How to Make a Dried Fruit Wreath (5 Beautiful DIY Methods)

A Natural Tradition with Rustic Charm

Dried fruit wreaths are one of the most timeless ways to decorate your home. They’re eco-friendly, fragrant, and endlessly creative — whether hung on the front door at Christmas or styled indoors for a rustic centrepiece.

At Natural Crafts, we’ve been working with dried fruits and botanicals for over a decade. We’ve seen every style of fruit wreath — from simple citrus rings to lush evergreen creations — and in this guide we’ll show you exactly how to make a dried fruit wreath in five different ways. Beginners will find easy, step-by-step methods, while experienced crafters can explore more advanced techniques and styling tips.

DIY Dried Fruit Wreath Ideas and Methods

1. Simple Dried Fruit Ring (Beginner-Friendly)

This is the most straightforward way to make a fruit wreath.

• What you’ll need: Orange Slices, Red Apple Slices, Whole Limes, strong garden wire, and a large sofa needle or knitting needle.

• How to make it: Thread fruit slices (or small whole fruits) onto the wire. For whole fruits like limes or mini pumpkins, use a sofa needle or knitting needle to carefully poke a pilot hole through the centre — this makes sliding them onto the wire much easier. Once filled, bend the wire into a circle and twist the ends together securely.

• Expert Tip: Hide the join by tying a piece of rustic twine or ribbon around it. This also gives you a natural loop to hang your fruit ring. Work slowly and don’t overfill the wire — leaving a little space makes the circle easier to shape. If you prefer, hot glue can also be used to secure lighter slices in place.

This method is perfect for beginners or for making mini fruit rings to hang as decorations.

2. Classic Moss or Straw-Based Fruit Wreath

This is the traditional way of making a wreath.

• What you’ll need: A moss or straw base, Orange Slices, Apple Slices, Whole Oranges, Cinnamon Sticks, Cloves, Dried Chillies, Mini Pumpkins, florist wire, and U-shaped pins.

• How to make it: Start by securing your base on a flat surface. Take U-shaped florist pins to hold moss or straw firmly in place. For fruit slices or whole fruits, thread wire through the centre, twist tightly at the back, and push the wire ends deep into the base so they hold securely. Begin with larger items like whole fruits and mini pumpkins, then layer slices, spices, and chillies to fill gaps and add colour. Hot glue is also a quick and affordable option for lighter pieces like slices or cloves.

• Expert Tip: Work in small sections, turning the wreath as you go to keep it balanced. Use wire for heavier fruits, but glue for smaller accents to save time. Chillies and mini pumpkins add pops of colour and make this wreath ideal for autumn décor — they’ll carry your display beautifully from harvest season into Christmas.

This style works especially well as a Christmas dried fruit wreath — traditional, full, and fragrant.

3. Clustered Accent Wreath (Modern Style)

Minimalist but striking.

• What you’ll need: A plain moss or wire base, Orange Slices, Whole Limes, Cinnamon Sticks, twine or raffia, and hot glue.

• How to make it: Instead of covering the whole wreath, cluster dried fruit and spices to one side, leaving part of the base visible. Group items into small bundles — for example, 3 orange slices, 1 lime, and 2 cinnamon sticks tied together with wire — then attach these bundles securely to the base. Hot glue can also be used to stick lighter elements together before wiring them on.

• Expert Tip: Tie off clusters with rustic twine or raffia for a handmade finish. Keeping all decorations to one side creates a modern, minimalist look.

This method is very popular for modern homes and makes a great gift wreath.

4. Foraged Evergreen & Dried Fruit Wreath

For those who love to forage, this method combines fresh greenery with dried fruits.

• What you’ll need: Wire wreath frame, evergreen cuttings (fir, holly, eucalyptus), Orange Slices, Red Apple Slices, Cinnamon Sticks, florist wire, and hot glue.

• How to make it: Start by wiring greenery in place around the frame, overlapping each piece in the same direction to create a natural flow. Once the foliage is secure, add dried fruit slices by threading short lengths of wire through the centre and twisting onto the frame. Spices and smaller accents can be glued into place for ease.

• Expert Tip: Always work clockwise or anticlockwise around the frame to maintain an even shape. Spritz greenery lightly with water before assembly to keep it supple, and mist occasionally once hung to prolong freshness.

This style gives you the fragrance of fresh foliage with the colour and longevity of dried fruit.

5. Mini Fruit Rings (Ornaments)

Great for decorating trees or as eco-friendly gifts.

• What you’ll need: Garden wire, Mixed Apple Slices, Mini Pumpkins, Cloves, ribbon, and hot glue.

• How to make it: Shape a small circle of wire first, then thread on slices or mini fruits. Twist the wire securely and hide the join under a clove or ribbon. A dab of hot glue helps secure lightweight pieces so they don’t move.

• Expert Tip: Adding a ribbon loop makes these easy to hang on Christmas trees or package as handmade gifts. Keeping the wire pre-shaped helps maintain a neat circle.

✨ Finishing Touches & Safety Tips

• Ribbon: Always finish your wreath with a piece of wired or stiff ribbon. It gives structure, hides any wire joins, and makes a perfect loop for hanging. Seasonal colours work beautifully — deep red for Christmas, rustic burlap for autumn, or soft green for spring.

• Hot Glue: Hot glue is an affordable and easy way to secure dried fruits and spices. Use wire for heavier items, but glue is perfect for slices and accents.

• Child-Friendly Crafting: If children are helping, opt for a low-temperature glue gun to avoid accidents. Always supervise little ones when using sharp wires, pins, or glue.

• Reusing Fruit: Don’t throw away your dried fruit when the season ends! If the fruit is still in good condition, remove it from your wreath and display it in a glass bowl. Even without a strong fragrance, the natural colours are stunning and make a beautiful potpourri-style decoration for your home.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Dried Fruit Wreaths

1. How do you make a dried fruit wreath at home?

You can make a simple fruit ring by threading dried fruit onto garden wire, or build a full wreath by attaching fruit and spices to a moss or straw base. Foraged greenery can also be wired onto a circle frame and combined with dried fruit for a rustic look.

2. What dried fruits are best for wreaths?

The most popular choices are Orange Slices, Apple Slices, Whole Limes, and Whole Oranges. These hold their colour well and pair beautifully with spices.

3. How long will a dried fruit wreath last?

A dried fruit wreath can last several months indoors. For outdoor use, keep it in a sheltered spot to protect it from rain. If you include fresh greenery, expect it to look best for 3–4 weeks.

4. Can you make a wreath with just dried fruit?

Yes — simple wire fruit rings are a beautiful and minimalist option. Oranges, apples, and limes strung together make a natural, rustic decoration.

5. How do you stop dried fruit wreaths from going mouldy?

Using professionally dried fruit is key. At Natural Crafts, our fruit is crisp, vibrant, and treated with safe cereal-grade sulphur dioxide, which prevents rot. Store wreaths in a dry place and avoid spraying oils directly onto fruit.

Final Thoughts: Create Your Own Dried Fruit Wreath

Making a dried fruit wreath is a craft that blends fragrance, colour, and tradition. From simple fruit rings to lush evergreen wreaths, there’s a style for everyone — whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned crafter.

At Natural Crafts, we prepare our dried fruits, spices, and woodland botanicals with care, so you can create wreaths that last beautifully.

Why not start with a classic orange and cinnamon wreath this season? It’s natural, festive, and a joy to make.