Peppermint Trees for under $5 each!

I came across this idea on HGTV the other day and thought I would give it a try. I think they look so festive - a great centerpiece during the holidays! I finally "hunkered" down last night and made a few trees and they were so easy! I couldn't get my camera to download so I found some photos online to share.

~Supplies~

*6-x-3 white Styrofoam cone
*9-x-3 white Styrofoam cone
*12-x-3 white Styrofoam cone
*3 candleholders made to hold 3-inch pillar candles
*Red and white candies: round peppermints, red hots, candy canes
*Hot-glue gun and glue sticks

I picked up my Styrofoam cones and my bags of candy from the Dollar Tree for $1 each!

First, take all of your peppermints out of their wrappings. Lay aside. Plug in your hot glue gun so it can be warming up.

Take each peppermint, dab a bit of glue on the flat side and press it onto the bottom of the Strofoam. You will want to start at the base and go all the way around with peppermints. Once you get all the way around, if a full peppermint will not fit, don't worry, just break one in half. Start on the next row. Be sure to fill in the peppermint in the grooves of the previous row. Do not put them directly on top of each other. Continue going row to row until you get to the top. You can top your tree off any way you like. I stood a peppermint on it's end and glued it to the very top of the cone (almost like a tree topper).

You can do all three cones the same way or you can use different types of candies. The picture shows one tree with peppermints, one with red hots, and one with miniature candy canes.

Tip #1: When making the "Red Hot" tree, you may want to paint the foam cone red before you start gluing the candy to the tree. This way you do not have as much white showing behind the candies.

Tip #2: The miniature candy cane tree takes a little more time because you have to line up the canes and be sure to allow room for the next rows canes to be glued.

The candy cane tree was topped with ribbon just tied in a bow. Any way you want to top them will be perfect!Now, you can put your trees onto your candle holders and enjoy a beautiful centerpiece! If you don't have candle holders, just put them on a plate and sprinkle the base with candies or ornaments! These make great gifts too! Just wrap them in cellophane and top with a festive bow! VIOLA! I think they are perfect for teacher gifts or even a small thank you to the party host!Hope you enjoy!