The vegetable crop is finally in! We watered, we waited and watered and are now rewarded with a bountiful supply of vegetables.
Now what! Who else is pawning off a few veggies on the neighbors? Is your freezer and pantry already full veggies?
The Vegetable Tree Centerpiece to the rescue.
Edible Vegetable Arrangement
Fresh broccoli
Fresh cauliflower
Red grape tomatoes
Yellow grape tomatoes
Super sharp yellow cheese cut into a thick square
Firm mozzarella cheese cut into a thick square
Cookie cutters if desired
A foam cone of your choosing. A 6″ foam cone or 12″ foam cone works nicely.
Aluminum Foil
Glue gun and glue sticks
Disposable white serving platter for the base.
Plastic Toothpicks or wood toothpicks
DIY Vegetable Tree Centerpiece Design
Prepping the foam cone which will become the base of the tree is the first priority.
Wrap aluminum foil around the base of foam cone. The entire cone should be covered. If necessary the foil can be adhered to the cone with the glue gun at the seam.
Attach the foil wrapped cone to the white serving platter with the glue gun. Let the “tree” set for the glue to adhere.
Prep your vegetables. The broccoli and cauliflower florets should be cleaned and a floret with a flat bottom works best.
Gently insert a toothpick into each floret.
Assembly line: It is quickest to clean and prep the vegetables first and then spear each floret or vegetable with the toothpick prior to placing onto the tree.
Gently insert the vegetable onto the tree into the desired pattern.
Optional: Cut firm cheese into ‘ornaments’ or decorations. Keep chilled until ready to place on the tree to maintain the firmness. The size of your cookie cutter determines how thick the cheese block needs to be to use a cookie cutter. I would highly recommend metal cookie cutters are used.
Simple Vegetable Decoration Ideas
Let your imagination determine the design of your Vegetable Tree Centerpiece.
Anything goes! Vegetables of your choice which are firm will work. This is a flexible DIY as the design can be tweaked or adjusted as the design develops due to the toothpicks. Simply remove the vegetable/toothpick and start over or move if needed.
This was a tree I made for a Christmas centerpiece and the vegetable selection at the stores was not great due to living in the north.
Fruit Can Also Be Used
Fruit and vegetables or just fruit can be used to make a fun, conversational and edible centerpiece. Include dipping sauce for either the vegetables or fruit for your guests. There is definite labor involved but your guests will love the novelty of the edible centerpiece and as a hostess… all the work is done prior to the guests arriving. Bonus!
Enjoy!
Sandy KS says
I love the idea of a veggie tree. It is adorable.
tab says
Thanks, edible centerpieces are fun to make!
Bill Kasman says
I like the notion of a vegetable tree as a Christmas tree! Very novel.
tab says
The Christmas Veggie version tree was a hit as an edible centerpiece…
Andria Perry says
I can see this as a hit at the Christmas parties! LOVE this idea. thank you.
tab says
It is a Christmas winner I have found 🙂
Vicki Green says
What a great idea. I’m going to try this vegetable tree centerpiece for one of our upcoming family get togethers.
tab says
Enjoy!
Vickie Ewell says
What a clever holiday idea! I love this!
tab says
It is a fun one for the holidays !
MmrliRuddy says
This is such a cute display. I tried doing this with muffins and it was a total fail. Maybe I will have better luck with veggie. (If nothing else it would be healthier)
tab says
I’ve had a few missteps myself with food displays :)- the veggie tree is doable!
MmrliRuddy says
Will have to try a veggie Christmas tree. Maybe that will keep me away from the deserts table. Lol
tab says
lol! I hear ya!