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Mandarin Orange Christmas Tree: 5-Minute Festive Fruit Platter

A fun and healthy holiday treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious! This Mandarin Orange Christmas Tree combines juicy Satsuma mandarins, fresh cranberries, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a citrusy, Instagram-worthy centerpiece. Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or last-minute festive fun.

Orange slices arranged to look like a pine tree with cranberries decorated on top to the oranges. All Sprinkled with Powdered sugar. Pinterest Image

If you know me well, then you know I love a fun-themed platter (I know there’s a family member out there who remembers my Turkey or Easter cross veggie trays). This Mandarin Orange Christmas Tree Fruit Platter fits right into that!

CHEERS 🥂 JENN

Use some Mandarin Oranges, fresh cranberries, a little powdered sugar, and a mint sprig to create a fun and healthy(ish) holiday treat that everyone is going to love! Trust me, your friends and family will want to snap a pic and share it on their social media! The best part… The Mandarin Orange Christmas Tree is a 5-minute fruit platter!!! So last minute planners, this one’s for you!!!!

Ideas

Why You’ll Love This Festive Fruit Platter

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in just 5 minutes, perfect for last-minute entertaining.
  • Healthy & Colorful: Fruit-based, naturally sweet, and visually stunning.
  • Kid-Friendly: Fun for little helpers to assemble and decorate.
  • Servings: Makes a charming tree that serves 4–6 people—perfect for small gatherings or as a snack table centerpiece.
  • Instagrammable: A show-stopping addition to any holiday table.

Christmas Tree Ingredients:

  • 3 Mandarin Oranges (peeled and separated into slices)
  • Whole cranberries (fresh or frozen, for ornaments)
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for a snowy effect)
  • 1 small sprig of fresh mint (optional, for the tree topper)

Making the Christmas Tree

  1. Arrange the mandarin slices on your platter in a pyramid shape. Adjust until the tree shape looks balanced. Lay the last 3 slices in a row for the “tree trunk”.
  2. Scatter cranberries over the “tree” to resemble ornaments. For extra sparkle, roll (slightly damp) cranberries in sanding sugar!
  3. Top with a sprig of mint for a festive tree topper.
  4. Lightly dust the entire tree with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
  5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Ideas

Jenn’s Kitchen Tip

For larger parties, double the mandarins and cranberries or make multiple trees so everyone gets a slice of holiday cheer.

Ideas

Cooking With Kids

DISCLOSUREPlease keep in mind that the following tips are general and are meant to be suggestive. I personally use these strategies with my own kids, who are all unique even within my own family of five. Therefore, please regard these as suggestions or ideas. If you feel that your child requires more or less assistance, then go with what you and your child are comfortable with. Ultimately, you know your child best.

Turn holiday prep into a family activity! Kids can help by:

  • Arranging mandarin slices into the tree shape
  • Placing cranberries as ornaments
  • Sprinkling powdered sugar (with supervision)

This is a safe, fun way to get little hands involved, spark creativity, and make holiday memories—all while keeping the mess minimal.

Tips for Success

  • Mandarin Tip: Satsuma mandarins are perfect because they peel easily and are seedless.
  • Cranberry Options: Use fresh for tartness or frozen for convenience.
  • Make It Pop: Add a few festive edible flowers or chocolate stars for extra flair.
  • Time-Saving: Prep the mandarins ahead of time and have kids decorate for a stress-free party prep.

Did You Make This Recipe?

I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating if you loved it. If you share on Instagram, tag me @cheersjennsmith—I’ll feature your creations in my stories!

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Orange slices arranged to look like a pine tree with cranberries decorated on top to the oranges. All Sprinkled with Powdered sugar. Pinterest Image

Mandarin Orange Christmas Tree


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  • Author: Jenn Giam Smith
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 tree 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Move over traditional fruit and veggie boards! This Citrus Christmas Tree made with juicy Satsuma mandarins and bright cranberry ornaments is a fun, festive, and easy way to wow guests at your holiday parties and family get-togethers.


Ingredients

Scale

3 Satsuma Mandarins, peeled and separated

Whole cranberries (fresh or frozen)

1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional)

1 sprig fresh mint (optional)


Instructions

  1. Arrange mandarin slices on a platter in a pyramid/tree shape.

  2. Scatter cranberries as ornaments.

  3. Top with a mint sprig.

  4. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

  5. Serve immediately.

Notes

Kids can help decorate!

Candy cranberries for extra festive flair.

Satsuma mandarins work best for easy peeling and no seeds.

Scaling: Double ingredients to serve 8–12 people or make multiple trees for a larger spread.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Mignardises
  • Cuisine: American

Photo, Prop Styling, and Food Styling by Jenn Smith © 2023 Cheers, Jenn™; Cheers, Jenn Smith™; Jenn Smith, LLC

This Blog Post is © Cheers, Jenn™; Cheers, Jenn Smith™ Jenn Smith, LLC; (FKA Smith Country, LLC)
See below for details

Please Be Respectful: All rights reserved. You may NOT sell, trade, share or redistribute this recipe in any way or use any of my photographs for your site. If you are linking back to this post to a list of recipes, giving credit for the recipe to myself and my site, you may use ONE photo. You must site me and my blog as the creators of the recipe and give credit for the photo. ©2023 Cheers, Jenn™; Cheers, Jenn Smith™ Jenn Smith, LLC; (FKA Smith Country, LLC); Jenn Smith, LLC

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