Etrog Crafts 101: Simple DIY Sukkah Decorations with Big Impact

Sukkot ends. The Schach comes down. The folding chairs go back into the garage. And there it is on your counter.

Your etrog.

Slightly bruised. Still fragrant. Too holy to toss casually. Too suspiciously non–food-grade to confidently turn into jam.

So what now?

Sure, you could attempt etrog marmalade. You could also…not. Especially if you’re among the many who feel mildly nervous about turning something that lived in a cardboard box for a week into a breakfast spread.

Instead, let’s talk about something far more fun.

Let’s turn that etrog into next year’s DIY Sukkah décor.

Step One: Slice Like You Mean It

Grab a sharp knife and slice your etrog into even rounds.

Aim for about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Thin enough to dry well, thick enough to hold their shape.

Pro tip: perfection is overrated. If some slices are slightly uneven, that just adds to the organic charm. We’re going for rustic farmhouse Sukkah vibes, not surgical precision.

Also? Save everything.

Some slices will be mostly rind with barely any fruit in the center. Keep them. Those dramatic, all-rind pieces are fantastic in crafts and add texture and variation.

Nothing wasted. Everything aesthetic.

Step Two: Give Them Space

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay out your slices in a single layer.

No overlapping. This is not a citrus cuddle party.

Spacing matters because we want these to dry, not steam.

Step Three: Low and Slow (Like a Good Kugel)

Set your oven to its lowest temperature. For many ovens, that’s around 170°F.

Slide in the tray and let time do its thing.

This is not a 20-minute project. It’s a “check on it occasionally while doing literally anything else in your house” kind of project.

Expect anywhere from 4.5 to 7 hours total.

Yes, hours.

Rotate the tray every so often to make sure everything dries evenly. Some slices will be done earlier than others. Pull those out as they finish – think of it as citrus graduation day.

You’ll know they’re ready when they’re completely dry and firm. Since we’re not eating these, you can let them dry to a tough, hard texture. In fact, that’s ideal. The drier they are, the longer they’ll last.

And the smell? Heavenly. Your kitchen will briefly feel like a citrus orchard decided to move in.

The Seed Situation

Let’s talk about the seeds.

Etrog seeds aren’t cemented into place. As the slices dry, a few may loosen or fall out.

You have options:

• Ignore it. (Highly recommended.)

• Secure them with a sealant like outdoor Mod Podge.

• Embrace the occasional missing seed as part of the natural look.

Personally, I vote for low-drama crafting. If a seed falls out, it falls out. We’re decorating a Sukkah, not submitting to a museum exhibition.

Storage: The Waiting Game

Once your slices are fully dry, let them cool completely.

Then store them in an airtight container or zip-seal bag with as much air removed as possible.

If they’re thoroughly dried, they can last for quite a while. Properly dehydrated citrus doesn’t hold moisture, which means it doesn’t invite unwanted fuzzy guests.

Make them right after Sukkot. Pack them away. Pull them out next Elul feeling wildly organized and ahead of life.

Future you will be impressed.

And Now…Let’s Make Something Pretty

Sure, dried etrog slices look beautiful on their own. But let’s elevate them.

Introducing:

Rustic Sukkot Napkin Rings

Because nothing says “Welcome to our Sukkah” like citrus-powered DIY table décor.

What You’ll Need

Materials

• Burlap ribbon

• Leaf ribbon

• Dried etrog slices

Tools

• Hot glue gun

• Fabric scissors

• (Optional but wise) finger guards for hot glue

Yes, burlap. Yes, leaves. We’re leaning into earthy harvest energy.

Step One: Measure Twice, Glue Once

Wrap a piece of burlap ribbon around a napkin the way you’d actually serve it.

Add about a centimeter for overlap. Cut.

This is your base ring.

Step Two: Seal the Deal

Add a small line of hot glue to one end and form your ring.

Warning: burlap has holes. Hot glue is enthusiastic. Protect your fingers accordingly.

Work on a surface you don’t mind sacrificing to the crafting gods.

Step Three: Leaf It to Me

Take your leaf ribbon and glue one end somewhere hidden.

You’ve got two good hiding spots:

• The back seam where you closed the ring

• The front center (which will later be covered by your etrog slice)

Wrap the leaf ribbon around the burlap ring a few times. Trim. Glue the end discreetly.

Already adorable.

Step Four: Citrus Crown

Now for the star of the show.

Pick your prettiest dried etrog slice – the one with the most dramatic peel and the most symmetrical shape.

Glue it to the front of the napkin ring, pretty side up.

Instant Sukkah chic.

Why This Works

Sukkot is about beauty. About hiddur mitzvah. About bringing nature into our temporary dwelling and celebrating abundance.

What better way to do that than by transforming the very fruit you held during Hallel into next year’s DIY Sukkah décor?

There’s something deeply satisfying about using what you already have. It feels intentional. Sustainable. Meaningful.

And frankly, it looks amazing.

Other Ideas (Because You’ll Want More)

Once you have dried etrog slices, you’ll start seeing possibilities everywhere:

• String them into a garland

• Hang them as sun catchers

• Attach them to place cards

• Incorporate them into a wreath

• Scatter them along the Sukkah table for instant texture

They pair beautifully with wood beads, twine, greenery, and even fairy lights.

One etrog. Endless options.

The Post-Sukkot Tradition You Didn’t Know You Needed

Instead of asking, “What do I do with my etrog now?”
You’ll start thinking, “Which design am I making this year?”

Dry it. Store it. Craft with it.

Your Sukkah next year will thank you.

And your guests? They’ll casually ask where you bought those gorgeous citrus napkin rings.

You’ll smile mysteriously.

“Oh, these? Just a little DIY project.”

Because nothing says festive like fruit with a backstory.