Christmas 2023 sees the return of the shrimpmas tree

Get out your 1970s cookbook out because the shrimpmas tree is back! Here’s how to make the wildest Christmas centrepiece yet.

Rockin’ around the shrimpmas tree.

We are absolutely tickled pink to announce that the festive prawn centrepiece of yore is back, baby! Shrimpmas trees are the latest retro revival to hit the table and yes, they’re exactly what they sound like. An eye-catching tower of prawns, whacked onto a turret of kale.

Google it, we’ll wait.

ShrimpmA retro shrimp cocktail Christmas tree by No. 2 Pencil.

The trend is hardly a surprise considering the absolute boom of 70s-inspired desserts that have been making the rounds – Restaurant Hubert’s melon en surprise, the Knickerbocker glory at the recently opened Caterpillar Lounge, Champagne jelly at Loulou’s bistro, not to mention the tidal waves of creme caramel just about everywhere else.

Related story: Move over gingerbread house, the charcuterie chalet is back

So what’s the deal with this oceanic delight? Well, we see it as a natural evolution of the kitschy and flamboyant fashion we’re seeing all over the place – dopamine dressing, maximalist interiors, over-the-top playful cocktails and finally, our obsession with vintage dishes on plates.

Life is too short to take it all too seriously.

If you’re looking to ease into the ’70s cuisine and aren’t quite ready for the aspic plunge, the shrimpmas tree is the perfect way to start. All you’ll need is a handful of essentials and a can-do attitude.

Just grab a styrofoam cone, any size will do. Use toothpicks to fasten a washed bunch of kale or cos lettuce to the cone, then nestle your peeled and deveined prawns into any gaps.

Pop a few bowls of cocktail sauce at the base and you’ve got a fuss-free centrepiece that would even make the Grinch grin.

Find full instructions on how to make the retro shrimp Christmas tree on the Number 2 Pencil blog here.

You could easily fasten just 10 or 12 crustaceans to the kale tree but we reckon go big or go home for this one – ‘tis the season, after all.

Related story: 75 prawn recipes

For more food, travel and lifestyle news, go to delicious.com.au

Originally published as Christmas 2023 sees the return of the shrimpmas tree