This festive fruit Christmas tree serves as a dazzling centerpiece for any winter holiday event. It is simple to make and also quite healthy and refreshing. If you are looking to wow your guests this creative winter-themed fruit platter is sure to delight family, friends, and guests of all ages.
How to Make
Assembling this fruit Christmas tree is incredibly straightforward. First, gather all the ingredients. Next, using toothpicks, attach the fruit to a cone-shaped form, working your way from the bottom up. Lastly, a light dusting of powdered sugar and fairy lights adds an element of fun and whimsy to the display. For more festive centerpieces this holiday, try our pull-apart turkey bread recipe.
Can I make it in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare your fruit Christmas tree up to one day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. If you intend to include powdered sugar and fairy lights, wait until it’s ready to be served before adding these finishing touches.
Go Green
Make your fruit Christmas tree eco-friendly by implementing some of these suggestions.
Reuse/ Repurpose
It’s no secret that styrofoam is difficult to recycle. It also can take over 500 years to decompose. Consider holding on to your foam cone, as it can be reused to make several more fruit Christmas trees or be repurposed for another craft project. When disposing of your foam cone, consult your local recycling service for proper information. Craft stores often offer foam cones made from recycled materials, providing a slightly more sustainable option.
Biodegradable Cling Wrap
Instead of using plastic wrap when making your fruit Christmas tree base, consider using compostable cling wrap. This environmentally friendly alternative can be found on many store shelves.
Biodegradable Tree Base
Explore creative alternatives for the fruit Christmas tree base by making it from fruits and veggies. You can core out an apple for the base, placing a large carrot inside as the tree trunk, or cut a pineapple into a cone shape. Share your unique ideas for compostable Christmas tree bases in the comments below!
In Conclusion
Combine classic Christmas shapes and colors with sweet fruits to create a display that outshines a basic fruit platter. This easy-to-make fruit Christmas tree is an excellent activity for kids to participate in. Place your cone-shaped base on a decorative plate or cake stand, and garnish with your favorite fruits using toothpicks. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar and fairy lights to create a truly unforgettable holiday centerpiece.
Fruit Christmas Tree
Course: Appetizers, Dessert, CenterpieceDifficulty: Easy4-20
servings1
hour30
minutes1
hour30
minutesCreate a dazzling fruit Christmas tree for your upcoming holiday celebration. This refreshing centerpiece is so simple to make and is sure to delight guests of all ages.
What You’ll Need
Styrofoam cone (or make a cone-shaped base from fruits and veggies, see notes)
Cling wrap (if using styrofoam cone)
Toothpicks
Several pounds of fruit for decorating (specific amounts depending on the size of your base)
Decorative plate or cake stand
- Optional
Slice of pineapple or starfruit
Star-shaped cookie cutter
Icing sugar
1 string of fairy lights
Directions
- Prep base/trunk: If using a foam cone, wrap it in cling wrap or create a base from fruits and veggies (see notes). Place the cone on a decorative plate or cake stand.
- Prep fruit: Wash and cut fruit into bite-sized pieces. To make a star, slice a starfruit or use a star-shaped cookie cutter on a slice of pineapple for the tree topper.
- Attach fruit: Press a toothpick a third of the way into the fruit, then press the other side a third of the way into the base. Repeat from bottom to top.
- Cover gaps: Identify gaps and use small pieces of fruit and berries to cover holes. Optionally, attach mint leaves onto the toothpick with the fruit for added flair.
- Final touches: Dust the tree with powdered sugar using a sifter. Optionally, loosely wrap the Christmas fruit tree in fairy lights from top to bottom.
Notes
- Instead of a foam cone, make one from fruit and veggies. Core an apple for the base and place a large carrot inside for the trunk, or carve a pineapple into a cone shape.
- Our 4.79” x 17.9” foam cone used 7 pounds of strawberries, half a pound of blueberries, and one handful of mint leaves.
- Make the fruit Christmas tree up to one day in advance and refrigerate. If adding powdered sugar and fairy lights, wait until it’s ready to be served.
