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–+ servings
A Christmas fruit tree centerpiece ready to be served.
Course Appetizer, Snack

Fruit Christmas Tree Centerpiece

By: Elysia Cartlidge
Servings 10 servings
This Fruit Christmas Tree is hands-down the most beautiful (and one of the easiest) ways to display fresh fruit on your holiday table. All you need is a craft cone, toothpicks, and lots of fresh fruits and mint to make a stunning "tree" to serve alongside your holiday appetizers. Perfect for brunch, grazing, or as a healthy dessert option!
Prep Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients
  

  • 1 fresh, ripe pineapple
  • 16 oz package of strawberries
  • 3 easy peel mandarin oranges, such as Cuties
  • 2 cups red grapes
  • 2 cups green grapes
  • 2 kiwi fruits
  • 1 Star fruit
  • 1 honeydew melon
  • 6 oz. package blueberries
  • Large bunch of fresh mint

Other Supplies

Instructions

  • Wash all fruit and pat dry with paper towel. Slice pineapple into 1” chunks. Slice tops off strawberries. Slice kiwi horizontally, then into thick half moons. Slice starfruit thick. Peel oranges and break into segments. 
  • Slice the honeydew into 1.25” thick rounds. Use the star shaped cookie cutter to cut melon stars. Handle gently if your melon is very ripe. Place stars on paper towel and blot gently.
  • If you couldn't find star fruit, use a larger star shape cookie cutter to punch a star shape out of a slice of the pineapple, or use a paring knife to shape your own star.
  • Place craft cone onto a serving platter or large plate. I secured mine down with sticky tack.
  • Push toothpicks into the cone on an angle for the strawberries, and gently hook the strawberries onto the toothpicks.
  • Repeat process with the oranges. Next place on the other firm fruits such as the pineapple, grapes, and kiwi. Add the melon stars.
  • Fill in smaller areas with blueberries, you shouldn’t need to use toothpicks for each one, just push them into the cracks created by the fruit. Fill remaining larger gaps with fresh mint leaves, and create a ring of mint leaves around the base to hide the bottom of the cone. It's ok if some of the cone is still visible. Serve immediately, or wrap gently with plastic wrap and place in fridge for up to 3 hours. Refresh the fruit tree with the leftover fruit as needed during your party.

Notes

  • ​​Start with larger, firmer fruits; add smaller, softer fruits last. Insert toothpicks at a slight upward angle for best hold.
  • Use any firm fruit you like (pineapple, watermelon, mango, cantaloupe, berries). Bananas, pears, and apples brown quickly and are best avoided.
  • If star fruit isn’t available, use pineapple, orange, mango, or watermelon for the topper. Apples can work but should be brushed with lemon juice. A clean, shatterproof ornament is another option.
  • Fill small gaps with pomegranate seeds for extra color. Pre-cut fruit (especially pineapple) works well.
  • Fresh mint is best, but kale can substitute. Other herbs may affect flavor.
  • Assemble as close to serving time as possible. Don’t wash strawberries too far in advance.
  • Craft foam cones are typically found in the floral or seasonal section of craft stores. If needed, size up or down (or make a “tree forest” with smaller cones). No cone? Use a peeled pineapple base topped with an apple and carrot as a DIY support.
  • Cone may be wrapped in plastic wrap if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 185kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 3gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 27mgPotassium: 680mgFiber: 5gSugar: 37gVitamin A: 372IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg
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