Soup Day!

Is there a season more perfect for soup than autumn? The leaves are falling from the trees once more and autumn is calling, so a soup day is underway.

Crispy leaves underfoot, the smell of spiced pumpkin filling the air, fall is my absolute favorite time of the year. Growing up in the midwest we celebrate the new season with bonfires, haunted hayrides, and cozy candles.

When the mercury drops and the days draw in, what better way is there to showcase the turn of weather than with a soup event potluck style! From serving as a delicious winter warmer to a quick midweek meal, soup can keep you nice and warm inside while also offering plenty of health benefits. While the said health benefits vary somewhat depending on the type of soup you are eating, many soups can help you to feel fuller for longer because of their high water content. (Bonus points!)

I sent out an invite and asked each friend to bring their favorite soup for a fun cook-off. As much as I love party planning I had to focus on my soup entry and called in Forever Events, a Detroit-based picnic rental, to handle the outdoor setup.

We had 15 entries ranging from butternut squash and Zuppa Toscana to chili and lobster bisque. Our toppings bar featured Panera’s signature bread bowl and take-home containers for a week's worth of meals.

While everyone was a winner in my book, I crowned the top 3 soup favorites with a custom soup spoon made from my Cricut cut-out and heat gun. I love creative party favors that can either be used again or will remind someone of our fun memory together.

 This soup get-together might just have to become an annual event. What’s in your favorite winter soup?