Bonfire Warmth Centerpiece (Print Version)

A colorful arrangement of carrots, peppers, and mandarins creating a glowing edible centerpiece for gatherings.

# Components:

→ Vegetables & Fruit

01 - 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into long thin sticks
02 - 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
03 - 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
04 - 3 mandarins, peeled and segmented

→ Garnishes

05 - Fresh parsley or mint sprigs
06 - 1 small handful pomegranate seeds (optional)

→ Dip (optional)

07 - 1/2 cup hummus or yogurt-based dip

# Directions:

01 - Cut carrots, yellow and red bell peppers into long, thin sticks or strips to resemble flames.
02 - Place carrot sticks vertically in the center of a round, flat serving plate, leaning them together like a teepee to form the fire base.
03 - Layer yellow and red pepper strips among the carrots, mixing colors for a flickering flame effect.
04 - Tuck mandarin segments at various heights and around the base to add orange glow and dimension.
05 - Scatter fresh parsley or mint sprigs around the base to resemble green ash or embers.
06 - Sprinkle pomegranate seeds over the arrangement for extra sparkle if desired.
07 - Present with a small bowl of hummus or yogurt-based dip on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that takes only 20 minutes, so you can spend more time actually enjoying your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen
  • Every ingredient is edible and nutritious, meaning your beautiful centerpiece can become appetizers the moment someone reaches for a carrot stick
  • The arrangement comes together like magic, and honestly, it makes you look like a creative genius even though it's genuinely simple
02 -
  • Cut everything as uniformly as possible—this makes the arrangement look intentional rather than haphazard, and it ensures all your "flames" lean at similar angles and stay put
  • If your vegetables are sliding around on the plate, create a small bed of hummus or dip in the very center before you start arranging. The sticks will lean into it and stabilize. This discovery changed my entire approach to this arrangement.
03 -
  • Make sure your serving plate is completely dry before you start—any moisture will cause vegetables to slip and slides ruin the careful balance of a bonfire arrangement
  • If you're making this hours ahead, cover it loosely with plastic wrap and store it in the coolest part of your kitchen or fridge. Everything will stay crisp, and the colors won't fade because the vegetables aren't cooked
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