Rocco’s Christmas Eve Fruit & Nut Table Runner
by
Rocco DiSpirito
A dramatic, old-world table runner made entirely of fruit, nuts, citrus, and festive accents. Designed to live on the table through coffee, conversation, and dessert — part centerpiece, part tradition.
Prep Time:
25 Minutes
Cook Time
None
Serves:
Party-Size
Level:
Beginner
Citrus (Peel-and-Eat Centerpiece Fruits)
12–15 clementines
10 tangerines
10 mandarins
6 blood oranges
6 Cara Cara or navel oranges (optional, for size contrast)
2–3 lemons
2–3 limes (color pops; not meant for eating)
Seasonal Fruits (Visual Anchors + Flavor Variety)
4 pomegranates
4 persimmons (Fuyu recommended)
4 pears (Bosc or Comice; mix shapes for texture)
4 apples (Honeycrisp or Pink Lady)
2 bunches red grapes
2 bunches green grapes
Whole Nuts (Rustic Texture + Dessert Interactivity)
1 lb whole walnuts
1 lb whole hazelnuts
1 lb whole peanuts
1 lb whole chestnuts
Festive Elements (Optional but Highly Recommended)
6–8 Christmas crackers
2–3 small nutcracker figurines
Evergreen sprigs or eucalyptus (1 bundle)
1 small bag whole cinnamon sticks
1–2 pomegranates cut open (for dramatic effect)
Table Setup Supplies
1 neutral table runner or strip of kraft paper
Small bowls for nuts (optional; loose scatter works too)
6–8 tea candles or votives (battery powered for safety)
Ingredients
Step 1: Lay a neutral runner or kraft paper down the center of the table
Step 2: Anchor with citrus, then layer in seasonal fruits for height and color.
Step 3: Scatter whole nuts evenly for texture and grazing.
Step 4: Add festive accents — nutcrackers, greenery, cinnamon sticks
Instructions
Finish with candles placed safely.
Let guests graze throughout the night.