DIY Dried Orange & Pinecone Jar for Cozy Holiday Decor

Smells amazing, looks stunning, and costs next to nothing!

If you love simple, natural holiday decor that brings a warm, rustic touch to your home, this project is for you. This dried orange and pinecone jar is the perfect addition to your kitchen counter, mantel, or table centerpiece. It looks high-end but can be made with things you already have (or can gather outside!).

🛒 Supplies You’ll Need

(All budget-friendly and easy to find!)

• 1 large glass jar (a thrifted one works perfectly)
• Dried orange slices (see below for how to make them)
• A handful of pinecones
• Optional: cinnamon sticks, star anise, or whole cloves for extra scent
• Twine or jute string for tying around the jar
• Optional: a few sprigs of pine or cedar greenery

**For A TON MORE DIY Gift Ideas in a Jar, check out this post.

🍊 How to Make Dried Orange Slices

If you’ve never dried oranges, it’s easy and fills your house with a lovely citrus smell!

1. Slice oranges about ¼ inch thick.
2. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess juice.
3. Lay them on a baking rack or parchment paper on a baking sheet.
4. Bake at 200°F for 2.5–3 hours, flipping halfway through.

If you have a dehydrator, Slice oranges with a mandoline so that they are anywhere from ⅛” to ¼”. The thinner the slice, the less time it takes to dry. If you have a dehydrator, you can set the temperature to 135 degrees, which is good. You can check to see if you need to flip halfway through, but at this heat setting, it should take about 3-7 hours.

I have an old-school dehydrator, and I slice the potatoes and let them dry all night. When I use my Ninja, I set it to 135 degrees.
They’re done when they’re dry and slightly translucent. Let them cool completely before using.

🌲 Assembling the Jar

Step 1: Layer the base
Start with a few pinecones at the bottom of your jar — they add volume and texture.

Step 2: Add dried oranges
Layer in your dried orange slices, mixing in a few cinnamon sticks or star anise pieces between them for fragrance and visual interest.

Step 3: Alternate layers
Keep layering pinecones, oranges, and spices until the jar is full. There’s no wrong way to do this — just mix the sizes and shapes to look natural and balanced.

Step 4: Add the finishing touch
Wrap a piece of twine or jute string around the neck of the jar and tie it into a simple bow. For a festive farmhouse look, tuck in a small sprig of greenery.

💡 Display Ideas

• Centerpiece: Place it on your dining table or kitchen island with greenery and candles around it.
• Mantel Decor: Add two jars of different sizes with fairy lights tucked inside for a cozy glow.
• Gift Idea: Make mini versions in mason jars and give them as homemade gifts — they smell like Christmas!
• Check out this post for a huge list of table decor ideas.

Frugal Farm Girl Tip

If you gather your pinecones outdoors and dry your own oranges, this project can cost you under $5!
Thrift store jars or repurposed candle jars work perfectly — just clean them thoroughly before using.

Optional Add-Ons

• Add a few drops of essential oils (orange, cinnamon, or clove) to the pinecones for long-lasting fragrance.
• Mix in dried cranberries for a pop of color.
• Swap oranges for dried apples or lemons for a twist on the look.