A harvest recipe swap is a fun way to celebrate the bounties of summer AND share meal ideas with friends! This time of year offers up so much goodness from the garden and it’s a perfect time to start thinking about fall meals. When autumn rolls around and we have a more regular dinner schedule, I often run out of new ideas and get in a cooking rut! But by gathering some girlfriends around a harvest-inspired table, we can enjoy good company while sharing some of our tried-and-true favorites! I’m always excited to expand my menu ideas and try something new…and while finding recipes I’d like to share, I often turn up old faves I’d forgotten about! So call your pals, grab some pretty recipe cards, and decorate a casual table letting the garden be your guide! I hope you love this late-summer inspiration today…
harvest-time fun!
this little soiree is not just about recipes, but savoring the season. an outdoor table allows guests to enjoy september weather!
the table got a bountiful look with lots of fresh picked goodies. a farm market or grocer will offer everything you need if you don’t have a garden at home.
fruits, flowers and veggies make a colorful “runner” casually scattered down the table.
pretty place mats give texture to the simple table and hold the sweets and supplies for each guest!
you can’t very well have a recipe swap without recipe cards! i adore the mason jar design on these cuties…
simple snacks…
the recipes are the purpose for the party, but snacks are always appreciated. i thought fruit pies and tarts seemed just right for this time of year…
individual desserts from the bakery make it easy to offer different flavors & varieties…and small enough you could try more than one!
canning jars…decor & more
harvest goodies and the sweet design on the recipe cards were the inspiration for the table. canned goods look beautiful and can serve more than one purpose.
a few mason jars filled with deliciousness make a pretty display on the table…
and if you like to can, or have them on hand, you can use them as favors for your guests too!
party favor tip:
if canning isn’t your thing, you can often find home-canned goods at farm markets but you could also fill mason jars with cookies, candies or flowers for your guests to take!
speaking of flowers…i used jars for the small bouquets on the table too. a sweet & casual look!
wildflowers in a basket add rustic charm AND fill space. remember you can use more than one “centerpiece” on any table!
all these simple elements pulled together make an extraordinary scene!
it’s time for celebrating good food and friendships…
with a harvest recipe swap!
pin for later~
product guide~
Home Goods: rattan place mats