Christmas Fruit Tree

If you're looking for a healthy option to serve at the upcoming Christmas festivities, or for a pretty centerpiece, OR both in one, then look no further than this adorable Christmas fruit tree!!

I mean, how much cuter can a centerpiece get? And you can customize the fruit to your liking, and even make a family bonding experience out of it with the kids! Like making a gingerbread house, only healthier!! The number of fruits you choose will determine how much of each you need - the more variety, the less you need of each. Ya feel me? I chose to use grapes, blackberries, strawberries, cantaloupe, and kiwi. And some parsley for garnish. 

I won't lie to you, this was more work than I anticipated that it would be, but still nothing outrageous. I think the Styrofoam cone I bought was unusually hard, so getting the toothpicks in and out was a challenge. Most cones aren't like that, in my experience. 

Also, a little tip...no matter how tempting it will be to first stick the fruit on the toothpick and then stick it into the Styrofoam, don't do it. That's a surefire way to stab yourself in the finger when the toothpick shoots out the other side of the fruit your holding. It hurts. Take my word for it. 

This is also why it takes a little time. positioning the toothpicks, sticking fruit on, and then realizing you need to re-position it and having to pull it all off/out and do it again. Of course, you could always use more parsley throughout the tree to fill in any gaps. I wish I'd have thought about that while I was making my tree. 

I started at the bottom and worked up my up and around, but I'm sure you could start at the top and work down just as well. Whatever you decided to do, just allow yourself the time to work on it, so you don't get in a rush and wind up frustrated. 

It's definitely worth the time and effort it takes, because the end result is not only beautiful, but delicious and a great healthy option for the holidays!

Christmas Fruit Tree

What you will need:

• 1 Styrofoam cone (they make various sizes, so choose depending on your desired size - I used a smaller one, about 8" tall)
• Toothpicks (have plenty on hand)
• Assorted fruits (I used a pint of strawberries, green grapes, a 6 oz carton of blackberries, cantaloupe - scooped with a melon baller - and 3 kiwi)
• cilantro of parsley for the base garnish (and throughout if you like)

How to assemble:

1. Starting at the bottom (or top, if you prefer), place toothpicks into the tree, and place fruit on them. Alternate the fruit so you have a good variety and not one kind all bunched together. Place them as close as you can to avoid seeing through to the cone. Or alternately, you can place cilantro or parsley in-between to fill any gaps.
2. Work your way around the tree until the cone is covered and your beautiful fruit tree masterpiece is complete. Place your garnish on the bottom of your desired serving dish or plate, and top with the fruit tree. Place as a centerpiece or snack table decoration, and watch it be devoured!