Uses for Fruitcake

It seems that fruitcake is either loved or detested. Here are some suggestions so that every one might have a reason to love fruitcake.

So, if you don't yet love fruitcake and well-meaning friends send you a fruitcake this holiday season, Party411.com, an event-planning Web site, has some suggestions as to what to do with it so you don't have to eat a bite:

Trivet - Self explanatory.

Centerpiece - Put on the table center atop a bed of pinecones, holly and evergreen branches.

Guest Towel Holder - Place two fruitcakes side by side. Insert popsicle sticks to hold your favorite guest towels. Decoupage them if you feel up to it.

Knife Rest. Cut the fruitcake into rectangles and put one at each place at the dinner table. Your guests will marvel at your creativity.

Place Card Holder. Cut the fruitcake into rectangles and make a small groove in the top to hold your card. Coat with polyurethane so you can use year after year.

Holiday Door Knocker. Super-glue a hinge to the fruitcake bottom and use removable double stick tape to attach the back of the hinge to your door.

Punch Hole Ring. Freeze your fruitcake in a block of ice and throw it in your punch bowl for an unusual, yet attractive garnish.

Originally published November 14, 2002.