Pineapples resemble tree bark when stacked in a centerpiece.
Instead of paying an expensive caterer, design your own tropical centerpieces using pineapples to make palm trees. Display chopped fruit under the centerpiece for an interactive appetizer for your guests. Use palm fronds purchased from a local florist, such as teepee or emerald greenery, to give a natural look to your centerpieces. After your event is over, save the pineapples to add to a fruit salad at home.
Instructions
1. Nail the dowel into the center of the plywood circle. Place it slightly off center for more visual interest. Saw off the top of the dowel to your preferred height if 36 inches is too tall for your needs.
2. Cut the tops and bottoms off three pineapples using a knife. Core out the center of the pineapples.
3. Slide the pineapples onto the dowel, stacking them on top of each other. If three pineapples are not tall enough, cut and core more as needed. Leave 2 inches of dowel showing above the pineapples.
4. Attach the palm fronds to the leftover dowel at the top of the centerpiece. Use clear single-sided or double sided tape, floral tape or staples. Layer the fronds for a more realistic look; start right above the top pineapple and layer the fronds up and around the dowel until it's hidden.
5. Cover the wooden base with plastic wrap. Place lettuce leaves on the base. Add chopped fruit on top of the lettuce leaves.
Tags: chopped fruit, lettuce leaves, palm fronds, three pineapples