The great thing about pineapples is that they can be carved into inexpensive centerpieces, serving bowls or even drink cups. You can also use a carved out pineapple as a dish for serving dips or as a tropical inspired flower vase.
One of the most basic of serving or presentation vessels that can be made out of a pineapple is the classic Pineapple Boat. To make a pineapple boat you simply make sure that all discolored or misshapen leaves are removed from the pineapple. Do not remove the top of the pineapple as this is part of the effect.
You then cut the pineapple in half vertically and then cut gently inside of the pineapple to remove the pineapple fruit pulp. You can then use it as a vessel to hold a display of fruit. A nice idea is to fill the pineapple boat with fruit skewers that also include pineapple. A pineapple boat can also be loaded with any type of dip or used as an ice bucket on which to display cold shrimp or seafood that needs to be kept cold. Pineapple boats also make nice holders for home-made gelatos or ice cream.
Pineapple bowls are also very easy to make. To create one simply remove the top and the bottom of the pineapple so it sits flats. You then hollow the pineapple out to create a bowl. You can then fill this bowl with anything you like. Consider putting a candle or a single floating flower inside the bowl. The pineapple bowl also looks good filled with fruit chunks, fruit soups or sorbets.
Pineapple flowers are also a common table-top decoration in fruit decoration circles. Slice the pineapple horizontally into ¼ inch slices. Then use a flower shaped cookie cutter to cut flowers out of the disc shaped piece of fruit. Skewer these flowers on the end of long spikes. You then use a melon baller to carve balls out of a melon and use those as the center of the flower. A maraschino cherry also can serve duty as the pineapple flower center as well.
Another thing you can do is make a pineapple lantern to light up your next after-dusk barbecue or patio party. You make one very much in the same way that you would a Halloween lantern out of a pumpkin. Cut off the top of the pineapple and use a sharp knife to remove it’s core. Cut a face into the front of the fruit and then secure the top back on the fruit with a few toothpicks.