Harvest Party Ideas

Yay for High Yields

With the crop yielding a plentiful bounty, it is time to relax and enjoy the fruits of everyone’s labor. A harvest party should be planned for a time after the entire crop has been brought in. This can be as soon as a day or two after the final combine has been retired to the shed or several weeks after.

You should invite everyone who lent a hand during this busy time of year. Or, if you are hosting a party in honor of the harvest without being involved in a farming operation, invite everyone who is close to you. The party invitation list should include:

• Farm hands
• Part-time helpers
• Feed store employees/grain salespersons
• Mechanics
• Neighbors
• Family and friends

Everyone will appreciate the gesture of thanks you are making by hosting the gathering.

Harvest Party Ideas: Decorations

Host the party in a machine shed, shop or barn that has been cleared for the occasion. Use hay bales to fence the party area in. If the weather is accommodating, a bonfire outside can be a great way to celebrate the newly harvested crop.

Unlike other autumn parties, a harvest party to honor a crop that was brought in from the fields does not have to have leaves, pumpkins and gourds all around. Instead, base décor upon traditional farming equipment and materials with a fall twist. Plaids, ginghams and checks are great for invites, napkins and tablecloths. Hang shovels, pitchforks, tools and other hand equipment on the walls. A small lawn tractor could be waxed and in the corner to add a little extra ambiance.

Use the crops themselves in your decorating scheme. Vegetables and fruits from the garden can be placed in baskets in the center of the tables, or make a small shock from wheat grass. Large corn shocks can flank the doorways with small pumpkins at their base.

Games and Activities

Horseshoes is a fun and easy game to keep everyone entertained at a harvest party. You could even set up a round-robin tournament. A large dartboard hung at one end of the room can also provide plenty of adult fun.

Music and dancing are always welcome at a party. Hiring a band can get expensive, so if funding is tight, pop in a few favorite CDs and let everyone get down. Talented musicians may be among you, so ask them to bring their guitars or keyboards.

Children’s play tractors, trucks, and farm sets can be placed around the room. Setting up a miniature barnyard can be a harvest party idea to keep kids busy while the adults socialize. A few fall craft favors for the kids, like decorating fall cookies or mini pumpkins, are also good to have on hand.

Plentiful Food and Drink

A party to celebrate the end of the busy harvest season is not complete without fantastic food and drink. Whatever you decide to serve, everyone will appreciate the delicious dishes they do not have to prepare after so many weeks of hard work.

Mouth-Watering Morsels

Treat everyone to your best dishes at the harvest party. Family favorites and frequently requested dishes are perfect for treating everyone. Incorporating recipes that are made with the crops is a great way to incorporate the theme in the meal. Ideas include:

• Whole wheat homemade bread
• Salad with fresh veggies
• Corn pudding/cream of corn
• Corn bread
• Barbequed ribs
• Roasted pork
• Fruit pies

For a large party, you might want to ask people to bring a dessert or side dish. Making the party a potluck will ensure that everyone gets to try a new food. You can continue the harvest theme by asking they use a product or by-product in the dish that was made with one of the crops.

Delectable Drinks

No party is complete without a few good party drinks. Have a variety of drinks available, like:

• Lemonade
• Iced tea
• Water
• Soda
• Beer
• Wine

You may also want to serve a few special hard liquor drinks to your guests. Pick up the mixings for one or two special drinks. Choose drinks that are perfect for fall such as:

• Apple martinis
• Finn Roses
• Autumn in New York
• Peach schnapps
• Autumn Wood Cocktail
• Smashing Pumpkin

However, if you decide to serve alcohol, keep an eye on your guests. Have a neighbor or friend drive home anyone who seems to be overindulging in the drinks.

Throwing a party to mark the end of the harvest season is a great way to thank everyone who helped make your crop possible. Spend time with those who mean the most to you before the crazy holiday party season begins.