Save to Pinterest A festive and elegant tray featuring an array of fresh fruits, herbs, and treats to elevate your New Years Eve champagne or sparkling wine experience.
This garnish tray has become my go-to for holiday parties because it impresses guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Fresh Fruits: 1 cup fresh raspberries, 1 cup fresh blackberries, 1 cup fresh strawberries hulled and halved, 1 cup pomegranate arils, 2 lemons thinly sliced into rounds, 2 limes thinly sliced into rounds, 1 orange thinly sliced into half-moons, 1 cup seedless green grapes halved
- Herbs & Edible Flowers: 1 small bunch fresh mint leaves, 1 small bunch fresh rosemary sprigs, Edible flowers such as pansies or violets optional
- Sweets & Treats: 1/2 cup sugar cubes, 1/4 cup crystalized ginger pieces, 1/2 cup white or dark chocolate shavings optional
- Add-Ons: 1 bottle Chambord or other berry liqueur optional, 1 bottle St. Germain or elderflower syrup optional, 1 small dish coarse sugar or gold sprinkles for rimming glasses
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Wash and thoroughly dry all fruits, herbs, and edible flowers.
- Step 2:
- Arrange the fruits in small bowls or directly onto a large serving tray grouping similar colors and types together for visual appeal.
- Step 3:
- Add herbs placing sprigs between fruit groupings for fragrance and decoration.
- Step 4:
- Scatter edible flowers over the tray or set them in a small bowl for guests to add as desired.
- Step 5:
- Place sugar cubes crystalized ginger and chocolate shavings in separate small bowls or ramekins.
- Step 6:
- If using set liqueurs and syrups nearby with small pourers or spoons for easy serving.
- Step 7:
- Provide a small dish of coarse sugar or gold sprinkles for rimming glasses guests can moisten the rim of their flute and dip for a festive touch.
- Step 8:
- Set out tongs cocktail picks and small spoons for guests to garnish their drinks as they wish.
Save to Pinterest My family loves gathering around this tray each New Years Eve to customize their drinks and enjoy the festive flavors together.
Required Tools
Large serving tray or platter, small bowls or ramekins, tongs and cocktail picks, small spoons, sharp knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains possible allergens chocolate (milk soy if used) Some liqueurs may contain allergens check labels All fruit and herb selections are naturally gluten-free and vegetarian but always verify packaging for cross-contact
Nutritional Information
Calories 65 Total Fat 0.5 g Carbohydrates 16 g Protein 1 g per serving without alcohol or chocolate
Save to Pinterest This garnish tray is the perfect way to add a festive touch to your New Years Eve celebrations with minimal prep work.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What fruits work best for this garnish tray?
Fresh raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, pomegranate arils, citrus rounds, and seedless grapes create a colorful and flavorful mix ideal for garnishing drinks.
- → How should herbs be prepared and used?
Fresh mint leaves and rosemary sprigs are added whole to provide fragrance and visual appeal, placed among the fruit groupings.
- → Can I prepare the tray in advance?
Yes, prepare up to 2 hours ahead, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate to maintain freshness before serving.
- → What are some creative pairing suggestions?
Try combining raspberry with mint or layering orange slices with chocolate shavings for unique complementary flavors.
- → How do I add a festive touch to drink rims?
Provide a small dish of coarse sugar or gold sprinkles so guests can moisten glass rims and dip them for a sparkling finish.
- → Are there any allergen considerations?
Chocolate and certain liqueurs may contain allergens; always check labels. Fruits and herbs used are naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.