This Christmas, there’s a sweet new trend that’s taking over the internet and offering a twist on traditional Christmas trees. Much more original, and less expensive, than the green pine tree, pineapples are the must-have festive centrepiece that’s grabbing everyone’s attention this holiday season.
The trend first started on Pinterest and inspired many users to post pictures of their own decorative pineapple creations on social media, sparking a new festive tradition. Providing a tropical feel to Christmas, the sweet fruits are receiving a jolly makeover, with many decorated using a range of ornaments from tiny hanging baubles to fairy lights and bows.
So, rather than slicing up your pineapples for a quick snack or a cheeky Piña Colada, why not take this opportunity to impress friends and family with your creativity? And, let’s be honest, it’s much easier and a lot less hassle than decorating an entire tree.
To show you just how simple it is, we’ve put together a quick how-to guide to demonstrate how you can create your very own merry pineapples.
Pick the Perfect Pineapple:
Pineapples don’t have a lifespan as long as Christmas trees, so when purchasing your fruit be sure to pick the most unripe, green pineapples you can find to help preserve your decorations as long as possible. Look for pineapples with big, open leaves and flat bases so that they can hold your decorations and stay upright. If you want to feature the fruit at a special event you have coming up, we would recommend decorating the pineapples one or two days prior so that it’s fresh on the day.
Festive Pineapple One: Bold Gold.
This shiny take on the trend is perfect for those that like their decorations to stand out and create a statement. And, despite it’s over the top appearance, it’s very easy to make.
Method:
Take your pineapple, using a can of gold spray paint (we used a metallic gold paint from Poundworld) and start spraying. To ensure full coverage, spray the fruit from various angles and pay particular attention to the hard to reach areas among the leaves. Once painted, leave the pineapple to dry for 15 minutes and apply a second coat if needed.
When you are happy with your pineapple and its new gold coat, decorate the leaves with small hanging baubles. For that extra wow factor, use brightly coloured or glitter baubles to create a standout piece that’s hard to miss.
Festive Pineapple Two: Cheerful Colours.
This simple take on the trend is ideal for those that like to reuse decorations they already have or aren’t perhaps a dab hand at DIY decorating.
Method:
For the base, take some multi-coloured plastic fairy lights (we used a battery powered pack) and wrap the wiring around the pineapple in a circular motion. Start from the bottom and work your way to the top to ensure the entire fruit is covered. Tuck the last light into the fruit’s leaves to hide where the wiring ends.
Once the lights are in place, continue the multi-coloured theme using baubles to decorate the top of the pineapple. Hang each bauble randomly to distribute the various colours.
Festive Pineapple Three: Ice Blast.
This frosty take on the trend is great for those that are dreaming of a white Christmas or those that are old school at heart and like to keep things a tad more traditional.
Method:
Take your pineapple, and wrap the base in a protective layer (we used old sheets of newspaper). Using a can of silver spray paint (we used a metallic silver paint from Poundworld) then start spraying the leaves of the fruit. To ensure full coverage, spray the fruit from various angles and don’t be afraid to hold the can close to the leaves to get those hard to reach areas. Once painted, leave the pineapple to dry for 15 minutes and apply a second coat if needed.
Wait until the leaves are dry before removing the protective layer in place. When removed, decorate the base of the pineapple using clear plastic fairy lights (we used a battery powered pack). Wrap the wiring around the pineapple in a circular motion. Start from the bottom and work your way to the top to ensure the entire base is covered. Tuck the last light at the back of the fruit to hide where the wiring ends.
And that’s it, your festive pineapple fruits are ready for display!
Would you consider trying this trend? We’d love to see your creations, share your pictures with us on Twitter and Instagram: @Fashion_North