Sparklers always remind me of summer vacations to West Virginia to visit my Grandma. Those humid, sticky summer nights of catching lightning bugs on my Uncle's farm, toasting marshmallows on dangerously large bonfires, and running around like a bunch of wild animals with my cousins and a fist-full of sparklers fully blazing. There was nothing like it...
Of course sparklers also bring back memories of the 4th of July! The 4th has always been a special holiday for me because I have so many great memories. It's synonymous with summer, the time spent with family, barbeques, our local parade and of course those crazy sparklers! Can't you smell them now?
So, let's celebrate the sparkler in all of it's crazy glory! Here's a simple way to turn pineapples, sparklers and a couple cans of paint into wildly fun and very festive 4th of July centerpieces...
Supplies:
pineapples
red, white & blue spray paint *we recommend paint & primer in one for better coverage
sparklers
note: use standard (short, hand-held) sparklers for this project.
Steps:
1. Spray paint pineapples using red, white and blue paint & primer in one. Allow to dry completely before continuing.
2. Insert sparklers into pineapples tops. Stick the "handle" of the sparkler down into the soft fruit leaving space between the fronds of the pineapple and the "sparkler" portion of the stick. You may have to wiggle them a bit to stick them into the fruit.
3. Touch up any chipped paint with a paintbrush as needed but do not spray paint pineapple once sparklers are inserted.
4. Arrange as your tabletop centerpiece.
5. Just at dusk, have a couple of guests all help light the sparklers using a long lighters then step back and enjoy!
Oh, and don't forget to pass out extra sparklers to all of your guests big and little. You're never too old to enjoy those wild fireworks!
Craft & photos by Christina Streit & Leah Bergman
Mara says
I'm in love! I'm wondering if the pineapple would be safe safe to eat after? I want to make something like this for a party I'm hosting in August, but I feel like I'll be a food waster since I'll need about 14 of them.
Leah Bergman says
Sadly the pineapple will not be safe to eat. You might be able to find some sort of artificial pineapple at the craft store however!
Annette says
This is so cute! I'll def have to do this for our 4th of July bbq! PS check your Facebook for invite 🙂
Leah Bergman says
Thanks Annette! Oh, and Jason and I would love to attend your 4th BBQ. Just let me know what to bring. xo
writingmonique says
This is such a cool idea! We don't celebrate 4th of July in Holland, but our flag is red,white,blue as well; so I could just use it as that haha!
WritingMonique
Leah Bergman says
Perfect! Or, you could always paint them any old color you like to match a party table. Even all gold would be fun.
Alicia says
Love it so simplistic, fun and creative And I love that I can duplicate it.
Leah Bergman says
Thank you! If you make these makes sure to share a photo and tag me on social so that I can see them. 🙂 Happy 4th...a bit early.
kellysparklesandshoes says
These are adorable, so pretty and so perfect for the 4th!
xx Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
Leah Bergman says
Thank you Kelly! xo
Alexis @ Persia Lou says
I love this! Need to go paint pineapples.
freutcake says
Thank you Alexis! Have fun painting up a pineapple storm!
Christmaskitty says
Such a wildly fun idea! I love sparklers.
freutcake says
Sparklers are the best, ever! xo
Cheryl says
Could you cut out the pineapple with one of those new spiral cutters that scoops out the pineapple only?
Leah Bergman says
That would definitely be worth a try! Let me know how it turns out. You might need to fill it with something to create weight once the fruit is scooped out.