Are you into DIY? How about making a garland out of dried fruit for the holidays? An original idea to decorate your home, to give as a gift or take to dinner as a present from friends and relatives.

Making a decorative garland, which can also be used as a table centrepiece, is quite simple even if you are not a DIY expert.
All you need is a round base, dried (and maybe even dehydrated) fruit, scissors, ribbons and string, hot glue, the right amount of patience and your creativity.

Ready-made polystyrene bases to decorate can be found quite easily on the market. Alternatively, you can make a suitable base for your garland by cutting it out of a sheet of rigid cardboard. Be careful not to choose one that is too thin otherwise it will bend under the weight of the fruit and other decorations you decide to add.

Prepare the ribbon for hanging your wreath and the decorative ‘tails’ before you start gluing the fruit onto the base. If you plan to ‘unravel’ your garland/centrepiece and eat the fruit after the festivities, don't overdo the glue.
If you are going to use the composition as a table centrepiece, you could add a candle holder in the centre and fill the central hole with dried and dehydrated fruit to offer to guests.

Which dried fruits should be used for the composition?

Walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts are ideal for this type of arrangement, clean the shell well (if you wish, you can add a little spray snow or glitter to finish) and the final effect will be wonderful.
You can also use dried orange, cinnamon sticks or aniseed stars to enrich your composition.

Ready to let your imagination run wild? Also take a look at the ideas for Christmas decorations with dried fruit, published some time ago.