Show Stopping Christmas Tree Centerpiece (Edible)

This will stop people in their tracks at any Christmas party or buffet. You need a styrofoam tree (from the craft store). I got this idea from a Gooseberry Patch Christmas book about 10 years ago, and use this for any buffet or party we go to. You will also need a piece of cardboard, toothpicks and foil. Encourage guests to eat the "tree." They may not want to at first.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 24

Ingredients

• 24  cherry tomatoes
• 24  pitted black olives
• 14  cocktail onions
• 24  pitted green olives
• 12  sweet pickles
• 18  italian peppers
• 34  medium  pre-  cooked shrimp
• 8  ounces cream cheese
• 2  cups parsley

Directions

1. Allow cream cheese to come to room temperature.
2. Cover stryrofoam tree base with plastic wrap. Pull tightly and make it smooth.
3. Using a frosting knife or spatula, cover the entire tree with cream cheese (not the bottom).
4. Layer ingredients starting at the bottom, one row per ingredient.
5. Stick a toothpick into the foam and attach the food item to the toothpick.
6. Make layers even
7. I usually start with cherry tomatoes on the bottom since they are tought enough to hold the weight of the next item.
8. Layer the foods in the color combination you like.
9. You may repeat layers.
10. cover any holes with parsley.
11. Buy an inexpensive small star for the top.
12. Refrigerate until serving.
13. Cut a 22" piece of cardboard.
14. Cover it with foil.
15. Put the tree in the center and scatter crackers and a couple of bowls of cocktail sauce at the base.
16. Encourage guests to eat the tree. They may not want to "ruin" it. Please tell them it's okay.