6 Tips to Throwing a Harvest Dinner Party
Coming off the tail end of frightful nights of Halloween gallivanting and sugar comas we’d all rather put behind us, it’s time to take down the skeletons and spider webs, shelve the sweets and turn to the vibrant hues of Autumn, its cozy foods and replace blood and guts with this season’s bountiful harvest; it’s time to throw a Harvest Party! We’re planning classy affairs that celebrate the wonderful colors and scrumptious foods of Autumn. You in?
So gather up a few friends to enjoy a crisp autumn afternoon while sipping a nice red wine and enjoy dishes made from yummy Fall fruits and vegetables.
Find fresh foods – If you have a home garden, this is your chance to show off your own personal harvest. Choose menu items that feature what you’re growing. Of course, not all of us are lucky enough to have space to grow our own food, so instead take advantage of the fare from your local farmer’s market, which will also be local, organic and tasty.
Stay seasonal – The purpose of this party is to celebrate autumn, so be sure to highlight the fruits and vegetables that are at their peak. Don’t just go by generic lists. Find out what’s in season for your specific area. This list from Field to Plate is a great place to start. Once you’ve made a list, it’s time to find some great recipes: We’ve got many autumn-inspired recipes right here on Organic Authority that fit the bill.
Keep it vibrant – Take a cue from nature and include some bold colors in your party décor. Walk through your local park for inspiration. The changing of the leaves is one of the most beautiful times of year. You can even take some particularly beautiful leaves home with you to include in the décor.
Make it rustic chic – There’s something about adding a few country touches that makes an elegant party a little more cozy. Don’t go overboard, just pick a few details. The simpler, the better. A few ideas to get you started: bales of hay for seating, an outdoor bonfire for smores, or squashes of different colors, shapes, and sizes for centerpieces.
Bring out the scents of the season – Here’s a simple way to make your home feel inviting and seasonal as your guests walk through the door. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees. Gather up your favorite fall spices: cloves, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spices. Put them on some aluminum foil, adding a little water. Wrap the foil around the mix but leave a small opening at the top. Then ten to fifteen minutes before your guests arrive, put that packet on a cookie sheet, throw it in the oven, and turn the oven off. Soon you’ll be enjoying the lovely scents of autumn.
Invest in pretty glasses – There’s nothing that feels more fabulous that enjoying a local wine from a beautiful goblet, so splurge! Go out and find the perfect wine glasses to accentuate your Harvest Party. Then go out and find a few wines that are worthy of being served in your new set of glasses.
Photo Credit – *Micky
