Rachel Toy The plastic pineapple ice bucket was a must have for mid century entertaining, when ice in your drink was de rigueur at any self respecting cocktail party. Historically, the pineapple symbolised hospitality and luxury, a tropical rarity once prized by the upper classes. Later, it became part of the kitsch and glamorous style of the 60s and 70s and design icon was born!
A brief history of the Pineapple Ice Bucket
Origins of the pineapple ice bucket are a bit hazy but can be traced back to designer Mauro Manetti in the 1970s. He designed a range of playful barware for for Fonderia d’Arte, Italy. The ice bucket was made from pewter and cast in two sections with removeable liner inside for the ice.
Also at about this time a plastic version was made for Britvic. It was injection moulded and created as a result of finding use for plastics after the Second World War. Although its unclear who invented it originally. Plastics were meant to be disposable items, to help get the country going again, yet many examples have survived beautifully into the 21st century.
Another version was produced by Jeray Products, helped by the growing popularity of bottled fruit juice in Britain at the time. The company turned the pineapple ice bucket into a kitsch icon, and they’ve continued to make them ever since
The ice bucket was a staple of many homes and the pineapple’s association with all things tropical and escapism meant it was a symbol of glamour in the 1970s. By the 1980s, however, its image took a turn, seen by some as naff or outdated. A pineapple ice bucket even appeared in Del Boy’s home bar in Only Fools and Horses, cementing its status as cheeky rather than chic.
But from the 1990s onwards, it made a comeback and was re-embraced as a symbol of kitsch nostalgia.
Why its a Design Classic
The pineapple ice bucket is instantly recognisable. Its colourful plastic form and playful design have made it a sought-after barware classic today.
It is a clever reminder of more ostentatious times, when the pineapple was considered an exotic luxury, and often brought in as the centrepiece for upper class dining tables.
It’s stylish, yes, but it’s functional too. The glass liner allows for perfect ice chilling and it can also be used for chopped fruit, iced desserts etc. When not in use it can store cocktail stirrers, straws and other vintage knick-knacks.
You can still find the ice bucket in various forms, featured in glossy magazines and design shows. The Britvic ice bucket has been included in the permanent collection at the Museum of Plastics, cementing its place in design history
Styling Tips
The classic pineapple ice bucket can be styled as a fun centrepiece for a drinks or dinner party. Fill it with ice and enjoy the nostalgia of adding a cube or two to your guests drinks.
If you have a home bar, create a talking point by displaying it with other fun bar accessories such as a retro cocktail tray, colorful shot glasses, soda syphons and kitsch coasters with other vintage cocktail accessories. It can also be styled on a ‘Mad Men’ style drinks trolley to wheel in to your guests, or placed as a cute ornament on a classic mid century coffee table.
The ice bucket can also be paired with other accessories to create a Tiki bar theme. Think totem glasses, tiki mugs, cactus shots, bamboo bar coverings and trays, plus flamingos, palm trees and all things exotic! This would make the perfect theme for a summer party with string lights in the garden.
Shop Pineapple Ice Buckets
I currently have a couple of fabulous vintage pineapple ice buckets in stock, including an original 1970s version and glamorous brass one. If you are looking for a new version made by Jeray Products, Bar Bespoke range, I have them available too! They are now discounted to £29.95 (was £34.95) so grab a bargain whilst you can.
From post-war plastic to design museum classic, the pineapple ice bucket has earned its place as a playful, enduring symbol of vintage charm
Feel free to share your memories of vintage entertaining in the comments below!
This blog post is written by Rachel Toy, owner of Rachel’s Vintage & Retro. I am a 20th Century Vintage Blogger and Dealer writing about the vintage lifestyle, collecting, nostalgia and selling vintage. I also sell carefully curated 20th century antiques and collectables from my online vintage shop. I am happy to work with related brands on collaborations and also accept guest blogs. Find out how to work with me.
