**I’m totally obsessed with the garland I found on Amazon, and then I took it to the next level by decking it out with dried fruits, cranberries, spices, and dried flowers!**

If you're like me, holiday decorating is about more than just pretty lights and sparkly ornaments—it's about infusing your home with warmth, creativity, and a little bit of magic. And what better way to do that than with a homemade Yule garland that smells like heaven, looks gorgeous, and gives you the perfect excuse to play with dried fruit, fresh flowers, and all things spicy? Ready to dive in?

Here’s What You’ll Need to Get Started:

Fresh fruit (think oranges, lemons, or whatever’s in season)
Air fryer (if you’ve got one! Or you can use your oven)
Dried flowers (wildflowers, lavender, baby’s breath or anything that screams “nature’s beauty”)
Fresh flowers (rosemary or greenery of your choice)
Fresh cranberries (for that perfect pop of red)
Jewelry string or twine (for threading those berries!)
Sewing needle (or anything to poke through your fruit)
Hot glue gun and glue sticks (you can thank me later)
Anise pods (these are optional, but once you see them, you’ll want them)
Cinnamon sticks (because, duh, it’s the holidays)
Cloves (throw them in if you’re feeling fancy)

Step 1: Dehydrate Your Own Fruit (Because You’re Basically a Food Wizard)

Okay, here’s the deal: Dehydrated fruit is like nature’s candy. And it’s perfect for garlands because it’s colorful, beautiful, and you can’t help but feel proud when you say, "I made that." If you have an air fryer, you’re about to be blown away. If not, don’t worry—your oven has got your back.

How to Dehydrate Fruit in an Air Fryer:

Slice your fruit (I went with oranges and apples, but get creative! Pears, lemons, and even pineapple work too).
Set your air fryer to 205°F, toss the fruit slices in there, and let the magic happen for about 20 minutes at a time. After 20 minutes, check to make sure they’re crisping up, but not burning (that’s key!).
Keep going for about 2 hours—and before you know it, you’ll have fruit that’s dry, crispy, and ready to go.
*******if you’re using an oven heat at 200°F and flip every 30 minutes at a time for 5-7 hours.

Step 2: Gather Your Fresh and Dried Flowers (The Nature Walk Part)

While your air fryer is working overtime, take a stroll outside and collect some dried flowers. I snagged a mix of mums and lavender, but any dried flowers or herbs will do. You’ll also want to add greenery to contrast with the bright fruit, and the flowers will give your garland a gorgeous, natural vibe.

If you’re feeling fancy, go ahead and grab a few fresh flowers too—rosemary sprigs or baby’s breath are a perfect choice. Just make sure to handle them gently, as fresh flowers will dry over time and get a little crispy, which is totally cool if you like the rustic look.

Step 3: Thread Those Cranberries Like a Pro (Jewelry String FTW)

Now, for the fun part. Grab your fresh cranberries and jewelry string (or any thin twine).

String those babies up, space them out, and give yourself a pat on the back for making something fancy with just cranberries. Pro tip: Lightly spray them with Mod Podge or a bit of spray adhesive to keep them looking fresh and glossy. That’s right—you just turned a string of cranberries into holiday luxury.

Step 4: Glue, Stick, and Spice Everything Up (Literally)

Okay, now that you’ve got your fruit, flowers, and cranberries, let’s make this garland come to life. Grab your hot glue gun, because we’re going to be attaching everything to a long string or wreath form. Here’s how to do it:

String your dehydrated fruit— onto the garland in a way that feels natural and effortlessly beautiful. No need for perfection here; let the fruit overlap or hang a little loose.
Add your dried flowers—glue a few sprigs of rosemary, lavender, or whatever you gathered in between the fruit slices. This is where you get to play! Tuck them in at angles, and give each section its own little personality.
Now for the cranberries. Carefully place your threaded cranberry string in places that feel balanced. This adds such a nice pop of color and texture.
Next, grab a few cinnamon sticks and glue them in and for a little extra magic, tuck in a few anise pods around the garland. They’ll add spice and style.
Feeling extra? Add cloves wherever you like. Cloves are not just a pretty addition—they add that nostalgic, spicy holiday fragrance that’ll have you smiling every time you walk past.

Step 5: Hang It and Let the Compliments Roll In

Once you’ve glued everything into place, your Yule garland is officially ready for action. Drape it over your fireplace mantel, wrap it around the Christmas tree, or even hang it on your front door as a fragrant welcome to guests.

Bonus Tips for a Longer-Lasting Garland:

If you want to make sure your garland lasts well into the New Year (or longer!), give it a light spray of hairspray or Mod Podge to help preserve the freshness.
After the holidays, you can store the garland in a cool, dry place to use next year. It’ll last if kept properly—though it’ll probably smell even better after a year in storage.

Final Thoughts: Creating a Yule garland is a fun, festive way to bring a touch of homemade charm to your holiday décor. With the right combination of fruit, flowers, and spice, you can make something truly beautiful, fragrant, and unique. Plus, it’s a great way to slow down, get crafty, and embrace the season’s natural beauty.

Now, go ahead—craft your masterpiece, fill your home with holiday scents, and enjoy the magic that comes with making something special with your own hands. Happy decorating! 🎄✨🍊

Feel free to share your own garland creations—let's see how you bring the Yule spirit to life!

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