How do you build a fruit mountain centerpiece?

Answer 1

Building a Fruit Mountain can be very time consuming, depending on the size. This is instructions for a very basic mountain. Begin by thinking about how you want your mountain to look. Magazines can be an excellent resource. Make a sketch and notes to guide you along. You will need a sturdy table to hold this piece. Make a shopping list: You will need floral foam (not oasis) and floral picks. Floral picks are made of wire and are U shaped and can be purchased at a craft store. At the grocery store or market you will need: toothpicks, romaine lettuce or leaf lettuce for filler. Fruits used are usually strawberries, grapes (all sizes and colors), Kiwi, Oranges, lemons, limes, blue berries, raspberries, passion fruit, fresh pineapple, whatever you like. Wash and prep and slice all foods. You will need to slice the green top of the pineapple off and save it for the top layer of the mountain. Begin construction by forming the foam pieces to the size and shape you desire. Cover the foam with the lettuce and secure with floral picks. Once the lettuce is secure you start adding your fruit. Think about how you want your piece to look and add the fruit accordingly. Work your way up the mountain alternating the fruit. When you reach the top take the green top of the pineapple and secure it to the top as your finishing touch. If you want some of the fruit to hang off the side of the piece you can use the floral picks to help secure grapes by their stems. Use toothpicks to help secure fruit also. This design has the largest block of foam on bottom and graduates up to the smallest block at the top. You can get creative by hollowing out one half of the pineapple, cut lengthwise and filling it with your choice of fruit dip. With this particular project, practice does make perfect. Each time you build one your mind comes up with more creative ways to make it the next time. Good Luck! Jackie J. in GA 7/2/2009