How to Make Edible Fruit Centerpieces

Dramatic and refined.

Set the mood when you set your dinner or patio table with a beautiful handmade fresh fruit centerpiece that resembles a fancy flower arrangement, but costs half the price. Besides delighting guests, a fresh fruit centerpiece also can be eaten as dessert. It's a sure-fire draw for compliments for the hostess.

Things You'll Need

• Melon ballers Cookie cutter Small knife Vase or bowl Curly kale (optional) Chocolate strawberry dip (optional) Shredded coconut(optional)

Instructions

Turn a Fruit Centerpiece Into Dessert

1. 

   Choose the size and shape of your fruit bowl. Shop the fruit stands to see what fruit is in season. The fruits will usually match the color of the seasons. If you want to use a standing fruit bowl, buy fruits that you can slice lengthwise, so it can stand up. Flat bowls will need smaller fruits, to fill out the interior of the bowl. Place smaller fruits, such as grapes, berries or cherries randomly, creating clusters of colors.

2. Prepare the fruit by washing it. Carefully remove the skin of a pineapple using a sharp knife. Cut it in thin slices, or use a cookie cutter to create a shape.Top the pineapple with a half a red cherry by using a toothpick. Cut the fruit lengthwise if you're going to put a skewer through the piece.

3. Use a melon baller to scoop out cantaloupes, honeydews and watermelons. The more color, the better the centerpiece will look. Use various size melon ballers to vary the size of the pieces. Arrange curly green lettuce in the bowl for background color and to hold other more delicate fruits, like chocolate-dipped strawberries.

4. 

   You also can create an edible fruit centerpiece that is more casual, and easily available anytime and for any occasion. Take a small or large bowl and fill it with whole (washed), apples, tangerines, a pear and a banana. Set it in the center of table of informal patio lunch or brunch to adorn the table. Take black or green (or both), grapes and place them over the fruit, gracefully hanging down on both sides of the bowl. Serve with a small fruit knife and napkin and plate.

Tips & Warnings

• Scoop out a half a watermelon and use as a centerpiece for a summer patio party.

• Always wash fruits prior to handling, whether serving whole or peeling.

Resources

• Make Edible Fruit Centerpiece
• Edible Arrangements