The Harvest Table

Autumn equinox is a liminal space. A balance of light and dark; of day and night. It is the threshold to the dark half of the year.

Sometime around the equinox, invite your family, friends, or neighbors to share in an early autumn meal. Sharing the last harvests is a great way to commune together and recognize and honor the changing season.

If you can, set out a table outside. Otherwise, the kitchen table is perfect. Gather a bouquet of whatever is blooming - goldenrod and asters, or even dried grasses! Light some candles and pull out any vintage dishes you have.

Ask everyone to bring something that represents the season to them - this could form the centerpiece.

Before eating, take a moment to recognize where the meal came from:

the soil rain and sun;
the people who grew and harvested the food;
the animals and insects who gave their lives or pollinated the plants;
the hands that prepared it.

Whether your gathering is two or twenty.

Around the Equinox.

Garden.
Gather something from the land or the garden for the table. Notice when the sun sets.

Hearth.
Set the table beautifully with what you already own. Light the first early evening candles of the season.

Kitchen.
Build the meal around the local September harvest versus an ‘equinox menu.

Apothecary.
Create a signature botanical mocktail for the Equinox using easy to gather herbs that just read 'Autumn’.

Self.
Step outside at dusk. Notice the temperature, birdsong, insect activity, any scents, and the light. What does this first moment of autumn look and feel like?