We may be in November already, but has the fall even arrived if we haven’t decorated for it? Never fear! I’ve got you covered. I love decorating in ways that are simple but elegant. And if I can make it myself or with the family, even better.
This classic fall garland is a go-to for me. It doesn’t take a lot of time or precision, but it adds just the right amount of warmth and coziness to my home. You can even use it as a starting point and add your own flair to it—whatever makes you feel ready to welcome the crisp autumn air and warm evenings with those you love.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Supplies
1 piece of garland, 6-feet or longer
3-4 navel oranges, thinly sliced
1 bag of small pine cones
1 bag of small white pumpkins
Dehydrator
Clear wire (jewelry or fishing wire works perfectly), cut into 6” pieces
Toothpick
Scissors
Small glue gun and glue sticks
Step 1
Slice the oranges very thinly (I like to use a mandolin) so they will dry well. Set your dehydrator to the “fruit” setting and let them dry overnight. Alternatively, you can dehydrate the oranges in your oven. Just set it to 200º and let them cook for 3-5 hours.
Step 2
Once the oranges are dried, we’re going to string them. Use a toothpick to poke a small hole near the edge of the rind for the clear wire to loop through. Tie each orange onto the garland. Space the oranges however you like along the length of the garland, but leave space between each to alternate with a pine cone and pumpkin.
Step 3
Once all the oranges are tied on, use the glue gun to glue the pumpkins evenly spaced between the oranges and follow the same method for the pine cones. Allow the whole thing to dry and the glue to cool. Then, hang over a window or on a mantle to welcome all the fall feels.
Mary Giacona is a Texas native who serves her community as a licensed real estate professional and certified holistic health coach. When she’s not working, look for her in the kitchen or garden, somewhere near water, or with one or all of her five children and two dogs.
@sunshineandseasalt | @showingtexas