Farmhouse Harvest Brunch

This morning I thought I’d share a few more details from my fall harvest brunch design featured last week in the fall harvest challenge on City Cradle Design. When I started thinking about the design I wanted to create, I instantly thought of all the gorgeous colors and flavors that are indicative of fall in Upstate New York where I live. I envisioned a farmhouse brunch that would be a celebration of not only fall and harvest but also of great friends and taking a moment to slow down and celebrate the season.

The basis of the celebration is a brunch buffet table set in front of a pair of rustin barn doors with a ticking stripe table covering and touches of jute, gingham and fall colors throughout. A bushel basket is filled with colorful alstromeria, one of my favorite flowers – they are inexpensive and readily available in most areas year round. Pumpkins, mums, a big bowl of freshly picked apples and an assortment of pastries, pies and muffins line the table. I cut out a piece of parchment paper to make a terra cotta planter base into a perfect serving dish for pancakes and set out an array of toppings, cider, granola and fruit. Donut holes in a vintage cookie jar are unexpected and make for easy grabbing.

For me celebrating harvest is really all about allowing the food to take center stage. Jars of homemade strawberry jam and apple butter are the perfect little gift for guests to take home. Covered with squares of pretty fabric and tied with jute they take on an extra special look with minimal effort. To keep with the farmhouse vibe I chose an assortment of platters, serving dishes, plates and bowls in complementary colors in sturdy stoneware and pottery – there is no fancy china at this party. Big mugs of cider, a collection of vintage milk bottles, muffins on mini cake stands, and a DIY wreath made with pine cones found in the yard and strung with little notes for each guest are the perfect finishing details.

This brunch is the perfect way to kick off a day of apple picking, visiting local wineries, pumpkin carving, or a hike through the woods to enjoy the fall foliage. Invite your nearest and dearest friends for a seasonal celebration they’re sure to remember!

A big thank you to my bestest boys Lewis and Dave for allowing me to crash their house and barn for this little shoot. xoxo

{Photos by Cyd Converse.}