The holiday season is a magical time, filled with warmth, joy, and, of course, delicious food. As you gather with loved ones, the centerpiece of any festive spread is often a vibrant array of appetizers. Among the most cherished and eagerly anticipated are creative vegetable platters that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. This guide will walk you through crafting two charming and healthy options: the enchanting Christmas Tree Veggie Tray and the elegant Christmas Wreath Veggie Tray. These are not just dishes; they’re edible decorations that bring a smile to every face, making your holiday gatherings even more memorable.

Festive Holiday Veggie Trays: Christmas Tree & Wreath Designs

When it comes to party food, veggie trays consistently rank among the first to disappear. People love to graze, and vegetables offer a light, refreshing option that won’t leave guests feeling overly full or ready for a nap. But why stick to a standard, uninspired platter? Elevating your vegetable presentation into fun, festive shapes like a Christmas tree or a beautiful wreath instantly makes it more exciting for everyone, from the littlest elves to the most seasoned holiday revelers. These creative designs not only serve as a healthy snack but also double as eye-catching edible centerpieces that enhance your holiday decor.

The beauty of these holiday veggie trays lies in their simplicity and versatility. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to assemble a stunning display. With just a few common vegetables and dips, you can create a masterpiece that garners compliments and encourages healthy snacking. They are perfect for family gatherings, office parties, school events, or even a cozy night in by the fireplace. Let’s dive into how you can bring these festive vegetable creations to life, ensuring your holiday spread is both nutritious and spectacularly festive.

A vegetable tray shaped like a Christmas Tree on a white serving tray.

Crafting Your Christmas Tree Veggie Tray: A Step-by-Step Guide

Transforming ordinary vegetables into a holiday showstopper is easier than you think. The Christmas Tree Veggie Tray is a fan favorite, offering a structured yet playful design that’s bound to impress. It’s an ideal way to encourage healthy eating during a season often associated with indulgent treats. The key is in selecting a variety of green vegetables for the “branches” and colorful accents for the “ornaments.”

Ingredients for the Christmas Tree Veggie Tray:

Celery sticks, cut into 2 1/2-inch pieces
Red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
Sugar snap peas
Baby carrots
English cucumber, thinly sliced
Green bell pepper, sliced into strips for the tree trunk
Cherry or grape tomatoes for ornaments
American cheese slice, cut into a star shape
1 (14 oz.) tub Ranch Veggie Dip

How to Assemble a Christmas Tree Veggie Tray:

Assembling your Christmas tree is a fun and creative process. You’ll need a rectangular serving tray, at least 9″x 13″, to provide a stable base for your edible tree. Starting from the bottom and working your way up helps maintain the classic Christmas tree silhouette.

Prepare Your Base: Begin with a rectangular serving tray of at least 9×13 inches. This size provides ample space to build a well-proportioned tree.
Form the Tree Trunk: At the very bottom center of your tray, arrange slices of green bell pepper vertically to create a sturdy “tree trunk.” This forms the foundation of your edible tree.
Build the First Layer (Cucumbers): Above the green pepper trunk, lay a short row of English cucumber slices. Immediately follow this with a slightly longer row of cucumber slices. These will form the widest part of your tree’s base, setting the stage for the tapering shape.
Add the Baby Carrots: Position baby carrots vertically above the cucumber rows. Gently angle the carrots at the outer edges of the row to begin defining the triangular tree shape.
Integrate Sugar Snap Peas: Next, place sugar snap peas vertically above the carrots. Ensure this row is a bit shorter than the carrot row, continuing the narrowing effect. Angle the outer snap peas to maintain the tree’s silhouette.
Layer with Red Bell Peppers: Above the snap peas, arrange the strips of red bell pepper vertically. The vibrant red adds a beautiful contrast and depth to your tree.
Complete with Celery Sticks: For the topmost layer of branches, place celery sticks vertically above the red bell peppers. Remember to make this row slightly shorter than the previous one and angle the outer pieces to complete the tree’s tapering peak.
Crown Your Tree: No Christmas tree is complete without a star! Place your American cheese star at the very top of your vegetable tree.
Adorn with Ornaments: Scatter cherry or grape tomatoes randomly across the green vegetable layers to serve as festive “ornaments.” Their bright red color will pop against the green, making your tree truly sparkle.
Serve with Dip: Serve your beautiful Christmas Tree Veggie Tray with a generous tub of Ranch Veggie Dip on the side, or in a small bowl placed just above the cheese star for a unique presentation.

layers of cucumbers, carrots, snap peas, red peppers and celery to make the shape of a Christmas tree on a white tray.

Cook’s Notes: This festive tray can be prepared up to a day in advance. To keep it fresh, wrap the tray tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This allows for stress-free entertaining on the day of your event.

Designing Your Christmas Wreath Veggie Tray: A Circular Delight

The Christmas Wreath Veggie Tray is another fantastic way to bring holiday cheer to your appetizer table. It’s elegantly simple and incredibly versatile, allowing you to get creative with your choice of “foliage” and “decorations.” This circular arrangement naturally draws the eye and provides a wonderful communal sharing experience for guests.

a wreath made our of broccoli, red peppers and grape tomatoes with a vegetable dip in the middle.

Ingredients for a Christmas Wreath Veggie Tray:

8 broccoli crowns, cut into bite-sized florets (trim long stems as needed)
¾ cup cherry (or grape) tomatoes
1 red bell pepper
1 (14 oz.) tub Dill Veggie Dip

How to Assemble a Christmas Wreath Veggie Tray:

Creating a beautiful Christmas wreath from vegetables is a delightful project. A large, round platter is essential for this design, providing the perfect canvas for your edible greenery. The dip placed in the center not only serves as a delicious accompaniment but also acts as a guide for forming your perfect circle.

Select Your Platter: You will need a large, round platter or serving tray, ideally at least 18 inches wide, to accommodate a full, lush wreath.
Center the Dip: Place the tub of Dill Veggie Dip directly in the center of your chosen platter. This will serve as the inner ring of your wreath and make it easier to arrange the broccoli in a neat circle.
Arrange the Broccoli Florets: Starting from the center (around the dip) and working your way outwards, meticulously arrange all the broccoli florets in a dense, circular pattern. Ensure they are packed closely together to create a full, green wreath effect.
Add Tomato “Ornaments”: Take the cherry or grape tomatoes and strategically place them throughout the broccoli wreath. These vibrant red tomatoes will resemble festive ornaments, adding pops of color and holiday cheer.
Craft the Red Pepper Bow: This is where the artistry comes in!
- First, cut off the bottom end of the red bell pepper. This piece will be used to form the bow.
- Carefully cut around the natural “bumps” of the pepper end, dividing it into three distinct sections.
- Keep two of these sections as they are; these will form the loops of your bow.
- Take the third section and trim it into a small rectangle or square. This piece will be the “knot” or center of your bow.
- Arrange the rectangle-shaped pepper piece between the two larger, curved pieces to create the classic bow shape.
- Finally, cut two 2-inch slices from another part of the red pepper. Angle these slices and place them underneath the red pepper bow to act as the “ribbon tails.” This completes your edible bow, making it look incredibly realistic and charming!

To create the sections for the bow, carefully cut around the natural “bumps” of the pepper end, dividing it into three parts.

the end of a red pepper sliced into three parts.

You’ll use two of these pieces as the main loops of the bow. For the third piece, trim it into a small rectangle or square shape to serve as the knot. Place this rectangular piece between the two larger, curved sections to form the bow’s distinct shape.

Next, cut two 2-inch red pepper slices. Position these angled slices beneath the red pepper bow to represent the trailing ribbons. This simple step adds a professional and polished finish to your edible decoration, making it both easy and entirely edible!

a red bow created from cut pieces of a red pepper.

Finally, carefully place your beautifully crafted red pepper bow on the bottom half of the broccoli wreath to complete the festive look. The bow serves as a charming focal point, tying the entire wreath together.

a close up photo of the vegetable Christmas wreath made in a circle using broccoli florets, grape tomatoes and red peppers.

Cook’s Notes: Just like the Christmas tree tray, this wreath can be prepared a day in advance. Simply wrap the assembled tray tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. This advance preparation helps ensure your holiday entertaining is smooth and enjoyable.

Tips for Perfect Holiday Veggie Trays

Creating impressive veggie trays for your holiday gatherings is not only about arranging vegetables; it’s about thoughtful preparation and presentation. Here are some extra tips to ensure your Christmas Tree and Christmas Wreath Veggie Trays are a resounding success:

Selecting the Freshest Ingredients:

Quality Matters: Always choose firm, vibrant, and fresh vegetables. Limp celery or dull broccoli will detract from the overall appeal. Visit your local farmer’s market for the best seasonal produce.
Variety of Greens: For the Christmas tree, consider other green options like green beans (blanched), asparagus spears, or even small sprigs of fresh rosemary for added fragrance and texture. For the wreath, kale or spinach leaves can be used as a base layer for extra volume.
Colorful Accents: Beyond cherry tomatoes and red bell peppers, think about yellow bell pepper strips, thinly sliced radishes, or even small cubes of brightly colored cheese for additional “ornaments” or “lights.”

Preparation and Storage Hacks:

Thorough Washing: Wash all vegetables thoroughly under cold running water. For broccoli and other florets, a quick soak in cold water can help remove any impurities.
Uniform Cutting: Consistency in how you cut your vegetables ensures a neat and aesthetically pleasing tray. Aim for similar sizes and shapes for each vegetable type.
Pre-cut and Store: Most vegetables can be cut a day or two in advance. Store them in airtight containers with a damp paper towel in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Keep harder vegetables (carrots, celery) separate from softer ones (cucumbers, tomatoes).
Chilled to Perfection: Always serve your veggie trays well-chilled. Cold vegetables are crispier and more refreshing.

Creative Presentation Ideas:

Dip Presentation: Instead of a store-bought tub, transfer your dip into a festive bowl or a clear glass container. You can garnish the dip with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or parsley, or a dash of paprika for extra color.
Edible Glitters: For a magical touch, sprinkle a tiny amount of edible glitter (food-grade) over the “star” of your tree or the “bow” of your wreath.
Mini Cookie Cutters: Use small holiday-themed cookie cutters (stars, snowflakes) to cut shapes from cheese slices or thin cucumber slices to add to your tray.
Lighting it Up: For a dramatic effect, place small battery-operated fairy lights around the base of the platter (ensure they are not touching the food directly for hygiene).

Making it Kid-Friendly:

Involve the Kids: Let children help with washing vegetables, arranging the “ornaments,” or cutting out the cheese star. This makes them more likely to eat their veggies!
Fun Dips: Offer a variety of dips beyond ranch, such as hummus, a creamy spinach dip, or even a healthier Greek yogurt dip, to cater to different tastes.

Beyond Christmas:

While these designs are perfect for Christmas, the concept of themed veggie trays can extend to other holidays too! Think a heart-shaped tray for Valentine’s Day, a shamrock for St. Patrick’s Day, or a pumpkin for Halloween. The possibilities are endless for making healthy snacks fun and engaging year-round.

These festive vegetable trays are more than just appetizers; they are a testament to the joy of holiday entertaining. They show thoughtfulness, creativity, and a commitment to offering delicious yet healthy options for your guests. Whether you opt for the whimsical Christmas tree or the classic wreath, your efforts will surely be appreciated, and your holiday table will shine with a fresh, vibrant glow.

Craving More Holiday Recipes? Give These a Try!

THE BEST VEGGIE PIZZA
CHRISTMAS TREE FRUIT PIZZA
CHRISTMAS TREE-SHAPED CHEESEBALL
CHRISTMAS SUGAR COOKIE BARS

Christmas Tree Veggie Tray Recipe Summary

This Christmas Tree Veggie Tray is perfectly festive for holiday gatherings. An easy and fun way to dress up a vegetable platter!

Ingredients

1 package celery, cut into 2 1/2-inch sticks
1 red pepper, sliced into strips
1 ½ cups sugar snap peas
2 cups baby carrots
1 English cucumber, sliced
1 green pepper, sliced into strips
¾ cup cherry or grape tomatoes
1 slice American cheese, cut into a star shape
1 (14 ounce) tub Ranch Veggie Dip

Instructions

You’ll need a rectangular serving tray (at least 9″x 13″). Start from the bottom and work your way up with the veggies.
First layer is the “tree trunk.” Place green pepper slices vertical at the bottom end of the tray.
Next add a short row of cucumbers followed by a longer row of cucumbers. This will be the longest part of the veggie tray and each row will get shorter as you go to create the tree shape.
The next row will be the baby carrots. Place them vertically above the cucumber slices. Angle the edge carrots slightly to give the tree some shape.
Next row above the carrots will be the sugar snap peas. Lay those vertically and make the row slightly shorter than the carrot row and also angling the outer edges with a few snap peas.
Above the snap peas, layer the slices of red peppers vertically.
Above the red peppers, make a row of celery sticks. Again, make sure each row is slightly shorter than the last and angling the outer pieces.
Finally, top it all off with a cheese star.
Use the cherry tomatoes as “ornaments” and dot them all around the veggie tree.
Serve with 1 (14 oz.) tub Ranch Veggie Dip.

Notes

This can be made a day ahead of time. Wrap tray tightly with plastic wrap and keep cool in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Disclaimer

The information shared is an estimate and not from a dietician or nutritionist. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Christmas Wreath Veggie Tray Recipe Summary

This Christmas Wreath Veggie Tray is an easy but fun way to create a holiday inspired vegetable tray!

Ingredients

8 broccoli crowns, cut into bite-sized florets (trim stems if long)
¾ cup cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes)
1 red pepper
1 (14 ounce) tub Dill Veggie Dip

Instructions

For this you will need a large, round platter or large, round serving tray (at least 18-inches wide.)
Place tub of Dill Veggie Dip into the center of the platter. This will help you to easily build the broccoli wreath around it.
Starting from the center and working your way out, place all of your broccoli florets in a circle around the Dill Veggie Dip.
Take the cherry tomatoes and place them on the broccoli wreath to make them look like ornaments. To make the red pepper bow: cut the bottom end off of the red pepper.
Cut around the “bumps” into three different sections.
Leave two of the pieces just like they are and take the third and cut it into a rectangle or square shape. This will be the center part of the bow. Place the cut rectangle-shaped pepper in between the two ends previously cut.
Next, cut off two 2-inch red pepper slices. Angle the cut slices underneath the red pepper bow. This completes your easy and edible bow!