Why not pass on the flowers this Mother’s Day and instead, make your mom an edible arrangement as a gift?

Healthier than a box of chocolates, a fruit topiary is a tasty way to show Mom you care. And, when you create it yourself, you can be sure to include all mom’s favorite fruits and treats!

I started with a 4” high pot – the perfect single serving size! Choose a container in a color to coordinate with mom’s kitchen so she is sure to reuse it!  To prepare the container for the arrangement, fit some Styrofoam into the container and covered it with some salad greens.

I will show you what I used to make mine to give you an idea of what you need to get started on your own creation!

My supplies:
– 4” pot, 4” high
– 4 oz. bag Lancaster soft caramels (I had a few left for tasting)
– 3” (approximately) square Styrofoam, trimmed appropriately
– Salad greens
– Assorted fruit
– Skewers (if you only get one size, purchase long ones – they can always be trimmed)
– Ribbon (optional – a bow can be added by attaching to a skewer)

My skewers:
3, 8” skewers of cantaloupe slices
2, 8” skewers of grapes (4 grapes)
3, 6” skewers of grapes (4 grapes)
4, 6” skewers of strawberries
9, 6” skewers of chocolate dipped strawberries
15 caramels on toothpicks

Tips for assembly:
– Don’t use really fresh fruit – you want firm fruit so it will hold up.
– For the same reason, only use sturdy fruit. (I learned this lesson pretty quick when I tried to use raspberries – they are too soft.)

– Use Styrofoam in your pot, not floral foam.
– Cater to your recipient – use edible items that will appeal to the recipient.  Instead of caramels, you may decide to use baby rounds of cheese, cookies, dried apricots, etc.
– Use decorative cutters – you can use cookie cutters to cut hearts, melon ballers, etc. to ‘fancy up’ the fruit.
– Don’t put it together too far ahead. You can wash and dry the fruit, dip the strawberries, and cut the fruit ahead – but wait to assemble your creation until the last minute.
– Lay salad greens over the Styrofoam before you start assembly and use some after assembly to fill in any holes or skewer parts that may show.

Lastly, have fun with it!

Thanks for stopping by!  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

Sharing at Craftberry Bush,  Thoughts from Alice, Sand & Sisal, and Coastal Charm.