Get Crafty this Christmas with Handmade Tree Decorations.
If, like me, you've yet to 'deck the halls' or put your tree up, why not have a go at these easy-to-make tree decorations? They're sure to add a touch of Christmas cheer to your place, and they smell pretty good too.
Let's start with some wonderful, dried orange slice tree ornaments. You'll need:
- Oranges
- String, garden twine, or ribbon
- Knife
- Chopping board
- Kitchen towel
- Baking tray
- Foil
- Cooking oil
- Oven
Preheat the oven to about 150ºC. Remember, we're not cooking the oranges; we just want to dry them out. Take an orange and make sure you place it on its side to get the desired look from the slices. Carefully slice it into 10mm (3/8ths of an inch) thick slices.
Lay the slices out on kitchen towel and pat with more towel to remove any excess juice. Prepare a baking tray with foil and spray with cooking oil to avoid the slices sticking. Then lay the slices on the tray and put them in the oven for a couple of hours. Turn the slices every half an hour or so to prevent them from curling up.
After about 1.5 hours, remove the slices from the oven and make a small hole through the segment to thread the string or ribbon through. As you can see, I used a pencil, but any pointed instrument will do! Return to the oven for another half hour, then leave to cool.
Once the slices are cooled and dry, thread them with string, ribbon, or raffia and hang them on your tree. That's it!
Why not make a glass of tasty mulled wine and some mince pies to enjoy whilst decorating your tree?
