Edible Arrangements has nothing on this girl here, y'all. I have been making and gifting fruit bouquets and centerpieces for a few years now and it is such a special way to dress up an event or make someone feel appreciated. People always love them! I thought this would be a great time to share a simple tutorial on how to make one for your Christmas get-together. There are so many options to choose from as far as shape, size, and the type of fruit to use. I created a massive Christmas tree shaped one for a Ring Dunk (Aggie tradition) a couple of years back and we almost didn't want to eat it, it was so pretty! Here's a picture of it. Just please don't judge me on the photo quality!
With one of these, you will have a [temporary] décor piece and appetizer in one. It's a fun way to add a healthy eating option to the mix at your own party or a potluck. I toted the one you'll see me make below to a gathering a couple of weeks ago and it was a big hit. I also took cookies and gingerbread along with it because I didn't want to be "that girl who just brought fruit". š The components to create a fruit centerpiece are simpler than you might think and if you catch a sale and/or use a coupon (like I always do), cheaper than you might think as well! Last but not least, these make great host or holiday gifts.
Festive Fruit Centerpiece Supplies:
- Fresh Fruit: Berries, grapes, pineapple, and melon work really well for this project. I've also used chocolate-covered fruit before and the result is so mouthwatering. It took about 4 pounds of fruit to cover the piece I made here, which is about two feet tall.
- Foam Base: I usually purchase these at Michael's or Hobby Lobby for 50-70% off depending on the active sale or coupons.
- Toothpicks
- Head of lettuce (optional): I sometimes cover the base in lettuce leaves to help the piece look more full. It's completely aesthetic and a bit wasteful, so I prefer to fill up the piece with fruit that will get eaten instead! You can see some lettuce peeking out near the base of the centerpiece above.
- Decorative Ribbon (optional)
How to Make a Festive Fruit Centerpiece
Step One: Gather your components. Be sure to work on a large flat surface.
Step Two: Clean the base. I leave the plastic on the foam to keep fragments from getting everywhere and onto the fruit, and I clean it with vinegar or warm, soapy water then wipe it down and dry before using it. Since food will be eaten from here, I treat it like a dish.
Step Three: Add toothpicks. I use a lot of toothpicks and space them randomly but pretty close together. Use caution with the toothpicks to avoid sticking yourself with one!
Step Four: Add fruit. Add a piece of fruit to each toothpick in whatever pattern or order you desire. Green grapes and strawberries were a default Christmas color scheme choice here. Continue being careful when adding the fruit to the toothpicks.
Step Five: Fill in. There will likely be "holes" where the base peeks through, so you'll need to add additional toothpicks here and there then fill them with fruit.
Step Six: Decorate! You can add ribbon or other items of your choosing to finish it off.
I hope this festive fruit centerpiece tutorial is helpful. Let me know below if you have made or eaten an edible centerpiece before. Thanks for reading!
P.S. more festive Christmas ideas:
Robin Masshole Mommy says
That is crazy cool! What a great idea this is. I need to try to make my own after seeing how awesome yours came out.
GlamKaren says
I really enjoy Edible Arrangements for the look and yumminess! But this tutorial totally helps me out in making my own! Looks so simple from how you showed how to make one! Thanks!
lesleycarter says
This is absolutely perfect. Easy enough to make that my daughter can help and delicious for all ages.
Jazz says
Yes, it's a fun group activity too. Just be mindful of the toothpicks! Thanks for reading!
Christine Cox says
This is reallllly pretty! I know all of the kids in my family would gobble this up so I think I will def. give it a try!
Natalia says
Wooow that is so simple and beautiful! I truly love this thanks!
Allison Rebecca says
This is adorable! I have been looking for a good way to display fruit at a party I am having Saturday, I think I've found it!
workoutwithdi says
Love this idea, but I know that grapes are one of my favorite fruits so it wouldn't last long hahahaha
Melissa Vera says
Wow you make this look so easy. And you are right this looks to good to eat. You did an amazing job.
Jazz says
Thanks so much and thank you for reading!
Debra says
What a pretty tree, I have a party this weekend and I am so temped this would be amazing!
Carolyn says
I have never seen this before and think it is awesome. I am usually the girl that just brings fruit and I want to wow them all next time.
Ana says
Wow what a gorgeous centerpiece. I love that it is made out of fruit, lovely.
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
What a beautiful idea! i would have never thought to make something like this, but to buy it instead. Thanks for the idea!
Rose Sahetapy says
Wow! This is amazing! Thanks for the clear step by step tutorial. This will make a beautiful centrepiece, and the best thing is, it's edible.
Jazz says
And the fact that it's edible helps with cleanup, too! Thanks for reading!
theclutterboxblog says
oh I love this! It looks fabulous, I totally will try doing this
Tara Holland says
This is so festive and easy to make. I love to have fruit at parties but never have a pretty way to display it on the table. Thanks for the idea.
Jazz says
You're welcome. Thanks for reading!
courteneynoonan says
This is such a good idea! I can't have foods with sugar in but I love fruit so this is a nice alternative to chocolately Christmas snacks haha
Corina | Now THAT I Can Do, Mama! says
That is beautiful! I love the spiral design created by the strawberries. Thanks for showing us how easy it is to make!
angie the freckled rose says
Oh my goodness this is the coolest! I love doing eye catching things like this with food for holiday parties and this is perfect. It actually looks pretty simple too. Thanks for the great idea and happy holidays š
Jazz says
Happy Holidays to you too, Angie. Thanks for stopping by!
taylorannes95 says
Ok I love this! This is the coolest little tree I've ever seen -- and would honestly be a nice break from the sugar high we all experience around the holidays. š I can't wait to do this.
cldamon says
Wow what a great idea! That's beautiful! It looks intricate but easy enough to do pretty quickly!
lovelysilvia says
OMG this is perfect! I have been trying to decide what to take for holiday parties that is festive and easy. This is perfect!
TheMrsTee says
What a creative idea!! I love that it's edible and beautiful all in one piece. This would make the perfect addition to any holiday table!
Blythe Alpern says
Your design makes Edible Arrangements look like amateurs. That is seriously impressive. I can see why you won't want to eat it because it is so pretty.
Rachel Catherine says
That thing is awesome! I love that it is decoration and something people can snack on, especially since it's healthy.
reesann723 says
You make this look SO easy! It's so beautiful too! I should try my hand at it!
Jazz says
Thank you so much! It is really easy and I'm sure yours will turn out beautifully if you try it.
Heather Garcia says
I am loving this tutorial! I have often wondered how to make these fruit arrangements and you explained in a way that makes it totally doable! Thanks for the info!