Tip number three in our series of Wreath Making Made Less Difficult: lemon/lime soda. Dried sliced fruits like oranges, lemons, and apples, make charming accents (although as we’ve said before, be careful using them on outdoor wreaths or you may attract flies on a warm day.) How do we keep them from turning brown, however? There are various products you can buy from floral supply shops, craft outlets, and on the internet, but one of the most cost effective methods we use is to soak the pieces in Sprite, 7-Up, or most frugally, generic brand soda. We don’t recommend using diet soda – the artificial sugars may interfere with the result. Just slice the fruit, dip them in the soda, and dry on a rack. A dehydrator is most efficient, but a very low oven will work. Just be careful to keep the door slightly open or check often so the fruit doesn’t caramelize. A convection oven will speed things up. The wreath below, from 2009, shows how effective sliced fruit can be. We’ve found it pairs especially well with plaid bows.
Today’s post has been sponsored by Garden Club of the Back Bay Charter Member Kitty Winter, for many years a resident of Marlborough Street and frequent host to Garden Club events. Thank you, Kitty.
