Healthy Plant-Based Holiday Centerpieces

By Lee Crosby, R.D., L.D.

Eileen Whelan and Lee Crosby, R.D., L.D.

We all know that we should eat our fruits and vegetables during the holiday season. They not only help prevent holiday weight gain and give our immune systems a boost, but they can brighten up the holiday table, too! This morning, I stopped by Washington’s WJLA today to share ideas for healthy and simple holiday centerpieces:

1.  Bejeweled Fruit Tree

Whether at the center of your table or in place of a candy bowl, this tree is simple, beautiful, and healthy. Your kids will love helping you create it. All you need is toothpicks, a bamboo skewer, and your favorite fruits—the more colorful the better! Be sure to load up on blue and purple berries, like blackberries and blueberries. They get their color from pigments called anthocyanins, which may help improve brain function.

2. Pomander Oranges

Wow your guests with this all-natural method of making your house smell amazing! Simply decorate oranges with whole cloves and stack in a glass bowl or vase. Added bonus? A small study showed that just the smell of citrus may help with depression and boost immunity.

3. Pomegranate and Tangerine Bowls

Officially the easiest holiday centerpiece in the history of centerpieces: Fill a bowl with pomegranates and flank with two smaller bowls of tangerines. Be sure to grab extra so you can snack on these throughout the holiday season. Pomegranates may help fight prostate cancer, while tangerines have vitamin A and vitamin C, both of which are needed for a healthy immune system.

4. Cranberry Candles

Add some greens to the bottom of small jars or vases, fill with water, float cranberries or blueberries, and top with a floating candle. Beautiful, fast, and easy! Plus, cranberries contain resveratrol, the heart-healthy chemical also found in grape juice.

5. Three-Tiered Treat Tower

Use fruits, veggies, nuts, and plant-based cheeses to create a beautiful, edible centerpiece for your holiday table. Added bonus? The healthful fruits, vegetables, and small amounts of nuts and seeds in this tower can help protect your loved ones’ hearts.