Robin Flies South...

A blog about decorating and tablescaping with an emphasis on creativity and smart shopping over cash!

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

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





















20 comments:

allisamazing said...

Love your pineapple table. Your before one was lovely but your second take was fabulous! I didn't know that the pineapple was a symbol of welcome - so very interesting :)

Elaine said...

I was wondering when a pineapple table would turn up! I can't see one without thinking about you! I agree--your final table is perfect! Even your centerpiece is the shape of a pineapple. The golds and greens and browns are so warm and inviting. I certainly feel welcome!

PAT said...

Absolute pineapple perfection! Beautiful table.

Olive said...

I especially like the pineapple flatware. Have you tried editing in PicMonkey? The site is free and run by former Picnik people.

Aledia said...

Loving your pineapple theme tablescape, it is so warm and inviting. You have done a fabulous job! Thank You for sharing and have a wonderful evening!

Aledia @ Plum Perfect

A Cottage in the Clouds said...

How very pretty! The colors are perfect for your room. Love the pineapple dishes...well, honestly, I'm loving ALL your pineapple things.
I think I'll go make a pineapple upside down cake now ... I have a sudden craving!

Entertaining Women said...

Great eye for design. Your additions completely changed the tone of the table. The green goblets made the golds come alive! Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay

Alycia Nichols said...

Incredible deal on the flatware!!! That has got to be up there with the Great Deals of a Lifetime!!! It goes so well with everything you have here, and I'm sure it'll look great with other non-pineapple tablescapes, too! The plates are beautiful! The addition of the tray and other elements really did make a whale of a difference! Well done!

Diann said...

I am here visiting a little early (and a great big thank you for joining TTF this week....in advance...LOL). I love your table! Everything is so perfectly pulled together. The silverware is awesome! And I love the dishes and the chargers! Well done my friend!

The Tablescaper said...

So many wonderful details. Love that flatware. The textures are just great.

- The Tablescaper

Marigene said...

Fabulous table, Robin...I wouldn't have guessed the pineapple plates were plastic. I am amazed you found pineapple flatware!

Scribbler said...

What a beautiful table! It would be so hard to choose a favorite thing -- but that flatware would be very high on the list. Everything is so well-thought out and put together.

Marlis said...

Your plates are fabulous. I am amazed at all your pretty pineapples.. They look wonderful. I love the changes you made. the green add more dimension. Love your tray..gorgeous.. Xo marlis.

Susan Freeman said...

Beautiful tablescape! The earthy colors and textures compliment each other perfectly. Great job! I am your newest follower.

Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

xinex said...

Beautiful and very welcoming as pineapples really represent hospitality. This looks very tropical, reminds me of Tommy Bahama....Christine

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Those pineapple candles are the cutest! I love the colors in your plates-very Tuscan which I like!
The charges are awesome with them too!
The stemware mixes in pefectly and I love your round table tray. I just got one for our kitchen table that's made of wire and some woven material.
Your pineapple S & P shakers are great and even your lamp! All say "welcome"!!

Pam~ Virginia Retro said...

Beautiful tablescape & Venice, FL is a beautiful place!

Tammy @ A Walk in the Countryside said...

Love your table with the pineapples! All the antebellum homes around here decorate at Christmas with fresh pineapples and it looks great! Thanks for the great tip on my tiki hut! When you mentioned the unusual cocktail table, I immediately thought of the pineapple garden stool I just gave my mom for Mother's Day! I think now I need to go get me one! Blessing, Tammy

Anonymous said...

I love all the warm colors of your table. And I canNOT believe those plates are plastic!!! Every piece goes so well together. Visiting from Let's Dish this week.

Kathleen said...

Beautiful, Robin, very welcoming. The flatware is so pretty, and everything goes together like a pineapple smoothie! :)
Thanks so much for linking up to Let's Dish!