How to use dried fruit to make decorations and gift-wrap

Everything from peaches to strawberries can be dried to create eye-catching wreaths, garlands and  sustainable decor 

Dried citrus slices and cinnamon sticks, star anise can create hundreds of unique possibilities for ornaments and garlands. Picture: iStock

Dried citrus fruit is a seasonal classic as heritage tree ornaments, for stringing together garlands and for putting fruity pop on your wreaths indoors or out. With just a few clippings of evergreen from the garden, some taper candles and dried citrus fruit — your table centre will not only look utterly gorgeous, but the scent will be divine too. 

Popcorn and fruit were the go-to materials for a Victorian Christmas, so cut down on the glitterati with some nostalgic, homemade effort. Everything from peaches to strawberries can be dried when you get the hang of the process, providing both healthy snacks and eye-catching, sustainable decor pieces for the whole year.