Friday Fete: Fig Love

It's fig season in Virginia. Which to me, is a Christmas equivalent. Even though my two small trees at the new house aren't producing fruit quite yet, we still have the big Grandaddy tree on another property... and it's loaded. So it's time again to share with you my favorite fig resources, and at the end of this post, a fig inspired party.

For those of you who think you don't like figs, give the fresh ones a chance. There is something spectacular about ripe, fresh figs that a fig newton just can't touch. Even though Wegmans sells 3 figs for something like $5, you need to experience them. So make friends with someone who has a tree, or see if your farm market is lucky enough to have figs!  

2013 Fig Season Resources: 

• My Pinterest Fig Menu Board
• HEA Caramelized Fig Recipe  
• Last year's HEA Fig Recipe Compilation   (including fig vodka and ice cream)
• How to plant a fig tree in your house  
• Virginia Fig Festival Information   (Haven't been yet, but desperate to go tour!) 

How to...throw a Fig Fete

• This is the easiest party to decorate for ever. Figs are the most gorgeous produce and have beautiful foliage to boot. For table centerpieces, find a compote and fill with figs, grapes or even an artichoke and short blooms from your yard like this image from Corbin Gurkin. Right now we have lots of zinnias, crate myrtles, fall roses and hydrangeas that could add a nice floral element if cut very close to the head. 
• For invites think black and white rough textured calligraphy. Fill in any mistakes with floral and leaf elements. Because figs are so even formed, you need that wild and loose element. You can actually buy this 'Bloom where you are planted' print on Etsy. 
• Let's face it, half of the fun is dressing up for a party. Be wildly girly and glamorous with 1940's style loose curls and bold lips
• Dress in a dusty lilac or blush and pair with camel. Now's the time to see if you can pull off the tulle skirt look, or should stick to a structured bow dress from Mod Cloth. 
• Having a variety of fresh figs is a must. Leave them whole for people to take home, or cut for samples. This shot from Kara Roselund is everything. 
• To bring out the deeper flavors of figs, try roasting them with honey and grapes. 
• It's not a party without a clean cocktail. A must try is a Fig Caipirinha   with lemon and ginger. 
• The options are endless with dessert. I loved this fig walnut ice cream we made last year, but you could easily dip fig wedges into dark chocolate and pistachios in this vein. 
• Love the fig leaves? There's wallpaper for that too....  

Have you tried fresh figs? What's your favorite way to eat them? 

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