Pretty doesn’t have to mean expensive.
Pretty can be affordable, thoughtful, and just right.
At Deenista, we wanted to create a simple centerpiece or table arrangement that speaks to our readers without costing a fortune. Especially around holidays like Eid, when budgets are already stretched. Beauty should feel intentional, not like another pressure.
This DIY orange slice bowl was created with that in mind. Something warm and beautiful for the table, made with very little and guided by simplicity.
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Why this orange slice centerpiece works
This handmade orange slice centerpiece is practical, slightly imperfect, and easy to create.
It works well as:
- an Eid table centerpiece or celebration sofreh
- a Yalda table decoration
- a seasonal or holiday table centerpiece
It adds warmth and character to the table, stays affordable, and often becomes a conversation starter that makes guests pause and say wow.
What you will need to make a DIY orange slice centerpiece
- Oranges (how many depends on the size of your bowl)
- Baking paper
- Icing sugar (optional for shine)
- A bowl (for shaping)
- Glue gun + glue sticks
That’s it. No special tools. No craft-store run.
How to make a DIY orange slice centerpiece step by step
Step 1: Slice the oranges
Slice the oranges into rounds, about 0.5–0.8 cm thick. Try to keep them fairly even, but small variations are welcome — they add character later.
Pat the slices gently with kitchen paper to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Dry the orange slices
Place the orange slices directly on the oven rack (not on a tray).
On the solid tray below the rack, place a sheet of baking paper to catch any drips and keep the oven clean. The tray should sit underneath the rack, not replace it.
Lightly sprinkle the slices with icing sugar. This helps create a subtle shine once they’re dried.
Oven settings:
- 80°C / 175°F
- Top and bottom heat
- Rack placed in the middle
- Around 3 hours
Every now and then, open the oven door briefly to let steam escape.
The goal is orange slices that are dry but still flexible. If they become too dry, they’ll be harder to shape inside the bowl. This slow drying method helps keep the slices pliable for shaping.
Step 3: Choose your shape
Choose your bowl for shaping.
You can decide how structured you want the final result to be.
As you can see in my bowls:
- one is more organic and slightly messy
- the other is more symmetrical and composed
Both styles work beautifully.
I used a metal pot as my mould, simply because it made the process stress-free — I didn’t have to worry about heat or glue affecting it.
Step 4: Assemble the bowl
While the orange slices are still slightly flexible, begin placing them directly inside the bowl, stacking them as you go.
Use a glue gun to attach the slices together. This part is very forgiving. If something doesn’t look right, let the glue cool, peel it off, and redo it.
Work slowly. Build the shape layer by layer. There’s no need to rush or aim for perfection. Imperfect looks beautiful.
Step 5: Remove and finish
Once the glue has fully dried, and the orange slices have fully air-dried, carefully lift the bowl out of the mould.
Some slices may stick slightly. This is normal. I gently loosened them with a small fruit knife. If anything needs reinforcing, simply add a bit more glue once the bowl is free and holding its shape.
Because the structure is already set, finishing touches are easy.
A simple Eid centerpiece idea
This bowl makes a beautiful Eid centerpiece:
- fill it with dates or dried fruit
- pair it with candles or soft table lighting
- use it as part of a larger sofreh or table setting
It’s understated, warm, and intentional — without feeling excessive. A reminder that beauty doesn’t need to be extravagant to feel meaningful.
If you enjoy thoughtful, nature-inspired centerpieces, you may also like our wild pomegranate centerpiece. It’s another simple way to bring warmth, symbolism, and beauty to the table, using natural elements and a slow, intentional approach.
A note from Deenista
At Deenista, we’re drawn to objects that feel human — handmade, slightly uneven, and created with care. This orange slice bowl reflects that philosophy perfectly.
Sometimes the most meaningful pieces aren’t bought.
They’re made slowly, with simple things, and used again and again.
If you’re drawn to thoughtful table settings rooted in tradition, you may also enjoy our guide to creating a contemporary Yalda sofreh. It explores colour, symbolism, and modern ways to style the table while staying connected to heritage.
