Meghan Markle’s Fabulously Fragrant DIY Christmas Decorations Can Easily Be Recreated in Your Own Oven

Amongst all the holiday crafting, baking, and chatting in With Love, Meghan on Netflix, there was one quiet detail that stood out to garden lovers everywhere: her Christmas tree decorated with simple pieces of dried fruit. No glitter or plastic, just slices of glowing citrus against soft evergreen branches. The look feels thoughtful, classy, and natural; very Meghan Markle. It’s perfectly aligned with her understated garden-forward aesthetic.

The good news for those inspired by the Duchess of Sussex? This kind of tree is super easy to recreate at home using fruits you probably already have on hand in your kitchen. With a little patience, creativity, and some evergreen accents, you can transform citrus, apples, pinecones, and greenery into a beautiful Christmas display.

Choosing the Right Fruit to Dry

Citrus fruits are a classic choice when it comes to dried decorations, and for good reason: oranges, lemons, and grapefruits dry well, hold their shape artfully, and have unique colors. Patti Estep, an expert in gardening, DIY, and seasonal decor, as well as owner of Hearthandvine.com, says, “I do love to use dried citrus fruit for decorating. Interestingly, grapefruit looks like large orange slices once dried.”

Apples are another excellent option, especially for gardeners who want to add color contrast. Estep says, “Once I did dry apples and they were pretty too. I used Red Delicious so that the dark skin added a bit of contrast – and for the holidays, dark red is always nice.”

Estep says that whole fruits can be trickier. “Whole fruit is harder. When I dried whole clementines, I set them out to dry, but did not leave enough room, and they molded. Air flow is key." It’s best to stick with thin slices for the best results.

How to Dry Fruit Successfully

Drying fruit is quite simple, but technique still matters. Start by slicing fruit evenly, about ¼ inch (0.5 cm) thick. Estep advises, “Make sure you sop up the extra liquid after cutting the fruit with paper towels.”

Most home gardeners use an oven, though it's a good idea to buy a dehydrator if you want to dry fruit more regularly. They can be used to preserve much of your garden harvest, including tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. You can get some great budget-friendly dehydrators on Amazon, like this one from VITAS store.

Estep uses an oven, saying, “I use my oven to dry them. Usually, the lowest setting works well. Place them directly on the oven racks or use an oven-safe baker’s rack. Every couple of hours, flip the fruit.”

Drying can take several hours, depending on how thick you make the slices and the moisture content. Don’t rush it; the fruit should feel leathery rather than sticky.

Estep says, “Even when they seem dry from the oven, they can often use more time, so letting them sit out in single layers is a good idea.”

Pair Fruit With Evergreens & Natural Elements

Once it’s dried, the fruit looks absolutely delightful when paired with greenery. Evergreen branches like pine, fir, cedar, and spruce add scent as well as structure to your Christmas tree. To complement the natural look, add pinecones, bay leaves, rosemary sprigs, or cinnamon sticks.

You can, of course, source fresh greenery from your own garden, while big-box stores sell affordable seasonal decor, like these cinnamon sticks from Good & Gather at Target.

As for attaching fruit, simplicity wins. Estep tells us, “As far as how to combine them with greenery, I often use hot glue to adhere the fruit to whatever I am working with. You can try using floral wire or twine, but they will show.”

For tabletop displays or mantel décor, another easy option is skipping attachments completely. Estep adds, “The easiest option is placing them in a big wooden bowl like potpourri.” Try something like this wooden bowl from Hearth & Hand at Target.. It’s the perfect shape and can be used year-round.

Styling a Natural, Sustainable Tree

When decorating your tree, less is more, which is definitely the Meghan Markle aesthetic. Space fruit slices evenly so light filters through them, giving a stained-glass effect.

You can add warm white string lights underneath the branches, like these battery-operated fairy lights from Amazon, to enhance the translucent glow. This style looks incredibly tasteful on full-size trees, tabletop trees, or even outdoor evergreens in mild climates.

Storing Dried Fruit Decorations

Many gardeners also just compost their fruit decorations after Christmas is over and make fresh ones next year, making it a sustainable and fun tradition. However, if you keep them in airtight containers – such as glass jars or bags – in a cool, dark, dry place, they can last for several years.

This lovely DIY project brings the garden indoors and celebrates the beauty of natural, simple materials, just as Meghan Markle often does.