I love decorating with pineapples and just pineapple things in general...and yes, I love the actual fruit too! For those who didn't know, pineapples represent hospitality, friendliness and graciousness and that's what I'm all about! To me they also represents a bit of grace and sophistication, and that brings me to my reason for this post, the history behind the pineapple!
Pineapple as Hospitality Symbol
In larger, well-to-do homes, the dining room doors were kept closed to heighten visitors' suspense about the table being readied on the other side. At the appointed moment, and with the maximum amount of pomp and drama, the doors were flung open to reveal the evening's main event. Visitors confronted with pineapple-topped food displays felt particularly honored by a hostess who obviously spared no expense to ensure her guests' dining pleasure
In this manner, the fruit which was the visual keystone of the feast naturally came to symbolize the high spirits of the social events themselves; the image of the pineapple coming to express the sense of welcome, good cheer, human warmth and family affection inherent to such gracious home gatherings.
Our house is a southern plantation house built in 1820 and it used to have doors to the dining room. I can only imagine what kinds of parties they used to have here! And I am sure that the pineapple was present at many gatherings they had.
Pineapple as Artistic Motif
It is hardly surprising that this communal symbol of friendship and hospitality also became a favorite motif of architects, artisans and craftsmen throughout the colonies. They announced the hospitality of a mansion with carved wood or molded mortar pineapples on its main gate posts.
They incorporated huge copper and brass pineapples in the weather vanes of their most important public buildings. They sculpted pineapples into door lintels; stenciled pineapples on walls and canvas mats; wove pineapples into tablecloths, napkins, carpets and draperies; and cast pineapples into metal hot plates. There were whole pineapples carved of wood; pineapples executed in the finest china kilns; pineapples painted onto the backs of chairs and tops of chests.
I have 2 great examples of this right here at home! A pineapple fountain (my mom has one too...she loves them as much as I do) and 2 wooden pineapple candle holders. Sorry for picture quality, I just ran and snapped these.
And I am kicking myself SO hard for not buying these when they were on sale for $6 at Target. WHY!?!? But not to worry, because I just discovered I can buy them online for $9! Cute huh?
Pineapple as Hospitality Symbol
In larger, well-to-do homes, the dining room doors were kept closed to heighten visitors' suspense about the table being readied on the other side. At the appointed moment, and with the maximum amount of pomp and drama, the doors were flung open to reveal the evening's main event. Visitors confronted with pineapple-topped food displays felt particularly honored by a hostess who obviously spared no expense to ensure her guests' dining pleasure
In this manner, the fruit which was the visual keystone of the feast naturally came to symbolize the high spirits of the social events themselves; the image of the pineapple coming to express the sense of welcome, good cheer, human warmth and family affection inherent to such gracious home gatherings.
Our house is a southern plantation house built in 1820 and it used to have doors to the dining room. I can only imagine what kinds of parties they used to have here! And I am sure that the pineapple was present at many gatherings they had.
Pineapple as Artistic Motif
It is hardly surprising that this communal symbol of friendship and hospitality also became a favorite motif of architects, artisans and craftsmen throughout the colonies. They announced the hospitality of a mansion with carved wood or molded mortar pineapples on its main gate posts.
They incorporated huge copper and brass pineapples in the weather vanes of their most important public buildings. They sculpted pineapples into door lintels; stenciled pineapples on walls and canvas mats; wove pineapples into tablecloths, napkins, carpets and draperies; and cast pineapples into metal hot plates. There were whole pineapples carved of wood; pineapples executed in the finest china kilns; pineapples painted onto the backs of chairs and tops of chests.
Copied from http://www.levins.com/pineapple.html
I have 2 great examples of this right here at home! A pineapple fountain (my mom has one too...she loves them as much as I do) and 2 wooden pineapple candle holders. Sorry for picture quality, I just ran and snapped these.
And I am kicking myself SO hard for not buying these when they were on sale for $6 at Target. WHY!?!? But not to worry, because I just discovered I can buy them online for $9! Cute huh?
And last, but not least, I want these Pineapple Enamel earrings from Swell Caroline!
I know these earrings and the sandals are for spring and summer, but I just have to have them! I promise I'll put them away until next spring! Or will I...? haha.
I know, I know, yes you can have too much pineapple and there is a place and time for it, but as far as decorationg with them goes, it will definitely give your home a more inviting, friendly look with a bit of southern class and charm mixed in!
Do any of y'all like pineapples as much as I do? What do you think about decorating with them?
xo Julia
P.S Crystal over at Coffee at Nordstrom is haveing a super cute giveaway for a monogrammed recipe box! Head on over to her blog for your chance to enter! Thanks Crystal!
P.S Crystal over at Coffee at Nordstrom is haveing a super cute giveaway for a monogrammed recipe box! Head on over to her blog for your chance to enter! Thanks Crystal!
I love eating pineapples! And those pineapple earrings are adorable :)
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I have this same China Cabinet, Can anyone tell me more about it?
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