Wedding Harvest Table Ideas

As wedding and event planners, it’s no surprise that creative food concepts are on the rise. One trend that has gained immense popularity is the harvest table – a delectable spread of local, seasonal delights served family-style to guests. To give you an insider’s perspective, we caught up with Chef Johnny Hamman from Slippery Spoon Kitchen at Blaawklippen, where he revealed the secrets to creating the ultimate harvest table experience.

Harvest Table Ideas For Your Wedding

Harvest Table Ideas For Your Wedding

The beauty of harvest tables lies in their flexibility, as they don’t come with any rigid guidelines or expectations. Instead, you’re presented with numerous options and variations, allowing you to curate a diverse selection of dishes that cater to the tastes and preferences of your guests. Whether you opt for classic farm-to-table fare or modern twists on traditional cuisine, harvest tables provide an open canvas waiting to be filled with creativity and culinary innovation.

What Type of Food to Serve on a Harvest Table

What Type of Food to Serve on a Harvest Table
What Type of Food to Serve on a Harvest Table

When planning a harvest-themed table setting, a classic combination includes bread, cold meats, cheeses, preserves, and sometimes smoked salmon. However, the key to selecting the perfect spread lies in considering what foods can hold their own over an extended period of time. Additionally, opting for items that remain flavorful at room temperature ensures a satisfying experience for your guests.

Moreover, the growing trend towards incorporating raw vegetables as a healthier option aligns perfectly with this theme’s focus on freshness and wholesomeness.

Seasonal Foods

Seasonal Foods

When planning the menu for your special day, it’s essential to consider the season and theme of your wedding. For a winter celebration, rich and indulgent options like roasted root vegetables, creamy cheeses, and freshly baked bread are perfect choices. If you do opt for hot foods, make sure they’re served in thick ceramic bowls that can retain heat for longer.

On the other hand, summer weddings call for light and refreshing options like sweet tropical fruits such as peaches and watermelon, or crisp green salads. While some dishes remain timeless, others are more suited to specific seasons. For instance, bread and grilled salmon are delightful all-year-round options. As South Africans, you can also rely on the classic biltong as a crowd-pleaser regardless of the season.

How Much Food do You Need on a Harvest Table?

How Much Food do You Need on a Harvest Table?
How Much Food do You Need on a Harvest Table?

When planning a harvest table for your wedding, one of the biggest challenges is determining the right amount of food to serve. Each situation is unique, influenced by factors such as the number of guests, their appetites, and the cultural or traditional expectations surrounding food at weddings. Some cultures, for instance, are accustomed to serving generous portions, while others may be more modest in their offerings.

To guide your planning, a general rule of thumb is to plan for approximately 150g of food per person. This can be adjusted based on the types of dishes you’re serving – think 50g of beef or pork, paired with one slice of bread per person. It’s essential to keep in mind that a harvest table is intended as an appetizer, replacing traditional wedding canapés. As such, it’s crucial to remind your guests that this is not their main meal and should be enjoyed in snack-sized portions.

Eating Etiquette

Eating Etiquette

To ensure a seamless experience at your harvest table, it’s essential to set clear expectations with your guests. Johnny shares that he’s encountered instances where individuals don’t take their plates and instead linger by the table, snacking away. To avoid this, make sure to remind them that the table is for self-service and not a buffet-style dining area. Encourage them to help themselves to small portions and then step aside, allowing other guests to enjoy the spread.

When it comes to preparing your harvest table, aim to have everything in place as close to serving time as possible. A well-coordinated team of three can set up the display in about 45 minutes, so there’s no need to start preparing two hours prior to the event. Having a chef on hand to assist guests is a great idea, but it’s not necessary. One of the biggest advantages of a harvest table is its self-service nature, which means you won’t have to worry about waiting staff serving food.

Additionally, these visually stunning displays double as unique decor elements for your wedding. Since it’s okay to make a mess and still achieve a beautiful presentation, feel free to think outside the box when displaying your food on anything from vintage doors to wooden crates. However, Johnny notes that one potential drawback is the risk of flies. To mitigate this issue, consider using citronella candles or other fly-deterrent measures.

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