Autumn Harvest Horn Plenty (Printable)

A bountiful blend of dried fruits, nuts, and cheeses arranged for a seasonal centerpiece.

# What You Need:

→ Fruit & Nuts

01 - 1 cup dried apricots
02 - 1 cup dried figs
03 - 1 cup dried cranberries
04 - 1 cup dried apple rings
05 - 1 cup seedless grapes (optional)
06 - 1 cup walnuts
07 - 1 cup pecans
08 - 1 cup almonds

→ Cheeses

09 - 6 oz aged cheddar, cubed
10 - 6 oz creamy goat cheese, sliced
11 - 6 oz rustic blue cheese, crumbled
12 - 6 oz aged gouda or similar hard cheese, cubed

→ Crackers & Bread

13 - 2 cups rustic crackers or gluten-free crackers
14 - 1 small baguette, sliced

→ Garnishes

15 - Fresh rosemary sprigs
16 - Fresh thyme sprigs
17 - Edible flowers or seasonal leaves (optional)

→ Cornucopia Base

18 - 1 large wicker cornucopia basket or homemade bread horn (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Position the cornucopia basket or bread horn on a large serving platter or board.
02 - Place the assorted cheeses inside the opening of the horn, allowing some pieces to spill outward to create an abundant display.
03 - Distribute the dried fruits and nuts around and spilling out of the horn, mixing colors and textures to enhance visual appeal.
04 - Nestle crackers and bread slices along the sides or in small clusters among the fruits and nuts.
05 - Decorate with fresh rosemary, thyme sprigs, and optional edible flowers or seasonal leaves to evoke a festive harvest theme.
06 - Present at room temperature, allowing guests to select their preferred bites.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It's a stunning conversation starter that does double duty as both decoration and appetizer, so you're not scrambling to prepare extra nibbles
  • Every element can be prepared ahead, leaving you stress-free minutes before guests arrive
  • The mix of textures and flavors means everyone finds something they love, from the nutty pecans to the creamy goat cheese to tart cranberries
02 -
  • If you're making a bread horn, shape it the day before and store it covered—the cornucopia becomes even more stable and beautiful by the next day, and you've eliminated a last-minute stress point
  • Assemble the cornucopia no more than 2–3 hours before serving; if it sits too long, the crackers can soften and lose their appeal, while cheese at room temperature begins to weep slightly
  • The key to visual drama is mixing large items (cheese blocks, nuts) with small colorful ones (cranberries, dried apricots) so the arrangement never looks sparse or monotonous
03 -
  • Shop for dried fruits and nuts at bulk bins where you can handle them before buying—quality varies, and your hands will tell you which apricots and pecans deserve a place on your table
  • If you're nervous about a wicker basket looking too rustic, drape it with a beautiful autumn-colored cloth that echoes your table setting—the contrast between the natural basket and a refined textile creates sophisticated drama
Go Back