Photo from Sandy at The Reluctant Entertainer.
The trip mentioned in this post was sponsored by Harry & David. All opinions are my own.
TThis fall I had the pleasure of attending a blogger event in Southern Oregon sponsored by Harry & David. As a home-focused blogger I rarely get to join food-focused events, and this was my first — it turned out to be a wonderfully memorable experience. My friend Sandy from the Reluctant Entertainer hosted a dinner at her home. The meal, the company, and the setting were every bit as warm and inviting as I had hoped after years of following her work. Her gracious style made the evening feel special.
Sandy’s backyard table was stunning. It was a slightly chilly night, but she had thoughtfully provided an outdoor fire pit and heaters so we were comfortable and cozy. The entire setting inspired me to put more effort into my own outdoor spaces.
I was captivated by the beauty all around — the backyard, the table styling, and the details like chalkboards and pear centerpieces. Every element felt carefully chosen and delightful.
Among a room full of talented food bloggers I felt right at home. Everyone was friendly, and I enjoyed meeting new creative people. They inspired me to follow more food blogs — many are written by truly interesting and approachable people.
My husband joined me for the trip, and we spent several delightful days in southern Oregon. The weather was beautiful, and we fell in love with Ashland, a charming town known for its Shakespeare festivals. Even though we had lived in Portland for many years, this was our first visit to Ashland, and we left with plans to return. I’ll share more about the town another time because we took plenty of photos and discovered many lovely spots.
We stayed at a delightful bed and breakfast, the Winchester Inn. It was charming, and the breakfasts each morning were exceptional. Throughout the trip the food was consistently excellent, making the getaway even more enjoyable.
One highlight was a visit to Penny & Lulu’s Florist Studio in Medford. The owners created a beautiful setting for lunch, complete with inspiring props, floral arrangements, and thoughtful table styling. It was a visually rich and creative experience.
I had the chance to chat with fellow bloggers, including Michael of Inspired by Charm and Angie of Bakerella. Angie, known for creating Cake Pops, was as friendly and down-to-earth as you might hope. Conversations like these made the event feel personal and fun.
Harry & David is famous for its Royal Riviera® Pears, prized for their flavor and grown in the specific climate and soil of the region. We toured the orchard and learned about the careful cultivation that produces these exceptional pears. Seeing the process up close makes it easy to appreciate why they taste so good.
The facility tour included a visit to the chocolate factory where we decorated chocolate leaves and learned a bit about candy making. It was hands-on and playful, and the team made the experience enjoyable for everyone.
We also packaged a gift basket, learned to make a bow, and sent the basket on its way. Gift baskets from Harry & David have been a family favorite for years; they were a traditional holiday gift from my grandparents and remain a beloved present to give.
This trip was truly special, and I’m grateful to Harry & David for inviting my husband and me to participate. It was a warm, inspiring experience full of beautiful food, thoughtful hospitality, and new friendships.
You can order gifts directly from Harry & David; their offerings are a lovely choice for holiday giving and often arrive in time for Christmas when ordered early.
Featured bloggers on the trip included Helen Jane from HelenJane.com, Shelly from Cookies & Cups, Michael from Inspired by Charm, Melissa from The Inspired Room, Judy of From Home to Roam, Angie from Bakerella, Sandy from The Reluctant Entertainer, Cassie from Bake Your Day, Gina from Skinnytaste, Ali from Gimme Some Oven, Julie from The Little Kitchen, Robyn from Add A Pinch, Lindsay from Love and Olive Oil, and Amanda from Kevin and Amanda.