Oranges make for bright, cheerful and aromatic decorations for any season. Their vibrant color and sweet citrus scent can liven up any space. Oranges are very versatile and can be used in many different decorative ways, from table centerpieces to ornamental displays. In this article, we will explore different ideas for using oranges creatively as decorations in your home.
Ways to Use Whole Oranges as Decorations
Whole oranges are perfect for adding pops of color and fresh fragrance to decor. Here are some ways to display oranges decoratively:
Orange Centerpieces
A simple orange centerpiece is an easy way to dress up any table or surface. Place a few oranges in a clear glass bowl or vase. Intermingle them with greenery like ferns or eucalyptus sprigs. Add candles or flowers for extra embellishment. The oranges will become a bright focal point.
Oranges in a Glass Jar or Bottle
Fill up a clear glass jar, bottle or hurricane vase with oranges to create instant decor. Top with dashes of cinnamon sticks and whole cloves for extra flair. Group a few of these vessels together down the center of a dining table or place singly as accent pieces around the home.
Hanging Orange Pomanders
Make fragrant orange pomanders by studding oranges with whole cloves. Tie with ribbons and hang in doorways, from mantels or on gifts. The cloves will make the oranges smell amazing.
Orange Wreaths
Create a festive wreath for the season by wiring sliced oranges onto a wreath form or grapevine base. Accent with greenery, pinecones, berries or other embellishments. Hang on the front door to welcome guests.
Oranges in Decorative Bowls
Display oranges abundantly in clear glass or ceramic bowls in prominent areas. Keep on the kitchen counter, coffee table, console table entryway or anywhere that needs a burst of citrus.
Oranges Along the Stairway
Line a stairway with oranges set on each step. The oranges act as festive “stair risers” and fill the home with bright color and sweet scent as you walk past.
Ways to Use Orange Slices and Sections as Decorations
Sliced oranges provide more versatile decorating options. You can get very creative with orange slices. Here are some ideas:
Dried Orange Slice Garlands
Linked chains of dried orange slices make gorgeous garlands to string across mantels, doorways, stair railings and more. Simply cut oranges into rounds, dry the slices thoroughly, then string onto twine with a needle. They add natural color that lasts.
Oranges Slices in Vases
Use thin slices of orange to float in clear vases and jars. The translucent orange slices will gently float and twirl around when the water moves. Refill vases with fresh orange slices every few days to keep bright.
Candied Orange Slices
For longer lasting decor, make candied orange slices. Boil sugar syrup and coat raw orange slices in it. Dry the candied slices on a rack until hardened. Use to embellish cakes, cookies and other desserts or arrange artistically in bowls and on platters. The sugar preserves the oranges so they will last as decor for weeks.
Oranges as Drink Garnishes
Make drinks extra decorative with orange garnishes. Slice oranges and cut into wheels or triangles. Spear colorful orange slices onto the rims of glasses or float them in pitchers of beverages. Use oranges to garnish water, tea, lemonade, sangria and cocktails.
Oranges on Food Platters
Decorate cheese, fruit or other appetizer platters with orange slices. Lay orange wheels in between crackers, meats, veggies, nuts and other food items. The oranges not only decorate but also provide something tasty and refreshing to eat on the platter.
Stamped Orange Slice Ornaments
For DIY ornaments, stamp patterns, words or designs onto dried orange slices using paint or markers. Add ribbon for hanging on the Christmas tree or around the home. Get creative with your stamp patterns. Paint polka dots, stripes, snowflakes, monograms and more.
Ways to Use Orange Peels as Decorations
The peels of oranges have great decorative uses too. Take advantage of their curled shape and vivid color.
Simmering Potpourri
Fill a pot with water, toss in orange peels, spices like cinnamon, cloves and star anise then simmer on the stove. The mixture will scent the whole house with a wonderful orange aroma.
Dried Orange Peel Wreaths
Make mini wreaths out of dried orange peels to hang on gifts, ornaments, napkin rings or anywhere that needs a boost of citrus cheer. Simply cut peels into long spirals, dry thoroughly and form into rings. Decorate with ribbon.
Orange Peel Centerpiece Bowls
Use hollowed out orange peel halves or full orange peels as decorative bowls. Arrange them on platters and fill with nuts, sugared fruit slices, mints or other small foods and items. The edible orange bowls make perfect natural containers.
Candied Orange Peels
Chop orange peels into strips, boil in sugar syrup then coat in granulated sugar and allow to dry. The candied orange peels make lovely edible garnishes for desserts, stirred into trail mixes or presented in decorative jars and bowls.
Orange Peel Garlands
String together strips of dried orange peel and hang in swags across windows, door frames, mantels and banisters. Accent with whole dried oranges, cinnamon sticks or other embellishments for a full garland effect.
Ways to Use Oranges in Outdoor Decor
Don’t limit oranges to indoor decorating. Use them to enhance your outdoor spaces too with these creative ideas:
Oranges on the Porch
Place bowls of fresh oranges or strings of dried orange slices on outdoor sideboards, railings and tabletops. Or hang mini orange peel wreaths and garlands along the porch. Let the citrus scent freshen up your outdoor entryway.
Orange Tree Centerpieces
Set orange trees decorated with ribbons and ornaments in planters on your patio or deck. The sweet smelling potted orange trees make perfect centerpieces for outdoor holiday gatherings.
Orange Slice Luminaries
Cut slits into dried orange slices then place a small LED tealight candle into each slit. Line outdoor walkways with the glowing luminaries for soft lighting and citrus fragrance.
Orange Peel Fire Starters
Make use of all those leftover orange peels by turning them into easy fire starters for fireplaces and firepits. Allow peels to dry out thoroughly, then use as natural kindling underneath logs.
Tips for Prepping and Displaying Oranges
Follow these tips to get the most out of oranges for decor:
– Wash oranges thoroughly before slicing, peeling or displaying whole. Pat thoroughly dry.
– For brighter color, opt for navel or blood oranges over lighter varieties like Valencia.
– Cut very thin slices with a sharp knife to maximize the orange translucency for decorating. Cut various sized slices and wheels.
– Dry orange slices and peels thoroughly before using for decorations that will last. Leave in a warm spot for 1-2 weeks until hard and dry. Turn slices over halfway through drying.
– Before juicing oranges, save the peels. Opt for thick-skinned oranges which have more peel.
– Display both oranges and greenery in water to keep fresh longer. Change the water daily.
– Citrus fruits like oranges are sensitive to frost and cold. Use only in indoor decor during winter in cold climates.
Conclusion
Oranges are among the most versatile, colorful and fragrant fruits to use for homemade decorations. They are inexpensive, natural and easy to work with. Orange decor suits any season or occasion. Get creative with displays of full oranges, sliced rounds, peeled curls and stamped ornaments. Incorporate oranges throughout your home and outdoor spaces to enjoy their lively hues and sweet citrus aroma. With this wide variety of decorating ideas, you’ll find so many ways to use oranges to make your decor juicy, cheery and refreshing.
