Tuesday, October 2, 2012

HARVEST BUFFET



Setting a buffet is an easy way to entertain... especially when you are trying to create an informal or cozy atmosphere.

I often use my kitchen table as a buffet when I want to create a relaxed meal or I am feeding a crowd.

Buffets and fall entertaining are a perfect fit! The food is so flavorful and earthy and... there are so many fabulous natural elements to embellish the buffet!

Here is a small buffet I set for a recent early Autumn supper...





Golden morning light was streaming through the windows as I got the buffet ready!

My barn beam table was a nice hand hewn background for the buffet! A simple burlap runner was added for a little extra textural interest.

For the table, I used lots of white with accents of honey gold... and a big splash of burnt orange from Pycracantha berries.




A big round basket pulls together a centerpiece vignette.  

Beautifully worn vintage flatware handles peek from an ironstone pitcher... even flatware can be used in a centerpiece!




A rotund creamy white pitcher hold Pycrantha berries from our espalier. Pycrantha does not give up it's berries easily...it is very thorny and hard to cut, but so worth the effort!






I am a huge fan of white dishes... especially large white plates!  These are just the most stunning square embossed dinner plates. I got them at HomeGoods on sale for $3.00 a piece. I sure do love a bargain!




Just to look pretty I put golden brown leaf plates from Pottery Barn on top of the white dinner plates...  and then added a baby boo pumpkin cradled in a  brambly candle ring.




Round white dessert plates that match the dinner plates are stacked on the table too!




They are topped off with gold leaf bowls... again encircled with brambles. The fall waldorf-style salad looked so festive in those bowls!




A white ironstone tureen was filled with a hearty Roasted Squash Soup.  








Ironstone cups are stacked and ready for soup!

A little pumpkin is tucked inside the top cups for now!




Bowls to be filled with food are now brimming with pumpkins! What a Autumnal display!







Casual leaf napkins pull the colors on the table together.




Fall is my favorite time of year.. full of beautiful colors, textures and flavors!

A buffet is a wonderful way to greet guests with a welcoming harvest meal!




THE HARVEST MENU
Roasted Buternut Squash Soup With Creme Fraiche
Autumn Waldorf Salad
Leek And Onion Tart

Mulled Cider
Prosecco

Honey Poached Pears In Puff Pastry
(look for this culinary tutorial on Friday)


63 comments:

  1. Patty @ That's So PrettyOctober 2, 2012 at 8:28 AM

    Simply STUNNING!! as always Yvonne.

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  2. Sunflowers With SmilesOctober 2, 2012 at 8:38 AM

    Yvonne, love the harvest buffet tablescape, simply beautiful! Your Pyracantha berries are stunning!

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  3. NannaOctober 2, 2012 at 8:40 AM

    that is beautiful!
    Helen

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  4. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsOctober 2, 2012 at 8:46 AM

    Beautiful table for your buffet, Yvonne! I love how you added in some Fall colors to your white dishes. Your menu sounds perfect for a Fall get together, too.

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  5. Linda October 2, 2012 at 8:47 AM

    Love it Yvonne! I just made a large pot of butternut squash soup. Yummy!! Linda

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  6. priscillaOctober 2, 2012 at 9:02 AM

    Your table looks gorgeous ! Love those white dishes ! what a bargain !

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  7. Ricki TreleavenOctober 2, 2012 at 9:04 AM

    So pretty! I love your white dishes with the autumn accent colors and creamy white pumpkins!

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  8. JenOctober 2, 2012 at 9:31 AM

    Such a perfectly festive autumn buffet! I love your mix of dishes with natural elements and especially the menu. It just all works to wonderful together! Thanks for the bit of inspiration!

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  9. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLROctober 2, 2012 at 9:50 AM

    Yvonne, what a pretty buffet! Those white dishes are gorgeous; and they look wonderful with the leaf plates. Perfect, as always!

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  10. Michele M./ Finch RestOctober 2, 2012 at 9:59 AM

    Sigh.

    All I can do is smile and sigh and drool and appreciate and love this post.

    My GOSH you are good. I give two thumbs up and A+++ to you, once again, Yvonne!

    WOW!!!!

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  11. MarlisOctober 2, 2012 at 10:20 AM

    You've captured all the fabulous things about autumn in one post.. Luscious food, Luscious photography, and a Lush table.. Splendid.. xo marlis

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  12. AnonymousOctober 2, 2012 at 10:20 AM

    Gorgeous, Yvonne!! I love the casual feel of a buffet table. So relaxed and cozy. What a steal those square white plates were. They are beautiful! Your napkins would go with any fall table. Thanks for sharing!

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  13. AnonymousOctober 2, 2012 at 10:23 AM

    Another gorgeous table Yvonne! It is simply perfect.

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  14. Miss CharOctober 2, 2012 at 10:33 AM

    Well since fall and fall colors are my favorites you certainly got my attention this morning Yvonne, as always you pull your elements together to make them look so effortlessly placed. I love the colors of course and the stacking you did along with the striking color of the Pycracantha berries for your centerpiece just screams welcome to my fall table. Thanks for sharing.

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  15. AndreaOctober 2, 2012 at 11:00 AM

    gorgeous as always! It is Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend, and I will be using your table for inspiration!

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  16. Designing DomesticityOctober 2, 2012 at 11:12 AM

    So beautiful. I just did a fall inspired centerpiece and wish I had the rest of your tablescape to go with it! Thanks for sharing, liz

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  17. Ramblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda GOctober 2, 2012 at 11:18 AM

    Absolutely gorgeous tablesetting! The white pieces are the perfect background for the pops of orange! Love the flatware!

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  18. On Crooked CreekOctober 2, 2012 at 11:26 AM

    Yvonne,
    I adore your Autumnal buffet!!! The white with subtle hints of Autumnal hues is exquisite!!! Thanks for sharing this "gathering" inspiration with us!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  19. Mary NeumannOctober 2, 2012 at 11:31 AM

    So so beautiful. I love the Pycracantha berries...just love them! Gorgeous harvest setting, Yvonne!

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  20. DeborahOctober 2, 2012 at 11:51 AM

    So beautiful Yvonne. I'm so glad you're back.

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  21. ℳartina @ Northern NestingOctober 2, 2012 at 12:32 PM

    Yvonne your harvest buffet is stunning! Love the bright pop of color the berries add!

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  22. Creations By CindyOctober 2, 2012 at 12:40 PM

    Oh I love your buffet! So BEAUTIFUL! Pinning~ Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  23. NanaNor'sOctober 2, 2012 at 12:47 PM

    Hi, I love your table-the yellow bowls and salad plates are so perfect. I do have question for you though-I grew up with a Pycracantha bush in our yard, the birds always got drunk on the berries, but I remember my parents telling me the berries were poisonous. I'm not sure if that is accurate or not; if you are having an adult dinner I'm sure there wouldn't be an issue but just wondered about this-is it myth or truth? Thanks for sharing your beautiful tablescape.
    Noreen

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    Replies
    1. Yvonne @ StoneGableOctober 2, 2012 at 2:02 PM

      Hi Nanna Nor, I did not know the answer to that question... but there is a whole lot on the internet about Pycrantha... no the berries are not poisonous and here is a link with info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyracantha
      Great question!!!

      Delete
  24. ChristiOctober 2, 2012 at 1:41 PM

    Just beautiful! Autumn is my favorite season oo; I surely would love to be a guest at your Autumn dinner party!

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  25. OliveOctober 2, 2012 at 1:45 PM

    Hi Yvonne, your harvest table is a delight, from the white plate to the orange of the berries. I adore mini white pumpkins and I even was growing some quite by accident in my compost pile. xo, olive

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  26. The enchanted homeOctober 2, 2012 at 2:18 PM

    Could your buffet get any prettier?? NO!!!! It is simply stunning Yvonne. I swear you must put out a book, I promise I would be the first in line to buy it.....you are sooo talented!

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  27. KarenaOctober 2, 2012 at 2:46 PM

    Oh Yvonne your tablescape is so lovely for Autumn! I love everything about it! The dinnerware design is wonderful!

    I am having an amazing Giveaway of Plush Pumpkins from Love Feast!
    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  28. Lynn WoodOctober 2, 2012 at 2:52 PM

    Another picture perfect table! I just don't know how you can make a simple pyracantha berries look so stunning! Everything is perfect...

    ~Lynn

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  29. Annie H.October 2, 2012 at 3:44 PM

    This is right out of a magazine, you have given me some great ideas for my white dishes! What a beautiful table you have set.

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  30. JudyOctober 2, 2012 at 4:14 PM

    your buffet table is stunning yvonne! you are truly gifted in everything you do. one question though: are the little white pumpkins real or faux? i'd love to use some for a fall tablescape. thanks...judy

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    Replies
    1. Yvonne @ StoneGableOctober 2, 2012 at 4:24 PM

      Hi Judy, The pumpkins are all real. I hope you can find them in your area!

      Delete
  31. kitty@ Kitty's Kozy KitchenOctober 2, 2012 at 5:04 PM

    Hi Yvonne, what a beautiful buffet table you've shared. The menu sounds perfect. I wanted to ask you if you wouldn't mind following me and my little blog? :). Yours is probably the first blog I ever followed.

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  32. Preppy Empty NesterOctober 2, 2012 at 5:53 PM

    Love the white dishes mixed with the gold. The darling white pumpkins are a sweet touch. You are such a great photographer!!!!!

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  33. LynnOctober 2, 2012 at 6:50 PM

    A very pretty setting Yvonne and such great natural light! Love the napkins:@)

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  34. SusanneOctober 2, 2012 at 6:59 PM

    What a beautiful table setting! I especially loved the vase with Pyracantha.
    Wish you a great week!

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  35. GinaOctober 2, 2012 at 7:58 PM

    This buffet is so beautiful, I don't think I'd even care what you were going to serve! (Although with what I've seen here, I'm positive your food was incredible!) I love those Pyracantha berries.

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  36. Sweater GirlOctober 2, 2012 at 8:08 PM

    As always, Yvonne, your tablescape does not disappoint!

    May I ask, when you purchase accent dishes like the honey gold bowls or dessert plates or square plates (anything besides your beloved white Micasa dishes), in what quantities do you usually purchase them in?

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    Replies
    1. Yvonne @ StoneGableOctober 2, 2012 at 9:08 PM

      I purchase them anywhere I can find them. HomeGoods, Pier I, Macy's, TJMaxx, K-Mart etc. I like to purchase at least 4 dishes of the same kind... or as many as 8 or sometimes 12 if it is for a holiday.
      Hope this helps!

      Delete
  37. PamelaOctober 2, 2012 at 8:17 PM

    It all looks so beautiful!!

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  38. 20 North OraOctober 2, 2012 at 10:15 PM

    Love those berries!! Your dishes are so pretty and your tablescape is just breathtaking.

    Judy

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  39. The Quintessential MagpieOctober 2, 2012 at 10:18 PM

    Yvonne, you do this SO well. You just have such a gift for beautiful tablescapes. This one is no exception. Great job!

    XO,

    Sheila

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  40. Jacqueline~Cabin and CottageOctober 2, 2012 at 10:28 PM

    Fall tables are my favorite! And I agree that fall is perfect for buffets. Love your gorgeous table! All the white is wonderful with the warm colors. I really like those napkins too! Fall must be beautiful where you are!

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  41. The Quintessential MagpieOctober 2, 2012 at 11:22 PM

    Yvonne, thanks so much for your input on that other. I told Karen that it's gotten to the point that I might not be able to catch up. I have to really think about this because I am so not technical and hate change of that sort. Not sure if I'm not just an old fossil, but we shall see.

    XO,

    Sheila

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  42. Amy KinserOctober 3, 2012 at 12:17 AM

    Everything on your table is beautiful. The white dishes are wonderful!

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  43. Judy at GoldCountryCottageOctober 3, 2012 at 2:21 AM

    Hi Yvonne: Your buffet table is so gorgeous. Everything goes together perfectly. The white dishes and the white pitcher with the berries are wonderful. Although there is some beautiful faux plants out there, you can always tell the real thing. Thank you for your kind comments to me. I appreciate it so much..Happy Wednesday..Judy

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  44. Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLizOctober 3, 2012 at 5:38 AM

    Beautifully designed! Love your square dishes and the berries! The menu sounds delicious!

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  45. Cindy (Applestone Cottage)October 3, 2012 at 5:43 AM

    Just gorgeous Yvonne! I love the colors, the textures and all of the natural Autumn touches!

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  46. Marble floor designsOctober 3, 2012 at 5:52 AM

    Yvonne, Your fall buffet is so good! There is nice combination of dishes with natural elements. Thanks for such nice inspiration!

    ~ Herman Swan

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  47. AnonymousOctober 3, 2012 at 7:21 AM

    Yvonne...ok call me the dumb blogger...I had to google espalier,teehehe,so I would know what you were talking about...we just call it "pruning",this gave me a laugh at myself...
    This buffet table setting is beyond gorgeous...wish I had a nice bowl of butternut squash soup & Waldorf salad

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  48. AnonymousOctober 3, 2012 at 10:18 AM

    So pretty! I love the pops of orange! Your table looks gorgeous!

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  49. BeverlyOctober 3, 2012 at 10:45 AM

    It looks perfect, Yvonne. I love each and every element. You always inspire me.

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  50. Alycia NicholsOctober 3, 2012 at 6:24 PM

    That cluster of berries on branches is SO pretty! It really makes the table stand at attention!!! I try to impress upon people that white is a perfectly wonderful neutral to use in the fall, and THIS is the way to do it! Perfection, Yvonne!

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  51. MaryOctober 3, 2012 at 8:16 PM

    Yvonne~ I love everything on your harvest buffet table and your menu is drool worthy! I've said this before but I have a serious case of flatware envy :) Your harvest of Pyracantha berries in your pitcher is picture perfect~ it makes me wish we didn't chop ours down after battling the thorns!

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  52. KathleenOctober 3, 2012 at 8:50 PM

    What a beautiful buffet setup! The bittersweet just pops off the page!
    It really looks picture perfect!
    Thanks for linking to Let's Dish!

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  53. The TablescaperOctober 4, 2012 at 8:55 AM

    So pretty Yvonne. I love the Pycrantha berries. I need to plant one of those! It's nice to see the white with just a touch of the Fall colors.

    - The Tablescaper

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  54. Pinky at Designs by PinkyOctober 5, 2012 at 9:10 PM

    Just seeing this and LOVING evry bit of your beautiful buffet table. LOVE those square dishes. I am FINALLY back at my computer. MISS YOU SO!!!!!!!!!!! XOXOXO

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  55. Lisa at The Cottage of ContentSeptember 12, 2013 at 9:54 AM

    Dear lady, you are SO gifted! Can you give the other recipies you share in this post? I would love to try the whole thing out this Fall! I actually REALLY appreciate the fact that you give menus - not many do! Blessings

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  56. Lisa at The Cottage of ContentSeptember 12, 2013 at 9:55 AM

    Lovely lady,

    You are soo very gifted! Could you please divulge the rest of the recipies for this post? I really appreciate how you give menus! I intend to use them!!! Blessings~

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  57. Yvonne @ StoneGableSeptember 16, 2013 at 9:36 AM

    Here is the link to the Autumn Waldorf Salad :https://sites.google.com/site/stonegableprintablerecipes/waldorf-salad-from-stonegable-s-kitchen

    Click on the words Leek and Onion Tart and that will send you to the recipe.
    The soup I get from Wm-Sonoma and add creme fresh.
    Hope this helps!

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  58. AnonymousNovember 22, 2013 at 6:56 PM

    Could you share where you got your amazing basket in the center of the table that holds everything? Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Yvonne @ StoneGableNovember 29, 2013 at 8:02 AM

      I got this basket from HomeGoods. They have amazing baskets at great prices!

      Delete