sweet + southern.

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Growing up in Indiana, I used to make frequent trips down to South Carolina to see my grandparents in Hilton Head. On many of those visits, we made day trips to Charleston and Savannah. I always seemed to spot pineapples in southern decor, but it wasn't until I was older that I made the connection between pineapples and {southern} hospitality. 

Pineapples are traditionally a sign of hospitality--and the southern states do a great job at showing it to their guests {and their own residents}. I pulled this post together for my blogger buddy, Ashton. She is not only a Friday's Fancies Faithful but also a southern girl through and through. When I made the trip to Charleston a few weeks ago, she even took the time to meet up with little ol' me--talk about hospitality!

Since pineapples are a sign of hospitality, I thought it only appropriate to ask:
How do you make your home more welcoming to your guests? 
What is your go-to hostess gift?

Have a happy Wednesday everyone--and be sure to stop by Soulshine and say hello :)
xoxo {av}
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32 comments:

  1. Bud and LeoMay 4, 2011 at 7:17 AM

    I LOVE that pineapple ring! TDF! I always love having fresh flowers and lots of food & drinks when ppl come over!

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  2. Casey LewisMay 4, 2011 at 7:31 AM

    I need that pineapple clutch/coin purse in my life ASAP. I love that pineapples are a sign of hospitality... I like to have one at my counter at all times, party because of that but mostly because I'm obsessed with eating them.

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  3. The Everything ListMay 4, 2011 at 7:32 AM

    i used to go to historic Williamsburg as a kid (I was the dork obsessed with colonial history.) I always wondered why there were so many pineapples on doors and such. It apparently means "welcome." I love this post!

    (They also have pinapples all over the resorts we were at for our wedding, honeymoon, and our recent trip to Jamaica.)

    http://lachapstickfanatique.blogspot.com

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  4. jillian :: cornflake dreams.May 4, 2011 at 8:01 AM

    yum i love pineapple!! just wish they weren't so tough to cut :) xoxo jillian

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  5. AnnieMay 4, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    Love pineapples. My mom has a pineapple door knocker!

    My go to hostess gift is a soap from a nice bed and bath shop here in Charlotte. They always wrap it super cute and it's a nice simple gift.

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  6. m_bMay 4, 2011 at 8:21 AM

    there are pineapples in providence too, at the entrance to federal hill!
    i like to make my home welcoming by having something to offer (food or drink) and a nice candle lit. :)

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  7. Deanna PaiMay 4, 2011 at 8:44 AM

    Ahh I've been dying to try the Kiehl's pineapple face scrub! Seeing it here seems like a plausible excuse to go buy it now.. :)

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  8. McLean Robbins May 4, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    I want the ring! And the stationary! You did forget my personal favorite - homemade pineapple vodka!

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  9. Jordan ColeMay 4, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    I love the ring!! i have that stationary :)

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  10. UnknownMay 4, 2011 at 9:43 AM

    Ahbsessed with that little Kate Spade pineapple coin purse! I need it to make me smile everytime I open my bag!

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  11. Michelle StilesMay 4, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    I buy a case of my favorite local wine and always have one in hand as I walk into a friends house of have it out when people come over. It works like a charm.

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  12. UnknownMay 4, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    These pineapples are so cute- love Kiehl's everything! As for me and hosting, flowers and booze:)

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  13. Michelle (michabella)May 4, 2011 at 10:00 AM

    Oooo! I love pineapples :)

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  14. UnknownMay 4, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    When I finally have a guest bedroom (2 weeks!!) I am totally going to put chocolates on the pillows. Hahahah, kind of lame, but I can't WAIT to do it.

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  15. ashley nicole catherineMay 4, 2011 at 10:34 AM

    i totally didn't know it was a sign of hospitality! lovelove that ring. i always try to have everything a guest would need but might not want to bug me for - coffee and fruit in case they get up before i do, towels, razors, toothpaste - and fresh flowers in the guest room.

    xo.ashley

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  16. MeganMay 4, 2011 at 10:59 AM

    i give them alcohol. i joke. kinda.

    i usually always have a lavish meal prepared.

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  17. natasha {schue love}May 4, 2011 at 11:16 AM

    That is so neat...I had no idea! I love the traditions of southern hospitality...I think it's always nice to bring a hostess gift, whether it be a bottle of wine, nice candle, or something for the kitchen. And I like having candy or other treats for when we have guests visit! :)

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  18. JocelynMay 4, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    LOVE LOVE the Kate Spade coin purse -- so cute! :)

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  19. HollyMay 4, 2011 at 11:56 AM

    I love that Kate Spade pineapple bag, so fun!

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  20. Hannah {Culture Connoisseur}May 4, 2011 at 11:58 AM

    I make my house more welcoming with my Moroccan tea set and serving up Moroccan or Persian tea. I also like to have a book where people can share something fun about their time at our place...a little guest book if you would.

    My go to hostess gift? A bundt cake.

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  21. Carol {Everyday Delights}May 4, 2011 at 12:19 PM

    I couldn't agree more! Everytime I go to the south (Memphis, Texas and Alabama - where my fam lives) everyone is just so sweet!

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  22. KT @ KT's Refinishing SchoolMay 4, 2011 at 12:42 PM

    That pineapple purse is gorgeous! I once read that in Puritan England, the pineapple finials that often adorn the tops of four post beds were removable and the host or hostess would remove the finial and place it on the bed when a guest had overstayed their welcome :) Don't know if it's true or not but it sounds like a great way non confrontational way to kick somebody out!

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  23. MichelleMay 4, 2011 at 12:45 PM

    I love pineapples! I love the pineapple cards. They always remind me of William & Sonoma!! I love your collages as always :) XOXO

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  24. JessMay 4, 2011 at 3:21 PM

    kiehls products are the best, must try that facial scrub. oh and to add to the pineapple love: pineapple ginger smoothie.

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  25. ag.May 4, 2011 at 3:34 PM

    Seriously, Kate Spade?! I love your creativity! :)
    The south really is so sweet and welcoming. I don't really have a go-to hostess gift, I do always try to make it something personal, a little twist or touch that shows I'm paying attention!

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  26. A Crimson KissMay 4, 2011 at 4:11 PM

    That Kate Spade clutch is just too sweet! I usually bring a bottle of bubbly when I visit, but I'm also a sucker for chic coasters!

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  27. Alicia xoxxoMay 4, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    I adore pineapples!!! I have 2 pineapple lamps in my living room and I love them! Right now I am lusting over the Kate Spade pineapple necklace! When I have people over I always have wine, a fun cocktail, and fun snacks!!

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  28. CathyMay 4, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    First off, I LOVE pineapples! So I simply adore this post! To welcome guests, I usually offer a drink when they arrive. Even if it's just water. My Mom always did that with my friends, so it stuck. As for a hostess gift, it's usually something baked. Or something to drink.

    And you have to add this pineapple card from Etsy to your lineup: http://tinyurl.com/3pc8wcu

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  29. LambMay 4, 2011 at 9:12 PM

    That Kate Spade coin purse is so so so cute. I am obsessed! I wonder how big it is??

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  30. SaraMay 4, 2011 at 11:12 PM

    I have a Roost water carafe in my guest bedroom and a folding luggage rack for a suitcase. But for my go-to housewarming gift, you can't go wrong with KOBO candles. Lately, I found a organic cleaning product made locally called Rebel Green so I tie that with some dishtowels for a practical housewarming gift.

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  31. .:Chelsey:.May 6, 2011 at 12:10 AM

    I love this post! I really want that pineapple ring to wear this summer! It's SO fun! :)

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  32. meghanMay 8, 2011 at 4:27 PM

    The pineapple coin purse is the cutest. I saw someone post it in one of their pictures and just fell in love. I wish I had bought it when KS was having their 25% off everything sale.

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