Pineapples say Welcome

In the Caribbean, Europe and North America, the pineapple became associated with the return of ships from extended voyages, and an emblem of welcome and hospitality that made its way into contemporary art.  The very first thing I bought for my new house was a brushed nickel pineapple doorbell but that was just the beginning.  You can see just a few examples of my preoccupation with pineapples HERE.  Today I am doing my first Pineapple Tablescape and you're invited (and welcomed of course!)

I found these dishes at The Stationery Store on Main St. in Venice, FL.  I love the warm, country feel they have.

I even used a picture of this plate for my original blog header.

I started with a gold placemat (Ross) so that the place setting didn't get sucked up into the glass table top.

The chargers are metal (Beall's Outlet) and the design edge mimics the plate edge. I found the four of them at two different stores but never could find any more.

My pineapple silverware was the obvious choice!  The maker is Gingko and I got them at Amazon for a great price because the box had been previously opened.  They were in perfect condition.  I have a set for 12 and serving pieces too.

The napkin rings are from the same Venice store.  I wound up buying 8 each of the plates and napkin rings.  If you really love something, make sure you buy enough so that you can use it for guests.

The brown goblets are from Pier One (yes, the one's I got on clearance, with a coupon, use them all the time!) and the green ones are from Goodwill. 

The centerpiece started with a tray from Ross.  I have five or six trays and baskets in this same design.  Sometimes I like to match, sometimes not.  The ceramic jug is also from Ross and has a great crackled finish.

I filled it with a fern and these wonderful pineapple picks I found at Old Time Pottery.

This arrangement usually resides in my master bedroom on a table next to my reading (tv watching) chair.

I added 2 ceramic pineapples from Tuesday Morning.  They were very inexpensive.  You never know what you will find at that store and the prices always surprise me.  They are either way too high or very low!  I guess that's what keeps me coming back.

I finished filling the tray with these candles I found at Goodwill, brand new and still wrapped in plastic.  One final pineapple for this tablescape...

Even my light fixture hanging over this table is a pineapple!  I found it on Ebay for a great price.  My favorite places (cheapest) to get lighting are Ebay and Overstock.

I have two secrets to share with you at the end so make sure you scroll all the way down.  Sorry for the overload!

My first secret is that this is a second attempt at the tablescape.  Yesterday, I set it up, took pictures and then edited them with Befunky.com (my Picnik replacement).  What can I say, this table was BORING! 

Did you notice the changes I made?  I added the tray.  Always a good way to ground your centerpiece, especially on a glass top.  Then I added the green glasses to break up all the browns and gold.  I usually try to tweak before I take and edit my pictures.  That would have saved me a lot of time!  Here is another picture of the after...

Much better, don't you agree?  And the other secret...the pineapple plates are plastic!  We eat out on our pool deck all the time so they really are practical.  If I ever find them as a real plate I wouldn't hesitate to buy them too! 

Thanks for stopping by and make sure to visit my sister at her blog, Creating Wonderful Spaces!          It's her one year wedding anniversary!  Happy Anniversary Elaine and Mike!

I will be joining the following parties...

Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch

Let's Dish! at Cuisine Kathleen

Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

Thrifty Things Friday at Thrifty Groove