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Festive centerpieces come in many forms: a vase of red roses, a bowl of globe Christmas ornaments, or a small pot of poinsettias, to name just a few. But for a very special Christmas centerpiece, there's almost nothing that can match the beauty and holiday spirit of sugarplums. These colorful, sparkling fruits evoke elegance and tradition, will definitely wow your guests, and, fortunately for all of us, are less expensive than roses and very easy to make. For an abundant centerpiece, buy an assortment of colorful fruits like tangerines, pears, small apples, cranberries, and grapes (especially useful as filling for the arrangement). Fill a small bowl with egg whites, whipped a little with a fork so they will break down and become more watery and a little bit frothy, and a large, shallow bowl with sugar (refined sugar, with its smaller pieces, works especially well). Cover each piece of fruit by brushing it with the egg whites or dipping it directly into the bowl, then drop it into the sugar and roll it until it's coated with sugar. Do each piece one at a time, setting them on parchment paper to dry, then arrange them in a pretty bowl or on a tiered candy stand, topping with a gold bow.
For a more minimalist centerpiece (and a shorter project), select just a few well-shaped pieces of fruit to display on a cake stand, as we have above.
Posted by georgia to Tips on December 19, 2005 11:31 PM | permalink | Email this post
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