by Pat Merewether

Created on: March 28, 2010   Last Updated: July 07, 2010

The shape, color and scents of fresh fruits, evergreens or candles make it the perfect choice for a centerpiece for a casual backyard gathering to a formal holiday meal.

Casual Kabobs

Use your own favorite fruits, these are just ideas.

2 fresh pineapples

1 lemon

1 sugar baby watermelon (small watermelon)

1 Honey Dew melon

1 Cantaloupe

2 Star Fruit

2 Kiwis

1 bunch of large red, purple and/or green seedless grapes

1 pound fresh strawberries

1 pound blueberries

1 bunch of red leaf lettuce or other attractive greens.

1 large serving platter, cake plate or a wooden board 12"x16". If you have a heavy wooden cutting board you can cover it in foil and use that.

12 - 40 wooden bamboo skewers (depending on the number of people attending.  I'd make at least two kabobs for each expected guest)

Slice off about 1" of the bottom of a pineapple - just enough so it will stand on end without wobbling and place it in the center of the serving tray.

Around the bottomed of the pineapple with the stem ends slightly tucked under the pineapple

Cut the melons, star fruit, and pineapple into bite size pieces - about 1" cubes.

Slide an assortment of fruits (7-9) on each bamboo skewer.  I usually make some that are all melon and others that are berries for people with various allergies.  

Alternate colors - watermelon, honeydew, pineapple and cantaloupe; Star fruit, blueberry, strawberry, pineapple, etc.

If you'd like a patriotic theme for Memorial Day or Fourth of July, etc.  Use blueberry. Strawberry, marshmallow or slices of star fruit.

Stick the ends of the fruit kabobs into the pineapple, starting at the bottom and spiraling up at 3" intervals to the top, or simply lay the kabobs in a starburst pattern around the bottom of the pineapple.

For extra drama insert a few sparklers and light them just before serving.

HOLIDAY CENTERPIECE

1 Silver or decorative tray approximately 12 inches in diameter

1 Silver or glass vase with a wide mouth and wide bottom.

1 pineapple

3-5 pomegranates (or red apples)

5 granny smith apples

5 limes

1 bag of fresh cranberries

5 to 7 Oak leaves

1 can silver or gold spray paint

A few sprigs of cedar bush or other bits of evergreen.

Spray the oak leaves with silver and/or gold paint and let dry. This can be done several days or even weeks before as they last a very long time after being sprayed.  Just make sure they are dry before spraying them.  Do this outside or in a garage inside a cardboard box turned on its side.  The box will create a temporary spray booth to keep excess paint inside the box.

Just before your event:

Set the vase in the center of the table.Place the tray on topRemove enough of the bottom of the pineapple so that it will sit securely on the tray.

Lay the embellished leaves in a pleasing display around the tray.

Place the pomegranates (or red apples), green apples, limes, and on the leaves surrounding the pineapple.

Sprinkle a handful or two of cranberries over the fruit.Stick in the sprigs of evergreen around the bottom edges to create a border.

Added Bits:  A string of tiny white Christmas lights can be arranged around the base of the centerpiece to illuminate the display.

Add a few candles - set them among the fruit.Embellish with small silver, gold, red or green shiny Christmas tree balls.

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