Kim Lippelman

In the garden with
@farmgirlfarmlife

Instead of serving dessert inside after dinner, take your guests outside to the garden. They can stroll through the space, see what’s growing, chat with one another, and enjoy dessert along the way.

Steps to hosting a fall dessert in the garden

First, I like to think about how I want the space to look, what desserts and drinks to serve, and how many guests will be attending. Since everyone will be moving around the garden, I make sure the food and drinks are easy to pick up and enjoy while strolling.

Next it’s time to gather everything you need. I wanted a traditional fall color palette, so I carried those colors throughout the entire space. Pumpkins and gourds -many of which I grew right in the garden- along with cornstalks, mums, and hay created the cozy fall look I was going for. I also used the garden itself as part of the backdrop.

The gourd vines growing along the fence became a natural part of the setting. Using an unexpected texture like the vines adds a little wow factor while helping tie the entire space together.
Paper lanterns in warm fall colors were tucked among the vines, while a simple fall banner hung overhead. Pumpkins, gourds, mums and hay completed the festive area.

I also added fall pillows and cozy blankets to the chairs, along with a pumpkin or two to finish the look.
A simple fall garland and wreath decorated the front of the greenhouse, while oak branches and cornstalks framed each end of the space.

Easy Fall Desserts

I chose simple, easy-to-enjoy fall treats – cookies, brownies, and cupcakes – along with coffee. Everything was easy for guests to hold as they gathered together or wandered through the garden.

The Dessert Table

The dessert table was covered with a brown-and-white checkered tablecloth cloth, and decorated with a wooden pumpkin board filled with fall treats, plates, cups of coffee, a tiered tray of fall desserts. Napkins and a pumpkin added the finishing touches. The goal was to create a relaxed, welcoming place where guests could gather, enjoy something sweet, sip their coffee, and take in the beauty of the garden.
So remember when planning your event, think about your overall look, the food and use unexpected items to give it that feel you’re looking for.

Sometimes the sweetest gatherings happen right in the garden.