Instructions: Using a 12" styrofoam cone (green if possible) as the tree, I push in the cap from a shaving cream can into the bottom to make a base for the tree. I buy Hershey Kisses in the Christmas colored wrappers. I use almost all green, about 15 reds and one silver. I use the round toothpicks (the flat ones break too easily) and cut them in half. I insert one end of the toothpick in the green kiss and starting at the bottom of the cone, insert the other end of the toothpick in the cone. I work my way around the base until I get back to the first kiss. Then I move up a row and keep working my way all the way around the cone until I am at the top. They wont fit side by side exactly, which is why I like to use a green cone...the empty spaces dont show as much as when you use a white cone. Every once in a while I throw in a red kiss, which are supposed to be the ornaments and one silver one for the very top of the cone which is the star. The little tags look like tinsel.

Hints:
1) Dont use kisses with almonds. It is almost impossible to get the toothpick in through the nuts.

2. Try and find the kisses in a bulk candy store. This way, when the sales person isnt looking you can pick out all the green ones. Saves you money so you dont have to buy bags and bags of kisses just to get the green ones.

3. Send a small container of extra kisses wherever the tree is going. My dhs co-workers can demolish a tree in one or two days, and since he likes it to last a little longer then that he puts out a small bowl of loose kisses for them to eat first.

4. When cutting the round toothpicks, they have a tendency to fly all over the place. Protect your eyes.

5. Wouldnt recommend this for kids.....I would worry they would eat the candy without taking out the toothpick.

6. Works with any size cone. They make 8" and 6" cones too.

7. Someone asked if you could do this with a round styrofoam ball, but I dont think it would work. The kisses have a tendency to fall out of the cone easily. Especially if youve used the same cone two years in a row.

(the holes get big). I would imagine as soon as you hung the ball the kisses in the bottom would fall out. My dh takes his tree to work in a plastic bag.

This way if any of the kisses fall out on the way, he doesnt lose them.

8. If youre going to eat the kisses while making the tree, make sure you put enough reds and one silver one aside so you dont run out! (The voice of experience!!!)

Kath

"People dont care how much you know til they know how much you care"

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