Creating A Fruit Tray For A Wedding Shower

A fruit tray is a great way to add a pop of colour and a healthy option to the food offerings at a wedding shower. There are a few things to keep in mind when preparing a fruit tray for a wedding shower. Firstly, it's best to make the tray on the day of the event as cut fruit doesn't last long. You'll also want to consider which fruits are in season and choose fruits with a range of colours. For example, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, grapes, kiwi, mango, oranges, pineapple, raspberries, strawberries, and watermelon. You can also get creative with how you cut the fruit to make decorative patterns and shapes. Finally, when assembling the display, arrange the fruit in an aesthetically pleasing way, using your creativity.

Choosing fruits in season

Choosing fruits that are in season is a great way to save money and get more bang for your buck. Here are some ideas for choosing fruits in season for a wedding shower, depending on the time of year:

Spring

Avocados, apricots, peaches, and lemons are all in season during the spring. A subtle nod to the warm weather ahead can be achieved by incorporating a few lemons alongside a pastel floral centerpiece. For a charming arrangement, try pairing orange and yellow peaches with garden roses and peonies. Avocados displayed in woven baskets can also make for a seasonal yet unexpected look.

Summer

Summer brings a whole range of fruits to choose from, such as papayas, limes, bananas, starfruit, oranges, and grapes. For a simple yet stylish addition to picnic tables or plain linens, consider a centerpiece using peaches, roses, and dahlias in a red and yellow palette. A colorful fruit centerpiece can be created using bananas, starfruit, oranges, and grapes, with brightly colored flowers such as amaryllis, ranunculus, and pincushion proteas.

Fall

For a fall wedding, consider using fruits like persimmons, figs, apples, and grapes. Persimmon branches can be easily incorporated into centerpieces and other flower arrangements. Sliced figs present a beautiful color palette of red, green, and pale yellow, which can be complemented with greenery-filled arrangements and wooden accents. Red and green apples can be used to create a monochromatic look, matching the fruit to red flowers. Cherries and figs can also double as snacks as well as table decor, with their dark brown and burgundy tones bringing a moody, autumnal contrast to lighter pink flowers.

Winter

Fruits that are in season during the winter include pears, cranberries, pomegranates, and kumquats. For a simple yet elegant centerpiece, try pairing wooden crates with cranberries, red apples, and plums. Pears and grapes can also be added discreetly to floral arrangements for a subtle touch of fruit. Pomegranates, blackberries, purple grapes, and figs can be used to create a jewel-toned fruit bowl centerpiece, with lush greenery adding to the sumptuous vibe.

Creative cutting techniques

Firstly, ensure you have a sharp knife. This will make cutting fruits much easier and give you more precise results. For example, you can cut pineapple into little stars for a patriotic theme or create strawberry roses for garnishment. Melons can be cut into balls or cubes for a simple yet elegant touch.

Additionally, consider the overall presentation of the fruit tray. You can create a bold border by placing specific fruits, such as orange and kiwi slices, on the outer edges of the tray. Then, fill the centre with a mix of berries and grapes. You can also experiment with different patterns, such as the "checkerboard" style or creating flower shapes with fruit slices.

Another important tip is to choose fruits with edible seeds or no seeds at all. For instance, use seedless watermelon or grapes to make it easier for your guests to enjoy the fruit. If you want to include fruits with pits, cherries are a great option as they are easy to work around and add a beautiful touch to the tray.

Lastly, be creative and have fun with your fruit tray! You can include edible flowers, add pomegranate seeds for a pop of colour, or provide fruit dips for extra sweetness. The possibilities are endless, so let your imagination run wild and create a fruit tray that is both delicious and visually appealing.

Displaying the fruit

Now it's time to assemble the display. You can be creative and build the platter according to your imagination, or you can follow these steps:

• Add blueberries and blackberries down the middle of the tray.
• Next, place the strawberries and raspberries in a row next to the blueberries and blackberries.
• On one side of the tray, place the pineapple leaves on the corner. Pile up the pineapple slices around the leaves. On the other side, lay the orange slices.
• Place the watermelon bowl on the opposite corner of the platter as the pineapple leaves.
• Set the grapes next to the orange slices. Then, next to the pineapple stack, add a pile of kiwi. With any leftover kiwi flowers, place them around the board for a pop of colour.
• Finally, add two mango slices to each corner of the platter. Place the cantaloupe bowl on the opposite side of the watermelon bowl, but off the platter.

You can vary the size of the platter depending on how small or large your fruit display is. A platter that's at least 12 x 17 inches is recommended. Don't be afraid to set the fruit bowls, like the watermelon and cantaloupe, next to the platter instead of on it.

Timing and preparation

Preparing a fruit tray for a wedding shower requires some time and organisation. Here is a suggested timeline and some preparation tips to help you create a beautiful and fresh fruit display.

A few days before the wedding shower, make a plan for your fruit tray. Decide on the types of fruit you want to include, considering what is in season and available in your area. Create a shopping list and purchase any necessary supplies, such as a sharp chef's knife, a paring knife, latex-free food-safe gloves, and a platter or board to display your fruit.

The day before the wedding shower, wash and prepare any fruits that can be stored overnight. Fruits such as pineapple, oranges, and kiwi can be cut and stored in the refrigerator until the next day. If you are using fruits like watermelon, which is best served fresh, wait until the day of the event to prepare it.

On the day of the wedding shower, a few hours before your guests arrive, assemble your fruit tray. Wash and cut the remaining fruits, following creative cutting techniques if desired. For example, you can create a fan pattern with strawberries or a zig-zag pattern with kiwis. Arrange the fruits attractively on the platter, using your creativity or following a guide.

Once the fruit tray is assembled, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or a food dome and store it in a cool place, such as a refrigerator, until it is time to serve. Try to assemble the tray as close to the event as possible to ensure the fruit remains fresh and vibrant.

Finally, just before the guests arrive, bring out the fruit tray and display it on a table or buffet. Enjoy the beauty and freshness of your creation, and don't forget to encourage your guests to indulge in this delicious and healthy treat!

Serving suggestions

Fruit trays are a great way to showcase your creativity and offer a healthy and delicious option for your guests. Here are some tips to elevate your fruit tray for a wedding shower:

• Prepare the fruit tray on the day of the event to ensure freshness. Cut fruit doesn't last long, and you want to avoid browning or wilting.
• Choose fruits that are in season to guarantee the best flavour and quality. Select fruits that are ripe, fragrant, and free from bruises or blemishes.
• Opt for seedless fruits or remove the seeds before serving. This makes it easier for guests to enjoy the fruit without worrying about secretly spitting out seeds.
• Wash and cut the fruit into decorative shapes to create a visually appealing display. For example, you can cut strawberries into fan shapes, create zig-zag patterns on kiwis, or make melon balls from watermelons and cantaloupes.
• Arrange the fruit creatively on the tray. You can place the blueberries and blackberries down the middle of the tray, with rows of strawberries and raspberries alongside them. Use pineapple leaves to add a decorative touch, and pile up pineapple slices around them. Add oranges, grapes, and kiwi in different sections of the tray.
• If you have any fruit bowls, such as watermelon or cantaloupe, don't be afraid to place them next to the platter instead of on it to create a more spacious display.
• If you need to prepare some of the fruit in advance, the pineapple, oranges, and kiwi can be cut up to 24 hours beforehand and stored in the refrigerator.
• Always use a sharp chef's knife and a paring knife for clean cuts and to make the process easier.
• Consider the size of your guest list and adjust the quantities of fruit accordingly. As a guide, for a light event like a tea or reception, plan for 1/2 cup of fruit per person.
• If you want to add a unique touch, include edible flowers, or cut fruit into shapes like stars or cubes. Pomegranate seeds can also add a pop of colour.

Frequently asked questions