Wednesday, August 1, 2012

The Hospitality Table


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Pineapples have been a symbol of hospitality since the 1700’s (at least in my area).  They were imported from the Caribbean to New Orleans and then transported up the Mississippi River.  Especially during the holidays if you tour the local antebellum homes you will see plenty of pineapples in the décor!

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The centerpiece is actually a cookie jar that I found at the Trash to Treasure sale.  I used a mixture of faux flowers and real greenery.

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I like how the crystal pitcher mimics the pineapple texture.

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I found the wood chargers last week at Goodwill.  They are topped with square red plates (JCP), white salad (Pier One) and a wooden pineapple dish (Trash to Treasure).

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The pineapple napkin rings were also a Trash to Treasure find from several years ago.  The napkins and tablecloth were originally from Target but I purchased them at Dirt Cheap for $3!  Yep, the tablecloth was $2 and the four napkins were $1.
 
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The pretty flatware is from JCP.

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The amber goblets were a yard sale find from several years ago.  The wine glasses are from the Dollar Tree.

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I love how the amber glasses pick up the darker tone in the pineapple.

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TIP OF THE WEEK:

Fresh ripe pineapples should have green, fresh-looking leaves in a small, compact crown, and a leaf should be easy to remove if fully ripe. Once again, the nose proves to be a powerful tool in determining ripeness.
The fruit should be plump, feel heavy and have a strong sweet, but not fermented, pineapple aroma. Coloring may be green or yellow-gold, depending on the variety. Feel the bottom. It should yield to medium pressure, have no indication of mold, and the eyes should be bright, shiny and flat. Avoid any that are dry or look old and wrinkly. Dark eyes, soft spots and yellowed leaves are all indicators of a pineapple way past its prime.

Once trimmed and cut, be sure the pineapple is covered in juice in an airtight container, refrigerate and use within five to seven days. Let the fruit return to room temperature before eating to improve flavor.  (from http://homecooking.about.com/od/foodstorage/a/pineapplestor.htm)
 
Thanks for stopping by!

Sharing with:
Let’s Dish @ Cuisine Kathleen
Tips, Tutorials & Tidbits @ StoneGable
Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style
Tabletop Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life

19 comments:

  1. Love your pineapple theme and so pretty in your yard. The pool and Tiki Hut look so tropical. The crystal pitcher is fabulous, I am suddenly in awe of anything crystal. Hugs, Marty

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  2. Do you know that I avoid buying fresh whole pineapples because I'm afraid my judgment will betray me? I didn't know about the leaves being easy to remove as a sign of ripeness. I'll get brave one day soon! Ha! You're right....the cut of the crystal is a perfect match to the pineapple centerpiece! Good eye on that one! Wow...someone got rid of all that cool pineapple stuff, and that turned out to be a boon for you!!! I've never been to a Trash-to-Treasure event here in this area, but I know they have them. I should get out there and dig around. Maybe I'll find something great, too! There's an actual store called Dirt Cheap? That's funny! I love it! The way you put this table together is proof positive that you don't have to spend a King's ransom to create a great look!

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  3. Tammy, not only is pineapple good to eat but it really does make a fine decorating statement. Many, many years ago I subscribed to a magazine called Early American Life (my maple and primitive era). A pineapple was always featured as decoration in the colonial homes. Every year I have a pineapple somewhere tucked into the Christmas decor to this day..Your tablescape is really beautiful and with so many lovely pieces..Happy Wednesday..Judy

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  4. I am enchanted by your use of colors in this design! You've beautifully translated the stripes in your cloth. Great get on your chargers. Thanks for inviting us for a peak.

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  5. I have never known how to pick a pineapple.. but now I do.. thank you! Love the cookie jar turned vase idea. And you are right, the amber glasses do pick up the color of the pineapple perfectly. What a score on the tablecloth and napkin. great table.. xo marlis

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  6. Lovely table setting to welcome guests to dinner in your lovely yard. The pool and tiki hut are the perfect setting for this beautiful tablescape. Love the way you used the striped cloth and the pineapple cookie jar for the flowers.

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  7. Tammy, I love your pineapple inspired table setting. It is so very welcoming. Great tip on choosing pineapples and storing them.

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  8. Love the pineapples!!! You have created a lovely table! It is so inviting! The wooden pineapple dishes are lovely, what a great find!

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  9. Hi Tammy!
    This is a perfect hospitality table! the whole pineapple theme is wonderful. Love those wood chargers and all the other fun things you have here!

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  10. The table is gorgeous! Love the symbolism of pineapples!

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  11. Tammy, Thanks for the tips about pineapples! I am so enthralled with the idea of these prickly tropical fruits being a sign of hospitality. So fascinating! Your table is just that... welcoming and hospitable! I love your trash-to-treasure pineapple centerpiece.
    And your setting is as pretty as your table!

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  12. Oh my, I love your table! I did know about pineapples being a symbol of hospitality. Now that I see yours, I remember that I used to have a wooden pineapple dish: I bet it went to Goodwill. WAY before tablescaping:):) Love all the red. OH! And your yard and pool are gorgeous. XO, Pinky

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  13. Love all the pineapples...how lucky to find enough to set this beautiful table.

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  14. Your table is set just perfect. Thanks on the how to buy pineapples.
    Thanks for stopping by my blog today.

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  15. LOVE your pineapple themed table! The cookie jar makes a perfect vase! What great chargers! I have never seen them before. Thanks for the tips about pineapples!

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  16. Very pretty table. I did know that pineapples are a sign of hospitality, but it is so hard to find pineapple designs.

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  17. There isn't anything better than fresh pineapple. Yummy! I love the welcoming topical feel of your colorful table. Thanks for the wonderful inspiration!

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  18. I love your pineapple tablescape al fresco! I wish I could be seatting there with you with such gorgeous sorrounding too. I love the pineapple centerpiece and I love it that it's a sign of welcome!! Your chargers are awesome. Thank you for your sweet and lovely visit to my laundry room reveal.
    FABBY

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  19. How pretty! I love those wooden pineapples, perfect for a first course! You found some wonderful thrifted bargains!

    Thanks for linking to Let's Dish!

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Thank you so much for all your lovely comments! I try to return the favor and visit each one of you! ~Blessings, Tammy~