In Season–Strawberries

It's Strawberry Season in Western North Carolina

We are coming to an end of a wonderful local strawberry season in western North Carolina. I have a huge $10 tub-o-strawberries I've been munching on for the past couple of days. There is nothing quite like a fresh, sun-ripened local strawberry. They don't need much adornment. They are simply great on their own.

Three wedding rings on three whole strawberries
Image from Honour Hiers Fine Arts Photography via Southern Weddings Mag

 

Strawberry Jam Favors and Fresh Whole Strawberry Centerpieces

You can't beat the below tablescape. For the Uber motivated DIY Bride, you can make homemade strawberry preserves the year before your spring or summer wedding. Then, use big white ceramic bowls of fresh, whole strawberries as simple, festive centerpieces.

strawberry jam wedding favors
Image from {Frolic}

Simple Wedding Cake with Whole Gum Paste Strawberries and Blossoms

If you are doing a DIY wedding cake, go with simple buttercream and adorn with gum paste strawberries and blossoms.

Simple wedding cake with gum paste strawberries and strawberry blossoms
Image from House Martin

 

 

Tasty Food Favors

Send your guests home with these tasty favors. They can enjoy scones and strawberries for breakfast the next day, or have an impromptu late-night, strawberry shortcake treat.

Home made strawberry shortcake wedding favors
Image from Martha Stewart Weddings via Ritzy Bee

Strawberry Wedding Invitations

I love the vintage look created by bright red watercolor strawberries combined with turquoise damask and white and ivory accents. 


Image from Green Wedding Shoes

 

Strawberry and Lime Signature Cocktail

Not everyone will want to drink Champagne. Instead of spending a ton of money on a a drink not everyone will enjoy, serve a signature cocktail as your toasting cocktail. This champagne in this drink gives it a slight bubbly effervescence, and the strawberries lend a refreshing summery flavor.

Strawberry signature cocktail
Image From Turn Loose the Art via ISPWP

 

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 10-ounce package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 cup brandy
  • 1/2 chilled club soda
  • 2 bottles (25.4 ounces each) chilled champagne
    Strawberries, sliced thin, for garnish if desired
  • Thin lime slices, halved, for garnish if desired

Preparation

In a small saucepan, combine the sugar with 1/2 cup water and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, or until the sugar is dissolved. Let the sugar syrup cool completely. In a food processor, puree the strawberries with their syrup and the lime juice, transfer the mixture to a large punch bowl, forcing it through a fine sieve if desired, and stir in the sugar syrup, the brandy, and the club soda. Chill the mixture, covered, until it is cold. Add the champagne slowly just before serving and serve the punch in punch glasses, each garnished with a strawberry slice and a lime slice.

Signature Cocktail Recipe from Epicurious