Are you a gardener and a bridal shower hostess? Wondering how to manage with all the produce coming in? Use what you have. . . for the bridal shower!
What is the “Use What You Have” Concept?
Before we look at inspiration for those cool season crops you’re harvesting right now, let’s talk about what the “use what you have” concept even is. Primarily, it’s using the supplies (or other resources, like tools and skills), that you already have in your possession. It’s especially good to use things that don’t already have a specific purpose, like extra craft supplies left over from projects (rather than just things you’ve stock up on), or things that can be reused (like tools and non-consumables).
Secondarily, it can mean using the resources you have available to you, even if that does mean spending some money. That is, you don’t have the things in your possession but you can easily and affordably obtain them. For example, if you have a lot of good thrift stores in your area you might shop for decor there, and pick your shower theme and style based on what you can find.
For gardeners, it means using the produce, flowers, and greenery you have in your garden at the time of the shower, especially the things you have in over-abundance. Beyond the garden, it can also mean not just things you have coming in your garden but things that are readily available near you this time of year. So, if you don’t have a garden, or it’s not producing abundantly, you can also take advantage of in-season produce deals, using the same inspiration!
Inspiration: Cool Season Crops
This post is a collection of images of cool season produce, designed to inspire! There are three ways you might use the things in your fall garden for a bridal shower.
1) To feed the guests (assuming what you have is edible, and not an inedible companion plant). Got cabbage? Well, feed them cabbage!
2) As decorations. Flowers are obvious, but you can also use herbs and foliage in arrangements. And fruits and veggies can make beautiful displays too, especially for a shower that is food(ish) themed (for example: gardening, homesteading, kitchen).
3) In some other way. You may be able to use some things from your garden as part of a game or activity, or as a prize. Do any of these images suggest any possible uses? Hint: for a kitchen/food shower you could do a taste test as one of the games, or a recipe demonstration as an activity.
Broccoli
If you’re one of those gardeners who can grow an abundance of awesome broccoli (I’m not raising my hand), here you go!
Cauliflower
Or cauliflower?
Brussels Sprouts
Have a great Brussels sprout harvest?
Cabbage
Napa Cabbage and Bok Choy
I couldn’t find enough photos of either so I grouped them together. Clockwise from top left, Napa cabbage is 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 9. Bok choy is 5, 7, 8, and 10. I think!
Kohlrabi
This kohlrabi is looking surprisingly festive!
Peas
Harvesting green shelling peas, snap peas, or snow peas? Don’t let them languish in the fridge while you party. Bring them along!
Radishes
Spinach
It looks like spinach has some experience with special occasions. Spinach artichoke dip or stuffed mushrooms, anyone?
Kale
I don’t know if kale could be used in a floral arrangement or not–I’ve never tried it. I bet you could serve something on a bed of kale though.
Want More?
You might also be interested in these inspo posts!
Use What You Have Bridal Shower Inspiration: The Fall Garden (coming soon)
Use What You Have Bridal Shower Inspiration: Fresh Herbs
And there you have it! Use what you have bridal shower inspiration, the cool season crops edition! Did these photos spark any ideas for you?
