When Harlin & Sparrow Events sent us this harvest dinner party, our minds were instantly off dreaming of how to create our own version. A cozy and relaxed vibe, rich colors, and delish fall flavors—all enjoyed at sunset with all our fave people? Clearly these folks have the right idea. Because we’re pretty sure you’ll want to throw your own autumn fête after scrolling through Megan Clouse’s images, Brittany + Justina at H&S are here sharing just how to throw the bestest harvest party around:
As promised, here are 5 things to think about when planning your own dinner party this season…
1. The guest list
Sure, you must have a location for your fete. For this party they were able to secure a fantastic private residence, but it’s less about the location and more about the people you surround yourself with. Brittany says, We realize all dinner parties won’t have this type of setting and it’s not really about that, it’s more about the guest list. Invite the people that you care about. If you have a dinner party and care deeply about everyone at the table when you look around, it’s really what it’s all about. Harvest parties are such a great way to celebrate the season with those you love.
2. The time of day
Fall is a time of warm days, crisp evenings, and stunning sunlight. Scoop up the best of the day by timing your dinner for sunset. Hello, beautiful light!
3. Warm décor and classic colors
There are tons of parties where you can branch out when it comes to color palettes, but when hosting a harvest party you do want at least a teeny bit of those deeper hues that autumn is known for. And if you aren’t aren’t into whole red + orange combo, you can still give off that comforting glow that a harvest is all about.
Choosing fall colors when selecting décor is always a safe bet, we also love neutral fall colors as well. The color palette of neutral gray was selected to complement the modern architectural design of the home. Pops of multiple berry colors and real fruit were incorporated into the floral garland to complement fall and the home’s country surrounding. Flowers are always a lovely touch since they really make the event come alive. For this event we had our florist Jaclyn K. Nesbitt choose flowers that represented fall colors. This tied everything together in the end.
4. Set the tone
Since harvest parties are all about comfort and warmth, naturally the music you choose has to send those vibes into the air. Definitely not something to overlook! For this party, they opted for a solo guitarist.
5. Seasonal fare
Who doesn’t think of incredible food when they think of fall? It’s one of the major reasons the season is so, so joyful (for us, anyway). Guests were served robust flavors and delicate ingredients carefully paired together by Ari, Chef of Glen Ellen Star. Afterward they enjoyed warm pies by Crisp Bake Shop.
The menu…
Canapés:
Summer Squash fritters
Ricotta Stuffed Padron poppers
Pardon peppers
Followed by:
Mixed Chicories with vadouvan spiced walnuts, bartlet pears, and roquefort dressing
Carmelized delicata squash, pomegranate molasses, salted pepitas, roasted brussel sprouts, and brown sugar bacon marmalade
Main Course:
Brick Chicken
Dirty Farrotto, Sumac
Smoked rack of pork
Stone Fruit mustarda
Dessert:
Assorted ice cream and gravenstine apple cobbler
Thanks to Megan Clouse + Harlin & Sparrow Events and everyone below for inspiring our next dinner! (Friendsgiving, anyone?)
Photographer: Megan Clouse / Location: Bevan & Associates / Design & Planning: Harlin & Sparrow Events / Floral Design: Jaclyn K. Nesbitt / Graphics: Emily Foran of Three Little Words / Catering: Glen Ellen Star / Sweets: Crisp Bake Shop / Rentals: Encore Events Rentals / Linens: La Tavola / Votives: Theoni Collection
