some kraft paper and natural twine for that minimalist, Scandi-inspired look. It’s the perfect way to elevate your wrapping without plastic or glitter – just pure, natural beauty.

🎁 Bonus idea: Add a cinnamon stick or a sprig of rosemary for a fresh, fragrant finish.

Fill your home with the scent of Christmas.

Bring Festive Scents into Your Home

Who needs synthetic candles when nature smells this good? Pop a few dried orange slices into a festive potpourri bowl with cloves, pinecones, and a few drops of cinnamon oil. Or hang them around the house where they can gently release that comforting citrus scent throughout the season.

🕯️ Make it cosy: Display them in a clear jar with fairy lights for a soft, golden glow.

Shop Our Dried Orange Slices

All of our dried orange slices are carefully prepared right here at Nurtured in Norfolk – perfectly preserved to hold their vibrant colour and festive fragrance.

✨ Shop Dried Orange Slices →

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