Shrimp Cocktail Christmas Tree
This Shrimp Cocktail Christmas Tree is the ultimate holiday showstopper visually stunning, surprisingly easy, and bursting with festive flair. Layered with shrimp, herbs, and citrus, it's a seafood centerpiece your guests won't forget.
Equipment
- Styrofoam Cone
- aluminum foil
- Toothpicks
Ingredients
Base and Garnish
- 1 Styrofoam cone wrapped in aluminum foil
- 1 bunch fresh kale or parsley for covering the cone
- 1 pack toothpicks for assembly
Toppings
- 1 lb cooked shrimp medium to large, peeled and deveined
- 1 lemon sliced, for garnish and flavor
- cherry tomatoes optional, for decoration
- olives optional, for garnish
- starfruit or extra lemon slice optional, for topping the tree
For Serving
- 1 cup cocktail sauce store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Wrap the Styrofoam cone in aluminum foil to make it food-safe. Optionally, tuck rosemary sprigs at the base for decoration.
- Using toothpicks, attach kale or parsley around the cone starting from the bottom. Cover the entire cone to resemble tree foliage.
- Skewer each shrimp with a toothpick and press them into the cone in a spiral or zigzag pattern. Alternate direction for a dynamic look.
- Fill gaps with lemon slices, cherry tomatoes, and olives for pops of color and flavor.
- Top with starfruit or a lemon slice for a festive finish. Serve with cocktail sauce on the side.
- Chill the entire tree for at least 30 minutes before serving to keep it fresh and firm.
Notes
- To keep it chilled during a long party,
- place an ice pack under the platter and disguise with herbs.
- Don’t overcrowd shrimp give each one space.
- Dry shrimp before skewering and angle toothpicks slightly downward so they stay in place.