Surprise Your Guests With A Seasonal Vegetable Centrepiece
WORDS : CHYKA KEEBAUGH
PHOTOS : LISA ATKINSON
Winter is here, let’s get cosy with the vegetables in season…
Using seasonal vegetables as a centrepiece instead of flowers is a quirky and unexpected way to style an outdoor table and will really impress your guests. I love mixing it up and getting creative with everyday objects and this table is the perfect example.
To create the centrepiece, I started with pumpkins of varying heights, staked arose the table in a style that almost creates a hedge. From there I filled the gaps with softer bunches of cabbages, parsnips, artichokes and smaller, crazy looking gourds. You really can’t go wrong creating a table like this; there are no rules for the vegetables should be placed. And rest assured none of it will be waster afterwards. Roast vegetable soup anyone Covering the table with a layer of burlap creates a rustic feel and placing the table outdoors brings the surrounding trees, leaves and view into the scene.
Autumn Artichoke dip
An Autumn favourite on my vegetable inspired table is a hot artichoke dip. It’s a little bit naughty, but a total crowd pleaser and deliciously easy to make. This cheesy dip, served with crisp lavosh or some crunchy warm bread, is a simple snack that can be whipped up on the fly when guests pop over.
Ingredients
200g (2cups) grated parmesan cheese
280g frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained of liquid excess
400g tinned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
170ml (2/3 cup) sour cream
250g (1 cup) cream cheese
90g (1/3) mayonnaise
2 garlic cloves, crushed
Method
Preheat oven to 190C (375F)
Mix the parmesan cheese, spinach and artichoke hearts together in an 8cm pie or flan dish.
Place the refining ingredients in another bowl and whisk to combine, then pour over the spinach mixture.
Bake for 20-30 minutes.
Serves 8-10, accompany with some crackers or toasted bread.
LIKE THIS POST? YOU’LL LOVE CHYKA HOME
Chyka Home is Chyka Keebaugh's inspirational manual for homemaking, entertaining, styling and crafting.
Organised into the four seasons, the book presents creative ideas for entertaining guests and organising and decorating your home, along with tasty food and drinks recipes and DIY outdoor projects.
