SUMMER VEGETABLES

By Amy Montgomery

Summer vegetables are at their prime right now! There is nothing better than all those locally grown veggies cooked up at home and topped off with a slice of homemade cornbread. Have you ever thought about using these summer-time beauties to adorn your table? Actually, using vegetables as your centerpiece? It can be done and will be the topic of conversation at your next summer gathering. The best part of all is you can eat them the next day.

You might ask, how did this idea come about? It came about as a necessity after being asked by a customer how to put a fresh arrangement on her table even though she is highly allergic to most flowers. How could you go wrong with fresh broccoli, asparagus, and tomatoes? We used small florets of broccoli in small vases, asparagus bunched up and tied with twill, and vine-ripened tomatoes still on the vine along with a generous sprinkling of heirloom cherry tomatoes. The colors are vibrant and perfect for a beautiful summer table indoors or out.

Think of all the choices available at your local farmers market. The selections are endless, cucumbers, green beans, yellow corn, okra, eggplant. Partially shucked ears of bright yellow corn on the table in between tomatoes and a sprinkling of fresh green beans would look wonderful with bright red napkins and maybe even a summer-themed kitchen tea towel for your placemat. Gingham is always a pretty choice to use for summer tables. Gingham tablecloths, napkins, or placemats. Cloth napkins are always wonderful, but for a casual, relaxed dinner don't be afraid to use paper. Paper works for dinner napkins and paper cocktail napkins are pretty much a standard at any gathering.

102 Riverside Dr., Columbia, TN38401 • (931) 388-3647

This open-air market is open rain or shine on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The main season runs from May - October. Visit @columbiafarmersfreshmarket on Instagram for additional information.

191 Front St., Franklin, TN 37064 • (615) 967-6765 • westhavenfarmersmarket.com

Bringing a new generation of farmers to the table. Open every Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. from May through October. There is a variety of vendors for you to choose from where you will find all kinds of organic or naturally grown produce, several varieties of meat, baked goods, farm-fresh eggs, and crafts!

4531 Snow Creek Rd., Santa Fe, TN 38482 • (615) 326-9354 • thekindredfarm.com

The farm store is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Stop by and peek into the greenhouses bursting with veggies and take home the tastiest things they make and grow including produce, flowers, pasture-raised eggs, yummy pickled things, and a whole lot more!

230 Franklin Rd., Franklin, TN 37064 • (615) 916-1274 • franklinfarmersmarket.com

A true Tennessee farmers market with produce including fruit, dairy, meats and baked goods. Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Visit local farmers and a select number of local crafters with unique and beautiful goods.

7248 Nolensville Rd., Nolensville, TN 37135 • (931) 284-9295 • nolensvillefarmersmarket.com

This market is open year-round on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Support local agriculture, food, and arts. Visit their website to sign up for their email newsletter.

654 Dry Prong Rd. Williamsport, TN 38487 • (931) 583-2701 • bountifulblessingsfarm.com

Support this local farm by signing up for the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program — an exclusive produce share membership, or visit them at the 12 South Farmers Market (Tuesdays) and the St. George Farmers Market (Thursdays) in Nashville during the summer.

People love new twists on everyday staples. Surprise your guests with a colorful summer vegetable harvest centerpiece. The best part of this, is you can support local by purchasing at your farmers market and then make something delicious with your centerpiece to enjoy it for a second time!

Help support Tennessee agriculture by shopping locally. It’s a great way for community engagement and offers the opportunity to purchase artisanal products, fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other agricultural products directly for local farmers and producers. Discover something new and delicious while making an edible centerpiece for your table!

AMY MONTGOMERY has 25 years of design experience and owns Amy Montgomery Home in Columbia, Tennessee. She is a lifestylist focused on home and flowers and delights in offering her customers an elevated customer service experience. Visit amymontgomeryhome.com for additional information and follow her on social media at @amymontgomeryhome.