This would not be unlike our hospitality toward guests today, just a bit more formal. This centerpiece can be placed on the table for the entire meal, and then passed during the dessert course. Often a pineapple, a Colonial symbol of hospitality, is placed at the top. Select small apples.
Apples packed in bags are often the perfect size and a cost saving as well.
Red Delicious, Granny Smith and Lady apples are all traditional choices. Call your florist to see if magnolia leaves and boxwood sprigs are sold there. If not, you can use silk or artificial. Silk holly also works well to fill in the spaces between the fruit on the cone. Look for small pineapples to top your cone.