Crafting Chocolate Trees: Wedding Centerpieces With A Twist

Chocolate trees are a fun and creative way to decorate a wedding venue. They can be used as centrepieces or cake toppers, and can be made at home with a few simple ingredients and tools. The process involves melting chocolate, shaping it into trees, and adding decorations. The chocolate trees can be made in advance and stored in a cool place until the wedding. This DIY project is a unique and tasty way to add a personal touch to your special day.

Melting chocolate

Selecting the Right Chocolate

The type of chocolate you choose will impact the melting process and the final result. For chocolate trees, it is best to opt for a chocolate that melts smoothly and has a good flavour. Milk chocolate and dark chocolate are both suitable options and can be melted using similar methods.

Preparing the Chocolate for Melting

Before you begin melting, it is important to break the chocolate into small, evenly sized pieces. This will ensure that it melts evenly and reduces the risk of overheating or burning. Chop the chocolate into small chunks or use a grater to create fine shavings.

The Melting Process

There are several methods for melting chocolate, but a common and effective approach is the double-boiler method. Fill a pot with a few inches of water and place it on the stove over low heat. Bring the water to a gentle simmer. Take a heat-proof bowl that fits comfortably over the pot without touching the water. Place your chopped chocolate into this bowl. The steam from the simmering water will gently melt the chocolate.

Stir the chocolate occasionally as it melts to ensure even melting and a smooth consistency. Keep the heat low to prevent burning. If you are using a microwave, heat the chocolate in short intervals, stirring in between, until it is fully melted.

Keeping Chocolate Melted

Once melted, it is important to keep the chocolate in a liquid state while you work. You can do this by placing the bowl of chocolate over another bowl of hot water. Ensure the water is not too hot, as this can cause the chocolate to burn or seize. Stir the chocolate occasionally to prevent it from hardening.

Working with Melted Chocolate

Now that you have your melted chocolate, you can start creating your chocolate trees! Dip your treats or pipe the chocolate onto your chosen surface. Work quickly but carefully, as the chocolate will begin to harden as it cools. If the chocolate becomes too thick or hard to work with, simply reheat it gently using one of the methods described above.

Decorating with Melted Chocolate

Melted chocolate can be used for more than just the tree itself. Drizzle it over your creation as a decorative touch, or use it to attach embellishments like sprinkles, nuts, or candies. Get creative and experiment with different techniques to make your chocolate trees truly unique.

Remember, melting chocolate is a delicate process, so take your time and work carefully. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful and delicious chocolate trees for your wedding!

Tree shaping

Select the Right Pot

The first step is to choose a sturdy and strong pot that can support your chocolate tree. Consider the theme and colour scheme of your wedding when selecting the pot, as it will enhance the overall aesthetics and make for great photos.

Prepare the Dowel

Cut a wooden dowel to a length of 10 inches using a small saw. This will serve as the trunk of your chocolate tree. Wrap a colourful ribbon around the dowel to add a decorative touch and secure it with a glue gun at both ends to prevent unraveling. You can also add sparkles or other embellishments to the ribbon for a unique touch.

Attach the Styrofoam Ball

Create an indent of about 1.5 cm deep in a 6cm Styrofoam or polystyrene ball using the end of the dowel. Ensure the hole is centralised to maintain the balance of your tree. Attach the ball to the dowel using a glue gun, holding it firmly in place until the glue dries.

Secure with Cocoform

Fill a pot halfway with cocoform, a versatile modelling chocolate paste that sets harder than fondant. Place the dowel with the attached Styrofoam ball into the cocoform and let it set overnight. This will provide a strong base for your chocolate tree.

Melt the Chocolate

Place your chosen chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of boiling water. Keep the heat low to prevent burning the chocolate. Stir gently and frequently to ensure even melting.

Cover the Styrofoam Ball with Chocolate

Once the chocolate has melted, use a pastry brush to gently paint it onto the Styrofoam ball until it is completely coated. This step may take some time, so be patient and keep the chocolate warm to prevent it from hardening too quickly.

Pipe Chocolate onto the Ball

Fill a piping bag with the leftover melted chocolate and dot it onto the top of the ball. Add your chosen sweets or chocolates, pressing gently until they stick. Continue adding circular layers until the entire tree is covered. Allow the tree to set completely.

Embellish and Decorate

Once the chocolate has set, add the final touches to your chocolate tree. You can wrap it in cellophane, attach a bow, or add a personalised note. Get creative and let your imagination guide you!

With these steps, you can create a stunning and unique chocolate tree that will impress your wedding guests. Enjoy the process of crafting these delicious works of art!

Tree decoration

Selecting the Right Pot

Choosing the right pot for your chocolate tree is essential. Opt for a sturdy and strong pot that can support the weight of the tree and ensure it stands upright. Consider the colour and theme of your event when selecting the pot, as it will enhance the overall aesthetics and be great for photos.

Embellishments

Adding final touches to your chocolate tree can elevate its appearance. Consider wrapping the tree in cellophane, attaching a bow, or including a personalised note. These extra details will make your chocolate tree stand out and impress your guests.

Creative Freedom

When creating your chocolate tree, don't be afraid to let your creativity flow. Whether you're making trees for a Christmas cake or a wedding, you can experiment with different shapes, sizes, and designs. Make some trees tall, some short, and others in between. Add sprinkles or coloured candy melts to make them more festive and eye-catching.

Using Different Colours of Chocolate

To make your chocolate tree even more appealing, consider using different colours of chocolate. For example, you can use dark chocolate for the tree trunk and branches, and then add leaves in yellow, orange, or red chocolate. This will create a vibrant and autumnal look.

Adding Extras

Remember that chocolate trees are fragile, so it's always a good idea to make some extra trees in case of breakage. Additionally, minimise handling the trees too much, as the warmth of your hands can cause them to melt.

Tree hardening

To make your chocolate trees for weddings, you'll need to temper the chocolate to ensure it hardens with a satisfying snap. Here's a detailed guide on the tree-hardening process:

The Science of Hardening Chocolate:

Cocoa butter, the vegetable fat in chocolate, is complex and typically comprises three types of fatty acids: palmitic, stearic, and oleic. The crystal structures of these fatty acids are versatile, and they can form six different types, some stable, some not.

Chocolate Tempering:

Chocolate tempering is a technique used to stabilise the fatty acids or cocoa butter crystals in melted chocolate. The goal is to create enough beta crystals, which offer a good snap when broken and the required hardness.

Traditional Tempering:

This is the most common technique for hardening chocolate. It involves heating the chocolate, followed by cooling, agitation, and adding seed chocolate to initiate crystallisation. While it can be tricky to master, it's a valuable skill for chocolatiers.

Quick Oil Tempering:

Adding fat or oil is another way to harden chocolate. Coconut oil is the most effective, but other options include sunflower oil, vegetable oil, nut butter, or clarified butter. This method is quicker and easier but doesn't produce the same stability and shine as traditional tempering.

Step-by-Step Guide to Tree Hardening:

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate

Melt 2/3 of your chosen chocolate, stirring often, until the thermometer registers the correct temperature: 115°F (no higher than 120°F) for bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, and 110°F for milk or white chocolate.

Step 2: Add Unmelted Chocolate (Seeding)

Gradually add the remaining 1/3 of your chocolate to the melted chocolate to bring the temperature down. Keep stirring vigorously to ensure even distribution and help form more beta crystals.

Step 3: Cool the Chocolate

Continue stirring as the chocolate cools. You can use a marble slab to aid the cooling process. Keep measuring the temperature until it reaches the ideal range: 86°F-90°F for dark chocolate, 84°F-86°F for milk chocolate, and 84°F-86°F for white chocolate.

Step 4: Test the Chocolate

Dip a knife, spoon, or spatula into the chocolate and leave it at room temperature. If the chocolate is tempered, it will harden within 3-5 minutes, becoming firm and shiny, and your finger will come away clean when touched.

Step 5: Hold at Working Temperature

Most chocolate is easiest to work with between 88°F and 90°F. You can use a bowl of warm water, a heating pad, or even a hairdryer to maintain the ideal temperature.

Now your chocolate is ready for creating those beautiful trees for your wedding!

Tree placement

• Height and Proportion: Consider the height and proportion of your chocolate tree in relation to the venue and surrounding decorations. If you have a tall ceiling, you can create a taller tree that will make a grand statement. On the other hand, if your venue has low-hanging lights or decorations, ensure your tree's height allows for adequate clearance.
• Central Placement: For a grand and elegant display, consider placing your chocolate tree in the centre of the room or the main table. This will create a focal point and a stunning visual impact. Ensure that the surrounding area is clear of any obstructions, allowing guests to admire the tree from all angles.
• Table Display: If you have created a smaller chocolate tree, consider placing it on a designated table or stand. This can be a sweet corner or a dessert table, where guests can admire and indulge in your chocolate creation. Decorate the table with complementary colours and additional wedding favours to create a cohesive look.
• Grouping: If you have created multiple chocolate trees, consider grouping them together to create a forest-like display. This can be done on a large table or by placing them at different heights on several tables. Grouping the trees together will create a whimsical and enchanting effect.
• Lighting: Pay attention to the lighting in the venue and ensure your chocolate tree is well-lit. Natural light can enhance the beauty of your creation, so consider placing it near a window during the daytime. For evening receptions, soft lighting or fairy lights can add a magical touch to your display.

Remember to consider the overall theme and colour scheme of the wedding when placing your chocolate tree. Ensure that the tree complements the surrounding decorations and enhances the aesthetic of the venue.

Frequently asked questions