As the proud cultivator of a tiny urban plot, my efforts have so far yielded a grand total of two tomatoes. Yes, two tomatoes. They were delicious, but a far cry from my garden fantasy, which goes something like this…
After a full summer enjoying the bountiful fruits and veggies from my expansive garden retreat (complete with water feature and fire pit — see below), I am so inundated with excess produce that I must turn to friends for help. In my dream potluck dinner, I don a festive garden party dress, mix a batch of sangria blanca, and invite friends to bring over their garden pickings for an impromptu, al fresco garden swap party. Half the fun is in prepping the meal together while sharing stories of the summer’s adventures.
Join in the celebration by hosting your own end-of-summer event. Here are a few tips to get in the spirit.
First things first: Gather the goods! Whether straight from the garden or the market, transport produce in eco-friendly style with a cloth market bag by RosyUndPosy.
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Reusable produce bags by LoveForEarth (below) not only eliminate the need for the trashy plastic versions, but in a garden party setting, they would make great favor bags filled with fresh fruit, cookies, or even seed packets for guests to take home.
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Let an abundance of flavors and colors inspire the setting as well. (This is not the time to be too fancy or formal, this is about nature bursting at the seams!) Think mix-and-match vintage linens with bold floral prints. Carry the theme straight through to the dishes and even your wardrobe.
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Vintage Floral Tablecloth, $15 from thelostfound; Stangl Colonial Dinner Plate, $22.99 from SurrenderDorothy; Tea dress, $100 by sohomode.
Wipe out any party planning stress by keeping things simple. What’s on the dinner menu? Whatever is fresh and in season, of course!
Our friends at Food & Wine Magazine have some great recommendations! (You can even tailor your menu based on what’s available in your garden by searching their recipe slideshows by ingredient… I say tomato, you say: eggplant, cilantro, watermelon, corn, or… well, you get the idea!)
Layered Eggplant Zucchini and Tomato Casserole
by Marcia Kiesel, photo by Quentin Bacon
- ACTIVE: 30 MIN
- TOTAL TIME: 1 HR
- SERVINGS: 6
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing and brushing
- 3 medium zucchini (1 1/2 pounds), sliced lengthwise 1/4 inch thick
- 2 long, narrow eggplants (1 1/2 pounds), peeled and sliced lengthwise 1/3 inch thick
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1 large shallot, minced
- 1 pound plum tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch dice
- 3 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (3/4 cup)
- 1/4 cup chopped basil
- 1/3 cup panko or coarse dry bread crumbs
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425°. Oil 2 large rimmed baking sheets. Put the zucchini slices on one sheet and the eggplant on the other. Brush the slices all over with oil and season with salt and pepper. Arrange the slices on each sheet in a slightly overlapping layer. Bake for 15 minutes, until tender.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the shallot and cook over moderate heat until softened, 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook over high heat until slightly softened and bubbling, 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.
- Oil a large, shallow baking dish (about 10 by 15 inches). Lay half of the eggplant in the dish and spread one-fourth of the tomatoes on top. Scatter with half of the feta and basil. Layer half of the zucchini on top, followed by another one-fourth of the tomato and the remaining basil, eggplant and zucchini. Top with the remaining tomato and feta. Mix the panko with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and sprinkle over the casserole. Bake in the upper third of the oven for 20 minutes, until bubbling and crisp. Let stand for 5 minutes, then serve hot or warm.
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Be sure to offer your guests a tour of your garden, complete with custom markers for your prized plants, like this tomato stake by MakeThyme.
Take advantage of time with fellow green thumbs by exchanging growing tips (and misses!) and talking into the night gathered around the fire pit.
What have you grown in your garden (or in your dreams) this summer? Post in the comments below!
Special Subscription Deal for Etsy Friends:
Get 2 Years of Food & Wine for the Price of 1!
Food & Wine magazine brings readers delicious recipes, the hottest new chefs and restaurants, accessible wine guides, and much more in each issue. Click here.
For more fun summer entertaining ideas, go to foodandwine.com/entertaining. Check out our recent party planning posts from the editors at Food & Wine and The Storque.
111 comments
Sign in to add your ownSewnNatural says:
the recipe sounds delicious, and the picks are great. yummy.
2 years ago
LoveMeKnotCreations says:
love the garden planters!! Also the recipe sounds delicious, thank you.
2 years ago
PaperFish says:
awesome article- this is ME to a teacup x x my friend and i have a blog called thebigstoveyear.blogspot.com and we chat all the time about our garden produce and hegrerow jams... lovely xx
2 years ago
laralewis says:
we just signed on to participate in a community garden...so my fiance and i are already planning next year's crops! we can't wait! :)
2 years ago
Dminor7 says:
This article makes me very anxious to get to the farmer's market this Saturday!
2 years ago
paramountvintage says:
only a few weeks left for a great garden party. this is very inspiring!!!
2 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Those pictures look yummy!
2 years ago
LaveMeSoapCo says:
OH YUM! I MIGHT ACTUALLY MAKE THAT FOR MY SIN CITY HOUSEWARMING PARTY NEXT WEEK!
2 years ago
satellitedaisy says:
you are making me hungry! yum!
2 years ago
foamywader says:
Food looks amazing!
2 years ago
KathysCraftShop says:
that cassserole with the eggplant and tomatoes looks otally awesome! makes me hungry!!
2 years ago
MyMoms says:
Really lovely...makes me hungry... Thanks for sharing!
2 years ago
JustAnotherDay says:
YUM!
2 years ago
riorita says:
Thank you for the recipe, I'm inted to make it tomorrow for my daughter and son in law!
2 years ago
VixVintage says:
The Font O Fire is awesome, thanks, fun article.
2 years ago
carolinabean says:
I love sangria in the summer. I have a recipe that I take to all my garden parties.
2 years ago
birdie1 says:
Love the theme and will try the recipe - thanks!
2 years ago
thelittlecrocodile says:
YUM!!! All of this makes me want to have a garden potluck *right* *now*! And that recipe looks like a perfect way to use up some of our veggies :)
2 years ago
belovedbaglady says:
Beautiful inspiration for thos end of summer feasts!
2 years ago
LabyrinthLeather says:
mmmm ... so cozy =:)
2 years ago
missbmckay says:
Oooh, I love a good garden party! What a great subscription deal from Food & Wine!
2 years ago
BlackStar says:
Great finds! Large gardens are wonderful, but they are a lot of work. I'm going to try the recipe. Tomorrow is eggplant harvesting day!
2 years ago
FrillyButts says:
Maybe I should have a party...
2 years ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
Everything looks so vibrant and delicious! Our garden has finally yielded its last crop this year. I've canned all summer long and dug the potatoes yesterday. We will appreciate it all winter long!
2 years ago
FancyThatCookies says:
yummmmmmmmy
2 years ago
pamwares says:
making me hungry!
2 years ago
MeghanT says:
Only two tomatoes? That's so disheartening! I think plants need a season or two to settle in before they deliver on the goods though. I bet next year you'll have baskets and baskets of fresh produce. I definitely don't have a green thumb, but I like the idea of a garden party centered around food grown by your own hands. I'd definitely show up to eat at such an event. ;) All my local stores are making efforts to cut back on plastic so I like the reusable bags you featured. Thanks for the update!
2 years ago
heyirememberthat says:
The dream of a bountiful garden should never die, just try again next year and think about all the things that you might do different. It's a learning experience...enjoy it! Oh, what fun!
2 years ago
Earmark says:
oh my goodness, i just ate dinner and those recipes are still making me drool... love food and wine and love the selections!!!
2 years ago
HarrietsHaven says:
Beautiful picks! I love the plant markers and the reusable vegetable bags.
2 years ago
MinceCo says:
Spring is coming yay :) Spring cleaning SALE>> http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7050360
2 years ago
andrewsreclaimed says:
oooh, I will try this recipe, no kidding! Excellent picks. Now is the perfect time to celebrate a summer well spent, and ponder the near future with cooler weather. The smell of leaf piles, candles in Jack-o-lanterns, turkey, and pine, baking cookies, and the company of good friends and family. Thank you, Food and Wine, and missbatch. Cheers! Andrew
2 years ago
greenthing says:
Great recipe!
2 years ago
PuzzleBoBuzzles says:
Shrimp-and-Feta-Stuffed Zucchini, Yum!
2 years ago
breadandroses says:
Heading to a local farm for produce tomorrow; hope they've got eggplant. Sounds scrumptious! Unusual, coolest summer on record here so we'll be lucky to get 2-4 edible tomatoes. No where near ripe yet & just starting to blush. Green beans have been great. One, yes one, acorn squash is growing and it was a volunteer. You asked for summer dreams: Besides working smarter, creating and getting back to making more 'serious' art quilts, I'm hoping to find a little larger patch of ground to grow blueberries, more fruit. I love fresh blueberries and they're in great demand at the farmer's markets. A proper studio space is in the dream/realistic goal dept. too.
2 years ago
TheSparklingCocktail says:
oohhh I need to try these recipes! Thanks for the inspiration!
2 years ago
klacustomcreations says:
great inspiration and I think everyone is hungry now!
2 years ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
I'm definitely going to use the eggplant, zucchini and tomato recipe. A friend gave me three beautiful eggplants from her farm and I didn't really know what I was going to do with them—UNTIL NOW!!!!!!!!
2 years ago
SeptemberStars says:
I love stopping at roadside produce stands, things from those places always seem to taste better and at the supermarket.
2 years ago
pommesfrites says:
Oh no, only two tomates! my only tomato got stolen by a squirrel and the rest of my garden patch got fried beyond belief by the hot tx sun. great article! love the recipes & picks.
2 years ago
livingstonandporter says:
yumminess! love the article...love the recipe....mmmmm. mmmm. good!
2 years ago
stubborndog says:
such a lovely fantasy! I hear you about the small tomato yield... we're so proud of our little harvest! :-)
2 years ago
fairylandcottages says:
LOL!!! I too had a wonderous garden fantasy! I live right up against the foothills here in Santa Barbara, and had my eye on the raised beds that were here when I moved in...planted 3 tomatoe plants, they took off!!! Zuccini, cucumber, melon...everything was going great, and then...someone 4 legged discovered my tiny plot and chewed the tomatoes vines right at the base, one by one....each day, carrying off the entire vine! (or so I thought..heh heh). *sigh* all tomatoes gone. All else intact, time passed, I am harvesting the cucumbers, eyeing the zuccini..and then BAM!!! There they go! I am mystified. Until a day or so later, go out to water, and discover just the tips of the entire 2 foot tall plant peeking out of the earth. The whole plant has been pulled underground!!! LOL! I thought gophers only did that in cartoons. Apparently whoever build the raised beds did not quite grasp the concept, and did not secure the bottoms. Oh my god. I still am sad, and appreciate your own crushed expectations. Next year! ; )
2 years ago
littlepumpkincrafts says:
I am on my second year of working on this fantasy. What I have learned: people use pesticied for a reason. I am still organic, but there are times when I would really love some 7 dust. Get article! Happy dreaming!
2 years ago
ImSoVintage says:
Yummy!!!
2 years ago
shopgoodgrace says:
That layered zucchini and tomato casserole looks delicious.
2 years ago
LittleRosieLane says:
What a wonderful idea!! I need to throw one... I however, am in the same dream where I have only harvested 2 lonely tomatoes so far!! There are several green ones to come and this is my first year so I am hopeful that next year will get better. Luckily my dear friend gets a grociery bag a day and shares ;) I think we will have to throw a garden party (my neighbor has a lovely basil plant - she will be on the guest list for sure! LOL) All the Best!!
2 years ago
thelostfound says:
Cool! Thanks for including my vintage tablecloth linen!
2 years ago
aglowcandle says:
Great!! Thanks for introducing delicious food~ I think my candles will be suit with this~ :)
2 years ago
PipocaHandmade says:
Ohhh...that recipe sounds delicious...perfect for a summer's eve! Lovely picks!
2 years ago
RosyUndPosy says:
Oh wow, oh wow! *grin* Fantastic article, love the recipes plus fabulous etsy picks, and a super big thank you for sharing about my market bag :)
2 years ago
babinka1981 says:
Lovely!
2 years ago
cottonbirddesigns says:
Great article!
2 years ago
EmmaBeeTextileArts says:
Beautiful article! I'm so looking forward to summer so I can enjoy my garden once more.
2 years ago
evihan says:
sooo yummmyyyy
2 years ago
kissadesign says:
Garden parties with a vintage flare are always a hit! Local farmers markets are another great way to supplement non-productive produce years... Two years ago I had so many cucumbers and tomatoes that my neighbors ran when they saw me coming! Last year I planted just about everything I enjoy eating and was plagued by every disease, fungus and pest known to home gardeners. This year I only planted peas and one tomato plant. I will be lucky if a third tomato ripens on the vine! And I'm hopeful that my new fall crop of peas has enough time to give me a nice harvest! Thanks for the great article, recipes and garden-inspired goods!
2 years ago
TheLavendarTree says:
Love the article and ideas! Every spring/early summer, I hold a garden party/plant exchange party with about 25 of my friends. We have a wonderful time and have done it for about 10-12 years now. But, I do love the idea of a fall harvest gathering as well! Ann at www.TheLavendarTree.etsy.com
2 years ago
LilBlossoms says:
The recipe sounds delicious! I love the garden planters. Unfortunately I do not have a green thumb...
2 years ago
steinschmuckdesign says:
Thank you so much, absolutely Great!
2 years ago
TheSplendidStarling says:
Loved the article! It's good to know I'm not alone in my less than bountiful urban garden. :)
2 years ago
carmenandginger says:
Thank you for including one of my vintage tablecloths in your article! I collect them myself and use them for all events year-round! With all the rain, our urban garden has also been slow but I have had a handful of tomatoes this week, and, a few cucumbers too! :-)
2 years ago
recycledwares says:
Now that sounds like my kind of celebration for the end of summer and some good food. So where is it, and when should I be there? lol
2 years ago
Mymothersgarden says:
Yummy, what a great recipe! My tomato harvest was a little sad this season too! I did manage to make a new ceramic dish from my cherry tomato plant: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30011975
2 years ago
MelroseFields says:
Sangaria Blanca yum!
2 years ago
sandali says:
WOW ~~ what amazing recipes -- going to try one of them now !! Got to LOVE it -- happy days ;)
2 years ago
RageoftheAge says:
You guys always put together irresistable compilations...i can't wait to try that zucchini and tomato casserole & the other recipes--bountiful beautiful and many thanks!!
2 years ago
thebestvintage says:
Nice recipe!
2 years ago
beachhouseblues says:
Here you go... Flowers for your space the make the indoors come alive!! 20% off all Flower and Shell Prints... Take a look!
2 years ago
spange says:
delightful blog! it's easy for us sellers to get caught up in looking ahead- this is a nice reminder that we still have a few warm weeks to enjoy!
2 years ago
TheCottageCheese says:
Gorgeous picks! I see some of my favorite vintage sellers here! This post is making me so hungry. I'm definitely going to try some of these recipes...
2 years ago
Possibilitees says:
Great theme,wonderful photos, LOVE the recipe! Our tomatoes finally ripened,all at once of course, but they are so small and lacking flavor. I guess it's the result of too little sun and excessive rain. But the beets did very well! Anyone have any interesting beet recipes?
2 years ago
thelooseleaf says:
This is so wonderful!! I would love to host/just be a guest at such a great party! I love everything you picked for this event.. Just lovely!
2 years ago
nowvintage says:
I had a similar problem in the garden..Too little sun earlier this summer has made for very little produce. I know others around here are doing better so I think some of it is my brown thumb..
2 years ago
EJPcreations says:
The fire pit is the coolest thing EVER!!!!!
2 years ago
Return2Edan says:
Love the Fire pit and water fall they work really well together love the bunting toooo:)
2 years ago
CassiasGarden says:
What muse sounds alot like mine too! I have found that we need to cultivate the earth before the harvest comes. But what fun to dream! It spurs us onto action! Loved the recipe and the wonderful vintage materials! Now I know where to look for all these wonderful items! Thanks for a wonderful post! Kelly CassiasGarden.etsy.com
2 years ago
MakeThyme says:
Wow! I'm thrilled to have my garden markers featured in this article! I've had similar trouble with getting tomatoes and peppers to grow. Just when I about gave up on growing red bell peppers I have success! This year they are giant and perfect! I can't wait to taste them!
2 years ago
missbatch says:
Thanks everyone for the kind feedback and gardening encouragement! I definitely have not given up-- just going to the farmers market more often. And thanks to Food & Wine for these delicious suggestions! Happy weekend.
2 years ago
Fairyfolk says:
We'll have an alfresco dinner tonight, for sure!!! Thanks for the inspiration to get outside and enjoy the fresh air! No needle felting for me tonight... Blessings and magic.
2 years ago
SevenSails says:
That recipe sounds delicious!
2 years ago
anadiazarte says:
I love the banner and the tomato stake.
2 years ago
collagesheetgirl says:
Yes The banner is beautiful. Fun article. Thanks for sharing
2 years ago
GreenTease says:
Yummy!! Perfect timing it just now do-able to spend time outside here in Sin City!!! Yay!!!
2 years ago
kewpieskloset says:
Thank's to everyone who take's the time for us to be able to enjoy such recipe's and great Esty item's. I love the oil cloth's.
2 years ago
dancerstar12 says:
Everyting is soooo pretty and airy!
2 years ago
Bluejules2008 says:
Garden parties are the best kind of parties. This pictures make it look so cosy and nice.
2 years ago
mgilinfo says:
Great ideas...
2 years ago
ColourHarmonics says:
Love the fire & water idea of bringing several elements together like that. V. good Feng shui :-)
2 years ago
funkeyfinds says:
what a colorful post! Its hard not to be colorful when it comes to good food!
2 years ago
odiliafu says:
Love the vintage fabric!! Beautiful post! Thanks for the wonderful recipes!
2 years ago
millalove says:
Mmmmmmm.... lemonade! I'm so thirsty now after the garden party pictures, and now that I think about it, i've just came back from one! I'm living the life and I don't even realise it! Great picks!
2 years ago
NinaJudinBooks says:
That's a fantastic article, thanks for sharing! Picking the most delicious cherry tomatoes and zucchinis + herbs from my garden this year, looking forward to planting more vegetables next year... Thumbs up!
2 years ago
capitalcitycrafts says:
Recipe looks great and the finds are all lovely!
2 years ago
LoveForEarth says:
Wonderful Article and finds :D I am going to use the recipe for the Eggplant and Tomato casserole as we have an abundance of tomatos this year from our garden! Always a big bowl of fresh salsa here, but a marriage of eggplant and tomato makes my mouth water..
2 years ago
elisasherejewelry says:
ha, ha - just had a dinner party in my garden last weekend complete with spiked lemonade in the pitcher, vintage linens, fresh garden food, and most importantly - great friends!
2 years ago
Iammie says:
Nice! Love party!
2 years ago
veryverdant says:
Oh, I make something very similar to that Zucchini, Eggplant and Tomato casserole. YUM! YUM! Great selections for garden partie items also.
2 years ago
ModernMetalJewelry says:
The recipes look amazing! Great for a labor day party!
2 years ago
1AEON says:
:) love this article,sweet recipes!!!
2 years ago
BellaVintageANDmore says:
Where did the summer go? I moved my garden to a sunnier location this year and it has done so much better.
2 years ago
vivikas says:
Oh it looks so yummy !
2 years ago
SMboutique says:
uhmmm the recipe seem delicious!!Thanks
2 years ago
jewelrybyamor says:
Beautiful background. Very green and natural I love nature and fresh fruits and vegetables. Good work!!
2 years ago
TheSecretKitchen says:
I've started a fall garden with cool weather crops - lettuce, peas, carrots and beets. It is doing quite well and nourishes my spirit to anticipate munching my own yield. Square Foot Gardening is the way to go. Thanks for the great article!
2 years ago
Fullearths says:
Love everything on this page.. clean, fresh, green, love it!
2 years ago
settyblade says:
everything on the page makes you want to have a gardern party now!!
2 years ago
jessgonacha says:
I want to make that casserole TONIGHT for dinner! Delicious. And I long to have a fire pit like that-- dream house, here I come!
2 years ago