Have a large platter or cutting board ready. You can build your tree by sight, or cut out a tree shaped template from waxed paper to help guide you.
Cut cheese into 1-inch triangular wedges.
Remove grapes from the vines.
Starting at the top, begin with one grape. We also cut thin slices into one grape to fan it out below the top grape.
Build the tree by working your way downward with a layer of cheese, then grapes, alternating colors as you go. We started with a red grape, then layered yellow cheese, green grapes, white cheese, and so on.
Garnish the tree wherever you like using fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, and/or rosemary.
Finish off the tree with a 4-inch piece of tree branch for the trunk. A piece of celery works too!
Serve with a variety of crackers.
Notes
Provide toothpicks for guests to pick up cheese and grapes with.
Use whatever cheese varieties you like. Firmer cheese works better than soft cheeses. Vary the colors for visual interest.
We built our tree on a large marble cutting board. You can also use your turkey platter from Thanksgiving!