We’ve hosted over 300+ quilt retreats since 2019 at our retreat center, and we’ve noticed a few things about quilters & snacks, including:
Every retreat group lovingly brings enough food & snacks to feed a small army.
All the snacks look SO GOOD - from the fresh baked goods to the candy & cupcakes.
Chocolate is the #1 treat of quilters.
Quilt retreats offer a splendid opportunity for quilters to unite, exchange creative concepts, and delve into a world of artistic imagination. As you dedicate hours to sewing, cutting, and crafting exquisite quilts, you’re going to get hungry, and one of the best parts of a quilt retreat is well…the indulgent snacks & treats everyone brings!
In this blog post, we've curated an assortment of delightful snack ideas that align perfectly with quilt retreats, of both the salty & sweet variety!
We asked our community, Gulf Coast Quilting, to chime in on this post, so all of these snack ideas are sourced straight from quilters! (We’d love to have you join our free facebook group too- you can do that here!)
Let’s start with some savory snack ideas for retreats!
Trail Mix Medley
A timeless favorite, trail mix proves to be an impeccable snack companion during quilt retreats. Blend together an assortment of nuts, dried fruits, and the occasional chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness.
Veggie Platter with Hummus
Opt for a revitalizing and airy selection by presenting an array of fresh vegetables like crisp carrot sticks, celery, slices of vibrant bell peppers, and plump cherry tomatoes. Complement these with a velvety hummus dip, thereby forging a fulfilling and nutritious snack ensemble that ensures you remain invigorated.
Charcuterie Board
This charcuterie board was spotted at one of recent retreats!
Assemble an artisanal cheese and cracker board adorned with an assortment of cheeses, an array of crackers, and a smattering of fruits like succulent grapes or crisply sliced apple segments. This snack concept introduces an element of sophistication to your retreat, coupling a gratifying medley of flavors and textures.
Cheese Cubes & Crackers
If you love the idea of charcuterie, but you want an easier option, pick a few simple flavors of pre-cut cheese cubes and some salty, herbed crackers for an easy, savory snack that doesn’t require any dishes or prep.
The Crunchy, Salty Variety
Pretzels, Goldfish, and Chex Mix were all favorites of quilters in our community! When you pack for a quilt retreat, grab a bag or two of your favorite crunchy snack; chances are, it will be the favorite of other people at your retreat as well.
Salted Deluxe Mixed Nuts
Easy and a crowd favorite, nuts are a great way to add a little protein when you’re sewing in that long, delightful time between lunch & dinner. They’re also gluten free, vegetarian, and dairy free, making them a great, healthy snack choice.
Popcorn Bar
Establish a popcorn bar showcasing an assortment of flavors and toppings. From the classic allure of butter and salt to inventive options like caramel, cheese, or even a hint of chili powder, this adaptable snack proposal is poised to garner admiration among your fellow quilters.
Now…onto our sweet treat ideas:
Chocolate
The number one most loved snack of quilters! A decadent treat that weaves a thread of happiness through your quilt retreat narrative, just about everyone loves chocolate in some form!
Fruit Kabobs or a Fruit Salad
Mix and match selections such as succulent strawberries, plump grapes, cubes of luscious melon, and chunks of tropical pineapple for a rejuvenating and luscious snack, easily savored amidst your quilting interludes.
Cookies
Picture yourself surrounded by colorful fabrics and the gentle hum of sewing machines, with a plate of freshly baked cookies within arm's reach. Whether you prefer the classic chocolate chip, the buttery goodness of shortbread, or the nostalgic embrace of oatmeal raisin, cookies offer a moment of pure delight. The act of savoring a cookie, with its crispy edges and soft center, can be a small yet meaningful pause in the midst of your quilting journey.
Tea and Scones
We’ve had many quilt retreats that included a high tea party! Pause your quilting pursuits to relish a delightful tea and scones interlude. Introduce an assortment of teas alongside freshly baked scones accompanied by clotted cream and preserves, thus engendering a tranquil and refined experience.
Baked Goods
Many birthdays are celebrated while on retreat with us! We loved getting this picture from one of our retreat groups as they celebrated a quilter's birthday with this pineapple lemon cake!
We mentioned cookies, but other favorites include Cupcakes, Lemon Bars, Caramel Brownies, Apple Cake, and Coffee Cake. Make your time-tested recipe and bring it on a quilt retreat with your friends, or search Pinterest for a brand new recipe to try.
Ice Cream
Nothing seems more indulgent and makes a retreat more of a “girls trip” than everyone sitting around with a bowl of ice cream & toppings. An ice cream bar with nuts, chocolate or caramel syrup, or fruit toppings is a hit with many retreat groups!
Sweet Treats Sampler
Fabricate a platter featuring a diverse array of sweet delights such as mini brownies, cookies, and fruits enrobed in sumptuous chocolate. This indulgent snack proposal proves ideal for appeasing your confectionery inclinations, offering a delightful respite during your quilt retreat.
Conclusion
A triumphant quilt retreat transcends the mere act of stitching exquisite quilts; it encompasses the camaraderie of fellow quilters and the nurturing of both body and spirit with a symphony of delectable snacks.
Embrace your fabrics, thread your needles, and relish these delectable morsels as you embark upon a quilt-making odyssey etched in memory. Here's to joyful quilting and indulgent snacking!
Excited about the idea of going on a quilt retreat with your sewing friends? Learn how to plan a retreat in this blog post!
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