Did you volunteer to bring a fruit tray to a party? Don’t worry, we’ve got fabulous tips about how to create a fruit tray that looks great and tastes delicious. 

Scooped-out pineapple or cantaloupe halves look scrumptious when filled with a variety of fresh fruit. Slice off a small portion of the bottom of the pineapple or cantaloupe so that it sits level and place it on a decorative plate (which you can pick up for a dollar or two at most dollar outlets.) 

While making a fruit tray look good is desirable, it is how the fruit tastes that is most important.

• Go seasonal when putting together a fruit tray – use only fruit that is ripe and ready to eat

   Lychee fruit

• Think outside the box and consider a tropical fruit tray using Thai-inspired fruit such as lychees, star fruit, watermelon, dragon fruit, and  mango [visit your local Asian market for great finds on unique fruit]
• Don’t forget to aim for small, whole fruit whenever possible, including:

1. Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries
2. Melons such as cantaloupe or honeydew – use a melon-baller to make fruit scoops that are fun to eat
3. Grapes of all shades (seedless, of course) — Look for “champagne” grapes, which are tiny grapes that are as sweetly tasty as they are unique
4. Forget about serving apple or pear slices — they will turn brown quickly
5. Include dried fruit. Banana chips and dried apricots are ideal and will get gobbled up.

Other tips:

• Provide toothpicks for spearing fruit
• Include a small dipping bowl for guests to enjoy with their fruit, such as Truvia brand crystals, which taste deliciously like sugar yet are made with stevia
• Small fondue pots filled with melted chocolate are a good match for fresh fruit, as are chocolate fountains