Decorate For The Holidays With This Simple Trader Joe’s Find

This holiday season, you should definitely play with your food—and Trader Joe’s makes doing so easier and way more convenient. The specialty grocery store sells pre-dried orange slices that will add a citrus-sweet touch to any garland, Christmas tree, wreath, or popcorn chain (that is, if you don’t eat them all before you decorate with them).

Nestled among the other dried goods products at your local Trader Joe’s (and also available through Amazon if you want to avoid the ever-growing Trader Joe’s waiting line…thanks, COVID), the sweetened, dried orange slices are just as delightful to use for decorating as they are for snacking on.

Using dried citrus fruits for decor is an old-timey decorating secret that pairs beautifully with the scent of evergreen and adds a bit of color to your traditional holiday decor. Simply link the orange slices together using a needle and thread, or sew them separately onto existing wreaths and garlands.

If your local Trader Joe’s is out of orange slices, you can make your own if you’re willing to be patient. You can dehydrate your own slices in a dedicated food dehydrator or in the oven under low heat (about 200 degrees Fahrenheit), leaving them to completely dry out for about two hours. 

And you don’t have to just use oranges, either. Lemons, grapefruits, and even limes dehydrate just as well and can add a bit of color variety to your dried citrus decor.

You can also use dried citrus slices on gift packaging—simply punch a hole in the center of the slice and string your ribbon through. Paired with simple brown paper and a colorful gift tag, you’ve got yourself a gift anyone would be happy to receive.