Harvest Dinner

my sister’s children made the place cards and set the two small tables for me
Lexi harvesting last of the flowers for the centerpieces
Maxwell helped out too, we all had jobs for this dinner
iPhone photo of pretty Lexi

A few weeks ago, we hosted an intimate harvest dinner as our last little hurrah to celebrate our season of outdoor dining and prolonged country house living. Never before have we spent so much time hidden away wining and dining, unhurried, surrounded with family. 

I’ve been baking bread several times a week using kosher salt and rosemary from the garden to garnish the top, it goes fast
two French apple tarts, don’t let those dark, burned edges fool you, it was delicious with fresh whipped cream, even for breakfast the next morning

I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t confess, I’m having a hard time focusing on really anything more than what’s for dinner. Sure, I get other stuff done and move through the day, it’s just that I don’t feel any real sense of urgency to check things off an arbitrary list. Dinner feels most important. 

plating small handfuls of salad to serve alongside the soup, it was cold in there, therefore the hat. I ordered a new sweater to wear for the dinner, didn’t make it in time so blue jeans and a faded leather shirt it was
serving dinner helps keep every day from feeling like a blur…

Husband and I have this strange dialog where I ask him what we should have or do for dinner, usually while we’re doing our daily walk and he never really answers, it’s just me talking out loud. You see, I’ve probably been thinking about dinner since or before coffee, it’s just one of my things. 

soup was delicious, salad had a bit local dirt still left in it 🙂
here we’re all helping to plate up the coq au vin, it really was delicious even though it looks all brown
we served it over a very small scoop of creamy mashed potatoes, everything came from the kitchen hot transferred in the Kubota, of course I wiped the rim of each plate with a dishtowel before placing at each seat
here are the plates waiting to receive the French apple tart, I started collection Portmeirion Botanic Garden when my kids were babies. Almost gave it to the thrift store when I thought I tired of it, so happy to still have it on hand

As I write we’re having our very first snowfall, I’ll get distracted and go outside and go for a long solo walk (these days I’m usually walking twice, once with Bill, once alone) instead of finishing here, all the while thinking about what I’ll make this afternoon, tonight, this weekend, even thinking and planning out what will be our next hopeful significant family gathering, Thanksgiving.

leftover roasted butternut squash soup served the next day for lunch with a side of grilled cheese and heirloom tomato sandwich and local apple cider

Dinner is getting me through the days and nights, I hope you all have ways that help you. 

so much fun having a harvest dinner in the barn

Every day dress, Harvest Dinner.

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4 Comments

  1. ❤️❤️❤️

    • Barefoot in the kitchen, one of the best things in life. xoxo

  2. Rebecca, The way you prepare and serve a meal is a work of art! Have you thought about leading a class? I would be the first to sign up! I love everything about the way you do dinner! From your outfit right down to the water glass — Perfection! Thanks for all your inspiration! I hope you think about sharing your techniques. It will be something to look forward to in the months ahead! A big fan! Monica xo

  3. Beautiful Rebecca!!! Your posts are So Inspiring!!! Happy Fall! xxoo

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