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A mandarin tower centerpiece adds fresh color to a holiday table and doubles as an easy-to-serve fruit display. Made with mandarins, kale, and a few basic craft supplies, these decorative towers are simple to assemble and easy to customize for a dinner party, snack buffet, or seasonal gathering.
For two towers, allow four bags of mandarins and about one and a half bunches of kale. The fruit can be arranged in the morning, but the kale will generally look freshest if you prepare the towers closer to the time you plan to display them.
Supplies for a Mandarin Tower Centerpiece
- 4 bags of mandarins for two towers
- 1 ½ bunches of kale for two towers
- 2 styrofoam cones: one short and one tall, or two cones of your preferred size
- U-shaped floral pins
- Round toothpicks pointed at both ends
- Greenery, such as eucalyptus, for decoration
- Aluminum foil, optional
- Scissors, optional, for trimming greenery
Choose cones that fit your cake stands and table space. Before assembling, check that the toothpicks are pointed at both ends so they can pass through the fruit and anchor it to the cone.
How to Make Mandarin Tower Centerpieces
1. Cover the cones
Wrap each styrofoam cone in aluminum foil. This creates a barrier between the foam and the kale and helps protect the cone if you want to reuse it for another craft. Smooth the foil over the surface so it stays in place as you add the leaves.
2. Add the kale
Cut the kale into manageable sections and attach the leaves to the foil-covered cones with U-shaped floral pins. Work from the bottom upward, overlapping the leaves to cover the surface. A perfectly uniform arrangement is not necessary, but try to hide the foil if guests will remove fruit directly from the display.
Floral pins can be easier to handle than pointed sewing pins, but they are still small hardware. Keep them away from young children and supervise any child who is helping with assembly.
3. Secure the mandarins
Use two toothpicks for each mandarin. Insert the toothpicks into the cone first, then press the fruit onto them so it stays attached. Arrange the mandarins close together for a full look, and check that each one feels secure before moving the tower.
4. Decorate and display
Set each finished tower on a decorative cake stand. Add greenery clippings and secure them with additional floral pins. Small flowers or ribbons can also be used to suit the colors and style of your table. Keep decorative materials clear of the fruit guests will eat.
For a coordinated tablescape, place extra mandarins and greenery around the stands or use them to create simple place settings. Eucalyptus is one option; other greenery can work just as well. Trim stems before arranging them so they sit neatly and do not crowd serving areas.
Leave enough room around the stands for dishes and serving utensils. If the fruit will be eaten, let guests know that toothpicks are holding it in place and remove them carefully as mandarins are taken from the tower.
Tips for a Neat, Fresh Display
- Assemble the kale-covered cones close to display time to help the leaves look fresh.
- Use a mix of cone heights for visual variety, while making sure each tower is stable on its stand.
- Check that no foil is visible between the leaves, especially if the fruit will be removed during the event.
- Keep extra greenery and fruit away from the edges of the table to prevent them from being knocked over.
Ways to Use the Finished Towers
These edible decorations can be a centerpiece for a holiday meal or a colorful addition to a game-night snack buffet. They also pair well with a larger spread of appetizers. For a simpler presentation, make one tower and place a bowl of additional mandarins nearby.
Because the fruit is attached with toothpicks, take care when serving it: remove each mandarin from the display before peeling, and keep the toothpicks out of reach of small children. If the display will not be eaten, it can still serve as a seasonal decoration.
Mandarins can also be used to bring matching color to individual place settings. Add one fruit and a small greenery clipping at each place, keeping any leaves or decorative pieces separate from the eating surface.
With a few supplies and a little preparation, a mandarin tower centerpiece can add height and seasonal color without requiring complicated techniques. Adjust the greenery, stand, and finishing details to suit your table, and assemble the leafy parts shortly before guests arrive for the freshest appearance. —Mandi
