This year I made a primitive garland to hang from the mantle. I LOVE it!
First, I had to dehydrate the oranges and apples. I cut them into slices and filled the dehydrator- for three days! One day of oranges and two days of apples. I had to do the second day of apples because my family and I kept snacking on them. They are delicious!
Once I had the apples and oranges dried, I had to drill holes in the walnuts I bought. I put them on a piece of firewood the cradle them and so I didn't put holes in my counter. The firewood worked perfectly and kept the nuts from slipping and moving all over.
Then, I just strung them on a string, alternating pieces, in about 4-foot sections. I didn't want the string to get tangled, so I kept the pieces short and then just tied all four pieces together to make one long strand.
And here's the final garland hung on the mantle. I'll be interested to see if any scent is given off when the fire is burning and the heat reaches the fruit.
What a great idea, and I am sure back in the day people made many garlands that you can eat after the season. We used to do popcorn garland with our mother when we were little. I still have fond memories of those Christmases when our family was all together and enjoying the holidays.
ReplyDeleteI hope our kids will look back on these things someday, with fondness. I do think that what we see as decorations were actually as much necessity back in the day for preserving their food.
DeleteWow! That is amazing. Will it last year to year?
ReplyDeleteIt's supposed to as long as it stays dry and the mice leave it alone. I guess we'll see. :)
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