Blackberry Farm: Reception & Dinner
After my incredible afternoon touring the farm, I was invited by the Southern Food Writing Conference to attend a champagne reception in the garden, followed by a lavish dinner in the barn. It was in conjunction with the International Biscuit Festival, and the guests were there to celebrate, and dine on, authentic and inspired Southern cuisine.
Perfectly worn picnic tables were set out under the trees, and adorned with simple country floral arrangements and galvanized bucket candles. The setting and ambiance were gorgeous.
There was a bluegrass band plucking away at tunes that made you feel as though you’ve lived there your entire life. And that maybe Tennessee is where you were meant to be born.
The elegant hors d’oeuvres and icy cold champagne were served by their excellent wait staff….
And those freshly picked radishes from earlier in the day, made their appearance on a slate tray. I loved the presentation and will be sure to recreate something similar at home using butter and dijon, topping them with sea salt flakes.
After the champagne reception, we walked up to the barn for our dinner…
Please excuse the quality of the following photos, I shot the remaining ones with my cell phone, as to not distract from the dinner or intrude on the other guests enjoyment. Although looking back, I think everyone was snapping away.
When we first walked in, I admired this entry table. In fact, I can’t stop thinking about it and hope The Man will make one for me some day.
They have an amazing demonstration kitchen in one area of the barn for culinary classes.
We were seated in the central dining area, with towering vaulted ceilings and iron chandeliers. The tables were dressed in linen with a selection of wine glasses, beautiful china and flatware.
Let me know in the comments, if you’d like to know which wines were my favorite. We were served five. Although I didn’t get to drink them all, I made sure to taste them and take notes.
And I loved this wall filled with wine glasses from floor to ceiling. And the library ladder too. Really, everything about the place was impeccable. In fact, I’m still dreaming about the best shrimp and grits I’ve ever had…sublime!
All in all, it was the perfect day. From beginning to end.
And I can’t imagine ever forgetting a single moment.
20 Responses to “Blackberry Farm: Reception & Dinner”
Holy smokes that looks amazing! How was the champagne? What wine was your fav. I so want to go visit there.
Hi Melissa,
I can’t remember the name of the champagne but it was perfection!
My favorite wines were, a 2011 Blueprint Sauvignon Blanc from Lail Vineyards in Napa Valley…a crisp, light white and my personal favorite. And a 2006 Pinot Noir from Williams Selyem in Sonoma Coast. This was smooth, full bodied and not too sweet.
I found it interesting that both of my favorite wines were from California!
Oh it looks so lovely! I would so love to go. My friend and I were just talking about it last month as her and her hubby are going this fall for their anniversary. It’s not but 3 hours from here so I need to add it to my short list!! Shrimp and grits are my favorite so I will be sure and remember to order them. Thank you for the lovely pictures. Glad you enjoyed your visit.
You must try the Roasted Carolina Shrimp & Andouille Grits. It will make you weep…it’s that good!
Beautiful! Are the chair slipcovers made of linen?
Yes, they were linen. Loved them!
I LOVED those!
I would love to hear about the wine!
My husband is woodworker/ welder.I am putting that table on my wish list also.
Hi Laura,
Just answered the wine question in the first comment. 🙂
And lucky you to get a table as well. I can’t wait for mine! Handy husbands are the BEST!!
Wow, that kitchen is amazing. Those slipcovers caught my eye right away. And the floors! Is the base of the table metal? It’s stunning. So glad you got to take part in this.
Heather,
Wow, what an amazing dinner. The presentation is beautiful and I loved the way they left the stem on the radishes. Fabulous. Yes, I’d be interested in which wines you enjoyed and if any of those served were California wines.
What fun, I have to put this on my “bucket” list.
Karen
I dream of having a barn like that someday =) beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
Wow! What an incredible event! The barn is something that we can only dream about! The China with the barn animals………….oh my goodness! I was wondering if they are antique? Thank You so much for sharing your Southern Adventure!
What a fantastic looking place. I wouldn’t forget a single moment either. It looked like it was a gorgeous day. I really enjoy your blog.
I LOVE homemade biscuits with real butter and Sweet Tea!!! I also LOVE your blog! I love you life and what you do!!! Thanks for sharing it all!!!
Oh man Heather I have been missing all this beauty…so I’ll definitely play caught up this weekend. I love your blog. Now I’m going to tell you something that’s gonna make you say “What!”. Ready…this southern has only tried grits one time and never shrimp. Being from North Carolina all my family dined on them…but not me. Even at the risk of getting a “whopping”[you can explain that to your readers later]. I can’t wait to get home and read and read more.
What a beautiful adventure! But I would really like to know the name of that China pattern–agriculturally exquisite!! 🙂
Ummm….I want to live there!! I think I just got a peek of heaven! Thank you Heather for sharing your trip!! Gorgeous photos!!!
Well my gosh! You were right in my area of the woods. I live fairly near Blackberry Farm. I have only this year heard of the biscuit festival (or at least paid attention to the advertisements), so have never been. I did see some follow-up on one of the local news channels. Blackberry Farm is gorgeous (our area is!!!) and the food delish. Glad you enjoyed.
I have been following Blackberry farm thru articles, etc for many years…and it will be our next Anniversary celebration destination…So elegant and bucolic…
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