November 1493!
Christopher Columbus!
Perhaps you are asking what in the world, does November and Columbus have to do with a Summertime blog hop?
Well, I will tell you!
Columbus’s second voyage to the new world landed him on the Caribbean island of Guadalupe!
The sailors and soldiers ventured inland to what appeared to be a deserted Caribbean Indian village.
However, they spotted clay pots filled with fresh fruits and vegetables among the thatched huts.
Are you following me now?
One particular fruit the Carib was called “anana”…..No, don’t get too far ahead of me here….it was NOT the banana.
It was juicy and sweet and Columbus recorded it in his log book as “looking like a pine cone, but with the firmness of an apple.”
Yep!
You guessed it…it was the pineapple.
However, the pineapple did not originate on that island…it was brought up from Brazil and Paraguay and easily grew in the rich soil and was transplanted and cultivated throughout the islands and into what is now Mexico.
Unfortunately, the pineapple was not easy to grow in non-tropical climates and too delicate to travel…so it became a symbol of Royal privilege.
Therefore any guest seeing a whole pineapple displayed, knew that no expense was spared in providing not only entertainment, but rare food.
The pineapple became the high symbol of social events and became the meaning of welcome, friendship and hospitality.
Many hotels and Inns to this day, have pineapples carved on signs or sitting on pedestals, as a way of welcome.
My Welcome Summertime Brunch table has three pineapples
Two ceramic and one real.
I wanted my brunch guests to feel welcome as they sat at my table.
I used a cream colored tablecloth for my Pineapple Pink and Gold tablescape.
Yes, I am still on that pink is a color I love kick.
The plate stack starts with a white charger, followed by a Grace’s Teaware gold pin dot and pink dinner plate and matching salad plate.
On top of the salad plate, is an egg cup in the same pattern, and to the side of the plate stack is the matching teacup and saucer.
Gold flatware flank the plate stack and a white linen napkin combined with a white shear napkin are secured using a single white rose napkin ring.
The stemware water glasses and stemmed Mimosa glasses are gold rimmed, as is the matching mimosa decanter.
The two ceramic pineapples are white with gold tops….and are actually cookie jars.
For our tea, the Grace’s Teaware teapot sits beside one of the white ceramic pineapples.
Our brunch menu consists of what else?
Pineapple of course!
Pineapple gluten free cupcakes, with dried pineapple wedges and maraschino cherries on top of the buttercream frosting.
AND a pineapple upside down cake!
I know, right?
I am also serving coddled eggs in those pretty little egg cups.
And what brunch would be without mimosas made with pineapple juice and orange juice?
You will notice my bonnet is on the table as I just couldn’t resist a truly Southern Brunch, hat and all.
I know, right?
I hope you make time for a welcome brunch for your friends, as they will love your attention to detail.
A triple pineapple welcome doesn’t get any better than that…right?
Oh, the third stemmed glass on the table?
That is for the Shirley Temple Mimosas.
I know, right?
Our temps in Florida can get a bit high…so this Summertime Pink and Gold Pineapple Brunch was held indoors.
I have two guests who can’t stand the outdoor heat…so what does a hostess do?
She accommodates her guests.
Thank you for stopping by Me and My Captain!
I want to thank Chloe, my sweet friend, who I personally met several years ago at Haven… for all her hard work in putting together this blog hop.
I have loved all the friendships that are made through these wonderful ladies and their inspiration to the Blog Hops
As we go through the monthly blog hops, I feel I know each and every blogger and I want to take this opportunity to say..”Thank You dear friends for this wonderful kinship”
And last, but not least, let us pray for Maureen of Red Cottage Chronicles .
She usually is with this group of fine ladies, but she received devastating news this week and is staying with her dear mother, who is in hospice care.
God Bless all of you!
Kari
Monday
a casa di Bianca | My Thrift Store Addiction | Bluesky at Home | Celebrate & Decorate
Tuesday
Everyday Living | Life and Linda | Knock it Off Kim | Home is Where the Boat Is
Wednesday
The Painted Apron | Me and My Captain | Debbee’s Buzz
Thursday
My Family Thyme | Living With Thanksgiving | Zucchini Sisters
Follow the Yellow Brick Home | PanoplyFriday
Sweet Sensations | Chasing Quaintness | Katherine’s Corner | Corner of Plaid and Paisley
Wow! Kari, this table is absolutely beautiful! I would definitely feel welcomed here! Your delicate pink and gold china is gorgeous. I love all of your attention to detail. That pineapple upside cake looks delicious! So happy to be on this blog hop with you, my friend!
thanks Lynne, so glad you “hopped” with us. 😉
Kari, I love pineapple and this checks all my boxes for both beautiful table design and tempting treats! Your delicate pink china with polka dots is so lovely. I love the drama of the white pineapple cookie jar with the gold top. The gold flatware and gold rimmed stemware coordinates nicely. Thanks for the history lesson…I knew pineapples represent hospitality but didn’t know about the connection to Columbus.
You’re right that this tablescape group is special and that it’s allowed us to develop some wonderful friendships with each other. I know that we’re all keeping Maureen in our prayers.
It sure has Rebecca…and for anyone who has lost a loved one such as a parent….these times are tough. thanks for your comments and it is always a pleasure to blog hop with you.
Kari, you are even sweeter than your sweet summer brunch table. I’m loving your love for pink lately, and am sure your guests feel more than welcomed. Shirley temple mimosas – yum! and your pineapple upside down cake looks mouthwatering. If you don’t mind setting another place I’ll be right over! Always so fun hopping with you!
thanks Kim…you are always welcome at my table. 😉 I cherish the friendships made through blogging and the blog hops draw us even closer. Have a great week. Hugs
Well, I do feel as though I have been to a royal affair!! Your elegantly appointed table sure does seem fit for royalty. I love the delicate pink china with the egg cups perfectly paired with the napkin treatment. Mimosa’s with you sounds like a wonderful affair. I hope you have a wonderful start to your summer, Kari. It is always a treat to hop with you.
thanks Ann….we do have such fun don’t we? All the tables are amazing.
Pink white and gold are such a lovely combination. The pattern on the tableware is lovely, matching egg cups too, yes! A welcome table to enjoy brunch and time spent with friends. It’s a pleasure to be on the tablescape tour with you. Hugs!
Thanks Katherine….the ladies outdid themselves with this welcome summer tablescape, don’t ya think? Hugs
Kari, your beautiful pink and white china is the envy of all dinnerware. It is so rare to find such elegant china. You turned your lovely table into a beautiful and exquisite dining experience! Gorgeous!!!!
thanks Marsha, it is always fun to play with dishes.
Oh Kari, your china is absolutely beautiful! The newest set of china I have is Larabee Road from Kate Spade which is platinum polka dots, so I have a thing for polka dots. I, like you love pink, so anytime you incorporate pink, I am right there with you. I love that you shared a story about the pineapple giving us a little history lesson. Your kind prayer request for Maureen was so touching. Thank you friend!
thanks dear friend. I keep thinking I will “get over” my “pink” obsession, but so far, it is not to be. LOL
And thanks again for adding Rita at the last minute to the blog hop. When she said she had a tablescape ready and had just missed a communication, I just felt it was the right thing to do …and you, being you and so flexible, made it happen. 🙂
I do pray for Maureen as I have been where she is. I believe we should support one another, as we are all kindred spirits as Anne with an “E” said. Hugs and love
Love your ‘pretty in pink’ table Kari…perfect for brunch, Easter, Mother’s Day or any time of year! Your witty commentary and storytelling is one my favorite things about visiting you! I knew the pineapple was the symbol of hospitality but not about Christopher Columbus’s discovery. I would love to join you for a pineapple mimosa! As always it’s a treat to join you at the table and blog hop with you ♥
The pineapple is always out for you,Mary… You are always welcome at my table. These blog hops are such fun and so inspirational.
Kari, you are so sweet in your comments about all us tablescapers on the blog hops. It is amazing how well we get to know each other in this way. I’m a pink girl too, so I love your pink and gold theme. It’s so elegant and pretty. Love the plates and gold utensils. Such a nice expression of support for Maureen.
thank you Carol…I know how difficult it is when a loved one is in hospice.
And hey, we are a blogging team…I consider you all my friends.
Kari, that table is beautiful! I love the pink/gold together…so classy and elegant! That decanter and the stemware are just so refined and go perfectly with your flatware! The ceramic pineapple is such a great centerpiece! Beautiful! Love and hugs!
thanks Benita….you are too cool and a dear friend. Hugs and love
Kari, what a lovely, elegant summer table! Pink and pineapples pair marvelously. Who knew? One of my dad’s two favorite desserts was pineapple upside down cake, and I’ll be serving it next weekend for a Celebration of Life gathering. Your pineapple treats had my mouth watering — they look delicious. I’ll be missing absent from blogging for awhile, but will continue to look forward to your reading yours. Hugs!
thanks Debbee…just know that you are not alone…and we are not going anywhere…we’ll be here when you return. Hugs my friend
Wow Kari, your table is gorgeous. I am loving the dishware. It is so charming. I love pink too. You have set a beautiful table for a lovely summer brunch. The pineapples are fabulous. Love the napkins with the roses. The egg cups, the teapot and so much more to admire. I would love to sit down at your table and enjoy a beautiful brunch sweet friend.
thanks Linda…I really enjoyed putting this table together with thee pineapples….When I got the cookie jar, I knew I had to have a matching pair …and though they may not hold cookies. they do hold my heart. thanks for stopping by my friend.
I’ve had pineapple upside down cake on my mind for over a month. Your beautiful table gives me the nudge to get going on it. This is so delicate and cozy and your friends must have been ecstatic. Not only did you give us a visual feast but a history lesson as well. Sending hugs and prayers to Maureen♥
Thanks Sandra…I love pineapple and even put it in my cole slaw….have you ever done that? Sooooo good. Thanks for stopping by my friend.
Kari, what a beautiful brunch setting–I love the colors! It is a pleasure to be joining you this week! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
thanks Cecilia…it is always a pleasure to blog hop with you.
Oh Kari what a delightful table filled with pink and gold. I love the plate stack and the teaware is so gorgeous. I loved reading of your Columbus story and I have always enjoyed pineapple as the symbol of hospitality! The cupcakes and mimosas are perfect brunch fare, but the pineapple upside down cake brings back memories of my mother making those so often when I was a child. She always made hers in an iron skillet. I think I must bake up one of those soon. Thank you for mentioning dear Maureen. My prayers are with her. It is always a pleasure to sit at one of your beautiful tables my friend!
thanks Pam…I made mine in an iron skillet…it is so much easier when preparing the pineapples and brown sugar, butter etc…to just add the batter on top and pop in the oven. Hugs dear friend.
What a beautiful table Kari! Pink & Gold is so elegant and your ceramic pineapple, front and center is truly the star of the show! I have long known pineapple was the symbol of hospitality, but did not know the rich history behind it, that is fascinating, thank you for sharing that! My wedding china, Franciscan “Moonglow” features an embossed pineapple edge, and my mother explained to me when we were picking it out, that it was the symbol of hospitality…and I have wrought iron pineapples on the rails by the front entry to my house, so you are making me feel extra special this morning! I love your brunch menu, and of course your straw hat adds the perfect touch of Southern whimsy! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could all sit around your welcoming sophisticated table! I too value my blog friends who we really get to know by peeks into each others homes and lives. Thank you for mentioning Maureen and I know we will all keep her in our prayers during this difficult time…
Jenna
thanks Jenna I am so blessed to have such wonderful kindred spirits, as Anne with an “E” used to say, and I am happy to call you my friend.
Kari, so pretty! The Grace’s teaware reminds me of current Kate Spade patterns, and your details are really pretty. Love your history on the pineapple and the addition of the upside cake and cupcakes!
I am sorry I didn’t get in on this hop, was actually ready to with a table I had prepared before our move. I’ll have to reconnect so I can be in on future communication. 🙁 I am really sorry to learn of Maureen’s mother. Thank you for that info.
Rita, I wondered about you, and was disappointed to not see your tablescape, although I know moving takes a lot out of you, and especially when downsizing.
We need your wonderful inspiration too. I am checking with Chloe to see if she can add you in either tomorrow or Friday.
It is not a hop without you my dear friend!
(Oh, I just talked to Chloe and she said pick a day…Thursday or Friday if you want to hop) and she will send out the revised hop.
Kari, I feel royally welcomed! Thank you. What a creative and beautiful tablescape. I’m loving your pink, white, and gold! Your china is gorgeous and you have so many lovely pieces. The pineapple up side down cake looks delicious as well as the cute cup cakes.
I enjoyed your history of Columbus second voyage to the new world and about the pineapple. Your ceramic pineapples are so pretty and your gold trimmed stemware and gold flatware accent your table beautifully.
I join you in prayer for Maureen and her mother.
I agree the blog hopping friendships are special.
thanks Bonnie, this was a fun table to put together. I have always loved pineapple upside down cake as it is such a moist cake….but the gluten free cupcakes are just not my cup of tea…so to speak. They were a little dry. thanks for stopping by.