Quick and easy gift

Many years ago my friend and I made Peppermint Trees as table decorations for a Christmas luncheon.  Over the years I've made the Trees to give as gifts.  They are great for co-workers, friends, teachers or for someone who is hard to buy for.

Start with these basics -

I've always used hairpins, but you can use straight pins too.  I like the hairpins best because you can just pull a candy off the tree and the pin stays in place, and you don't have to worry about discarding a straight pin.

Start with the bottom layer

 You can make the candies as tight or lose as you prefer.  I like to leave a little space between rows.

The closer you get to the top, you will need to angle the pins into the styrofoam.  

Cut pieces of thin green ribbon and pull them into a knot (not too tight) 

 then insert another hairpin

 which goes right into the tree.

You can put as many or as few ribbons into the tree as you like.  I loop some ribbon and take another hairpin and stick it into the top of the tree.

This makes a really nice gift for someone who can set it on their desk at work or school. Or maybe a loved one who lives in a Nursing home. It's quick and easy. This year I had a difficult time finding the hair pins, which used to be available at Walmart. I ended up going to a beauty supply store, but also found them online. So next year I'll be ordering them through Amazon.

Enjoy!