Christmas decoration tip

One thing I have mastered over the past couple of years is making a few simple decorations for Christmas. Perhaps the easiest, and cheapest is dried orange slices. They can be strung on fishing wire to make a garland, added to wreaths and table arrangements, using florists wire they decorate a tree beautifully, or pop in pot pourri to make it look Christmassy.

Dried orange slices

Choose large firm oranges. Slice thinly, and arrange on a baking tray trying not to overlap . (they stick together otherwise) Set the cooker on the lowest heat and leave to dry out, checking every hour to begin with. The trick is to let them 'cook' long enough to dry out completely, but don't burn. If they do not dry entirely they may not keep for long and go mouldy. If dried properly they can be kept after Christmas in an airtight container for months, or even years.

One thing they have over other decorations is that they are totally natural, they won't break and leave plastic or glass lying around (worrying for parents) and an inquisitive toddler can lick one and not come to any harm (one lick normally puts them off btw!)

Have a go!