1. Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for 15 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, green onions, parsley, dill, garlic powder and lemon zest.

3. Season with salt and pepper and fold in crushed nuts and red bell pepper until evenly distributed.

4. Lay plastic wrap on a work surface and transfer the cheese mixture to its center.

5. Gather plastic wrap edges and shape mixture into a cone to resemble a Christmas tree.

6. Wrap the cone tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.

7. Unwrap the chilled cheese tree and place on a serving platter.

8. Coat hands with oil and press chopped parsley or dill onto the tree to mimic green branches.

9. Dot the tree with diced bell pepper, dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds as ornaments.

10. Cut a small star from cheddar or yellow pepper and place at the top of the tree.

11. Surround the decorated tree with crackers, pretzels and fresh veggies and serve chilled.