How to Make a Fresh Fruit Centerpiece

Making a fresh fruit centerpiece provides the perfect table decoration for every occasion. Customize the fresh fruit centerpiece to match the season or your home's décor. It's a great way to add color to a room and table for just a few dollars. The only expense is the fruit. Dig through your cabinets for that clear container taking up space. Purchase fruits that are in season or shop at the farmer's market for great deals.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fresh fruit
• Clear container
• Toothpicks
• Greenery
• Flower buds
• Nuts
• Pine branches
• Egg whites
• Pastry brush
• Sugar

1. Select fruits matching the season or your décor. Pick fruits appropriate for the season, such as apples or grapefruits for winter and kiwis, star fruit and pineapple for the summer. Choose fruits matching the décor of your table or room. Citrus fruits come in orange, yellow and green. For red, purple or pink décor consider apples, grapes, persimmon or pomegranates. Select fruits of different textures to add visual appeal and depth to the fresh fruit centerpiece.

2. Choose a container and purchase fruit. Pick out a container to showcase the fruit. A clear bowl, standing off the table, makes an excellent display. Other options include a fishbowl, a clear glass bowl or a large vase. Measure the container's height and width so you purchase enough fresh fruit to generously fill the container. Place leftovers on the table, around the container.

3. Arrange the fruit. Rinse the fruit off before putting it into the container. Save the nicest looking pieces for the top of the arrangement. Use toothpicks to keep fruit pieces in place. Arranging the fruit is a process of trial and error. Move the fruit around until you like the look of the fresh fruit centerpiece.

4. Add adornments. Cut greenery from bushes in the yard to fill in the gaps of the fresh fruit centerpiece. Wash and dry the leaves before placing them in the arrangement. Place leaves between all layers of fruit and a few nice leaves on the top of the centerpiece. Consider using other accents in the fresh fruit centerpiece, such as fresh flowers, nuts or pine branches during winter.

5. Try an alternative idea. Use a clear, deep bowl, and pack it with whole fresh fruits like apples, kiwis or oranges. Arrange sunflowers, cherries or rose petals along the sides of the bowl. Fill the bowl with cold water. This adds a nice shimmer in candlelight. Try frosting the fresh fruit centerpieces. Brush egg whites onto the fruit and sprinkle with sugar. Allow for drying time and place in a clear bowl, showcasing the shimmering fruit.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the fresh fruit centerpiece daily to replace any rotten or withering fruits. Place in the refrigerator, when not on display, to slow the rotting process.