#2: 101 Fantasy Feasts: The Green Wedding From The Game of Thrones

your step-by guide to hosting an unforgettable feast with a complete recipe menu

You’re mine, as I’m yours. And if we die, we die. But first we’ll live.
— Ygritte to Jon Snow in The Game of Thrones

In the complex tapestry of the book A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, along with in the subsequent HBO series Game of Thrones, the weddings serve as focal points where joy and sorrow, alliance and betrayal, are intricately woven together.

Unlike the infamous Red Wedding (don’t worry, we’ll get to that one too!), the Green Wedding—a name invented by fans for the union of Tommen Baratheon and Margaery Tyrell, is marked by opulence and political scheming rather than bloodshed. Set against the backdrop of King's Landing, this event symbolizes the burgeoning power of House Tyrell and their increasing influence over the Iron Throne.

The Green Wedding, veiled in the lush, naturalistic decor and costumes of House Tyrell, is a testament to the strategic marriages that define the realm's political landscape, showcasing the delicate balance between displaying wealth and forging alliances.

Through this feast, guests are invited not just to celebrate a union of two powerful families, but to participate in the subtle games of power, intrigue, danger and prestige that shape the courts of Westeros. Inspired by the grandeur and underlying tensions of this wedding, the following feast plan offers a taste of the naturalistic luxury and lush atmospherics that characterize the Green Wedding.

This roadmap is designed to immerse your guests in the evocative energy and heightened senses of the Green Wedding, capturing the understated elegance, gamesmanship, and vibrancy of the occasion.

The menu, invitations, dress code, decor, table settings and music embody the luxurious excess of King’s Landing, while subtly hinting at the power plays unfolding behind closed doors. Your guests will be drawn deeper into the drama, indulging in a culinary experience that mirrors the delicate balance of soft power and intricate scheming that defines this historic wedding.

Plans for Hosting The Green Wedding Feast

Invitations
• Golden Rose Motif: Design invitations embossed with golden roses on a dark green background, symbolizing House Tyrell's sigil. For an even deeper connection to the House Tyrell, include its motto, “Growing Stronger.”
• Regal Script: Use refined, ornate scripts to convey the regality of the occasion, inviting guests to partake in a celebration of love and alliance at King's Landing.
• Sealed Union: Seal each invitation with a golden wax seal featuring the Baratheon stag entwined with the Tyrell rose, symbolizing the union of the two houses.

Menu
This menu reflects the opulence, sophistication and naturalistic aesthetics of House Tyrell (recipes below):
• Appetizer: Highgarden's Chilled Cucumber and Mint Soup
• Side Dish: Lemon and Herb Roasted Asparagus of The Reach
• Main Dish: Royal Stuffed Roast Chicken with Wild Rice and Green Apple
• Dessert: House Tyrell Pistachio Honey Cake with Orange Blossom Cardamom Syrup
• Cocktail: The Arbor Gold Spritz

Beverages

• Wines from The Reach: Serve an assortment of fine wines in crystal decanters.

• Tyrell Bloom Infused Water: Serve a refreshing Tyrell bloom infused water, delicately flavored with an array of fresh, colorful flowers and herbs that evoke the essence of Highgarden's famed gardens. This verdant, floral drink offers a light and aromatic experience, reflecting the natural, unfussy beauty and ethereal nature of House Tyrell.

• Maiden’s Blush: Offer a non-alcoholic Maiden's Blush, a sweet, rose-infused lemonade garnished with edible flowers.

Dress Code
• Tyrell Colors: Encourage guests to wear attire in shades of green, gold and cream, reflecting the colors of House Tyrell and the theme of the wedding.
• Floral Accents: Suggest floral accents in hair or clothing to celebrate the house's connection to gardens and nature.
• Regal Elegance: Encourage formal, regal attire and luxurious fabrics like velvet and silk that mirror the sophistication of the royal court in King's Landing.

Decorations
• Lush Greenery: Adorn the room and tabletop with lush greenery and an abundance of roses and other flowers, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the verdant fields and gardens of Highgarden.
• Ambient Lighting: Use soft, ambient lighting and plenty of candlelight and fairylights to mimic the warm glow of sunlight through leaves.
• House Sigils: Hang banners bearing the sigils of House Tyrell and House Baratheon, along with intertwined roses and stags, symbolizing the unity of the two houses. If banners are too fussy, try to work in the stag and rose designs in other ways.

Table Settings
• Green and Gold Linens: Choose table linens in shades of deep green and gold, with centerpieces featuring miniature rose bushes and stag figurines. Tie cloth napkins with velvet ribbon and tuck a small flower into it.
• Fine China and Ornate Silverware: Use fine china, crystal glassware and vintage silverware, with rose or other floral motifs subtly incorporated into the design.
• Keepsake Tiles: Place a small, hand-painted tile at each setting, depicting the Tyrell rose or the Baratheon stag, as a keepsake for guests.

Music
• Soothing Melodies: Arrange for a live ensemble to perform or prepare a playlist of soft, melodious music that evoke the serene beauty of The Reach.
• Traditional Ballads: Include a few traditional ballads from the Seven Kingdoms (Celtic instrumental music works well for this), allowing guests to immerse themselves further in the world of Westeros.
• Nature-Inspired Soundscapes: Intertwine the music with ambient sounds of birdsong, rustling leaves, or gentle streams, either layered into the playlist or performed with delicate harp or flute, to create the sensation of dining within a lush Highgarden grove.

Entertainment
• Garden Tour: Host a garden tour before the feast, if your home allows, highlighting the natural beauty and floral abundance that House Tyrell is known for. Decorate the garden with torches and fairylights to evoke romance and intrigue.
• Theatrical Love Stories: Arrange for a short, theatrical retelling of the love stories of legendary couples from the Seven Kingdoms, emphasizing themes of unity and alliance. Prewrite the scripts based upon the dialogue from the wedding in the book and ask each guest to play a character.
• Riddles and Games: Organize a contest of riddles and word games, inspired by the clever and witty nature of Margaery Tyrell and her grandmother, Lady Olenna.

Another idea…set up a flower crown making table where guests can make their own floral headpieces to wear during the evening and to take home as a keepsake.

Fill bowls with a variety of different flowers and leaves and others with the necessary supplies along with a small easel with handwritten instructions.

To make a rustic flower crown, shape a circle of floral wire to fit your head, then wrap it with twine or a vine for a natural base. Trim small flowers and greenery, like chamomile, lavender, baby’s breath, and rosemary, into 2–4 inch stems, then attach them in overlapping bundles using floral tape or wire. Work your way around the crown, alternating textures and colors for a wild, organic look.

Tuck the final stems under the first to hide the seam, and finish with trailing ribbon or linen if desired. Store in the fridge until ready to wear for a fresh, woodland-worthy crown.

Party Favor or Parting Gift
• Rosewater Vials: Gift guests with a small vial of rosewater, a nod to the Tyrell's love of flowers and gardens.
• Recipe Booklets: Provide ornately illustrated booklets containing recipes for dishes and drinks served at the feast.
• Herb Sachets: Offer a sachet filled with dried flowers and herbs from The Reach, bringing a piece of Highgarden's famed gardens to each guest's home.

Fun Fact: The House Tyrell is my favorite house in the series. I love how it evokes lush Celtic aesthetics and ancient ties to and reverence for nature. In the show, the embroiderer Michele Carragher wove hidden layers of symbolism into the cast garments, stitching delicate roses, twisting vines, and even tiny bees into the fabric by hand.

These intricate details were often invisible to viewers but were intended to be deeply felt by the actors, helping them inhabit their roles with more intensity and a deeper connection to place. Olenna’s dresses were lined with gold thorns and jewel tone greens, a visual nod to a life shaped by cunning and court politics, still noble, but edged with danger.

Margaery’s costumes followed a different kind of symbolism. The costume designer Michele Clapton created her wardrobe to mirror her carefully constructed public image. Her early, ethereal gowns floated around her like pastel flower petals, soft and fluttering, while her later dresses were bolder, more structured, and much more revealing, reflecting a young and determined queen stepping into her power who knew to meld her skills of seduction and strategy.

Recipes for The Green Wedding Feast

Each dish in this menu, from the fresh green accents to the vibrant colors and intricate tapestry of flavors reflect the House Tyrell's strategic prowess, echoing the opulence and lush majesty of the court.

Appetizer: Highgarden's Chilled Cucumber and Mint Soup
This light and refreshing chilled soup is perfect for setting the tone at the Green Wedding. It’s infused with fresh mint and creamy yogurt brightened by lemon juice and a hint of earthiness from the garlic. It’s a sophisticated start to the feast, reflecting the natural elegance of the feast.

Serving Size: 6
Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)

Ingredients:
• 4 large cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch slices, (approx. 600 g)
• 1 cup (240 ml) plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh mint leaves, plus additional for garnish
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
• Salt and white pepper, to taste

Method:
In a blender, combine the chopped cucumbers, yogurt, mint leaves, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve at this point.

Chill the soup in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Pour the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh mint sprigs. Serve cold as a refreshing appetizer to usher in your Green Wedding feast.

Side Dish: Lemon and Herb Roasted Asparagus of The Reach
This side dish features tender asparagus spears roasted with lemon and a variety of garden fresh herbs. The bright, zesty flavors complement the green theme of the wedding and pair well with the main course, adding simple elegance and springtime vibrancy to your feast.

Serving Size: 6
Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:
1 lb (450 g) asparagus, trimmed
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 tbsp (5 g) fresh thyme leaves, plus additional for garnish
1 tbsp (5 g) fresh parsley, chopped, plus additional for garnish
Salt and white pepper, to taste

3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

Hazelnuts, coarsely chopped and toasted

Method:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the asparagus spears on a baking sheet. Drizzle with half the olive oil, then sprinkle with half the lemon zest and juice, thyme leaves, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Roast 15-20 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and slightly crisp.

While the asparagus cooks, heat the remaining olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and fry until golden brown and aromatic. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Remove the asparagus from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with the fried garlic, hazelnuts and remaining lemon zest, thyme and parsley. Drizzle with the remaining lemon juice just before serving.

Main Dish: Royal Stuffed Roast Chicken with Wild Rice and Green Apple
This roasted chicken, stuffed with a savory mixture of wild rice, green apples, herbs and garlic, is the perfect main course for a Green Wedding. Its flavors and textures are decadent yet comforting, with the tartness of the green apple complementing the earthy wild rice and succulent chicken. It’s also an ideal dish for a crowd because it can be prepared ahead of time just up until it’s roasted and this step is unfussy and requires little attention, enabling you to entertain your guests and enjoy yourself. It’s also lovely while it roasts because it fills the house with an enticing aroma. If you have trouble sourcing wild rice, you could substitute brown rice at the same ratio.

Serving Size: 6
Preparation Time: 2 hours

Ingredients:
• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs) (1.8-2.3 kg)
• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) cooked wild rice (or brown rice)
• 1 green apple, peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) finely chopped fresh sage
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) finely chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Method:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the chicken inside and out, patting it dry with paper towels. Season inside and out with salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine the wild rice, green apple, onion, garlic, sage, and rosemary. Season the stuffing mixture with salt and pepper.

Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the wild rice stuffing, then tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Brush the chicken with melted butter. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan. Roast the chicken for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crisp. Baste the chicken occasionally with the pan juices during cooking. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve the stuffed chicken with the roasted asparagus, baskets of crusty bread and bowls of softened butter.

Dessert: House Tyrell Pistachio Honey Cake with Orange Blossom Cardamom Syrup
This tender and nutty pistachio cake, sweetened with honey and drizzled with an aromatic orange blossom cardamom syrup, is a simple to prepare yet decadent-seeming dessert that fits perfectly with the Green Wedding theme. The combination of pistachios, honey, orange zest and cardamom in the cake itself delivers an elevated yet subtle flavor. The vibrant color and evocative flavors of the syrup along with a variety of colorful garnishes makes this final flourish feel festive and lushly aromatic.

It transports well so if you would like to send your guests home with a keepsake of it, double the recipe for both the cake and syrup. Pour half the cake batter into muffin tins and bake per the instructions. Wrap each individual cake up in green paper tied with a ribbon to match the feast’s color theme. For the syrup, distribute into tiny glass bottles and tie with a ribbon to accompany the cake.

Serving Size: 8
Preparation Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:
For the cake:

• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened, plus additional for greasing the baking pan

• 1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour, plus additional for flouring the baking pan

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey

• 3 large eggs

• 1 tsp (5 g) baking powder

• 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) baking soda

• 1/4 tsp (1.25 g) salt

• 1/2 cup (60 g) ground pistachios

• 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) ground cardamom (preferably freshly ground to capture more of its floral aromatics)

• 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
  

For the orange blossom cardamom syrup:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) water

• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated or Demerara sugar

• 3 green cardamom pods

• Strip of orange peel (no pith)

• 1 (5g) to 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 g) orange blossom water (start small and taste as you go… it’s potent!)

For garnish:

• Ground and chopped pistachios

• Freshly grated orange zest

• Fresh flowers plucked from herbs (or other edible flowers), optional

Method:
For the cake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and honey until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the ground pistachios, cardamom and orange zest. Add half the dry ingredients and half the milk to the wet ingredients and stir using a spatula until just incorporated. Add the remaining dry ingredients and milk and stir again until just combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the syrup, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, water, cardamom pods and orange strip. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let it gently simmer over low heat for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the orange blossom water. Let it cool to room temperature and then remove the cardamom pods and orange strip.

To serve, place a slice of cake on a warm plate and drizzle it with a generous amount of syrup. Garnish with ground and chopped pistachios, orange zest, and optional herb edible flowers. The cake will keep in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The syrup with keep in a covered container in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. It’s lovely over pancakes, ice cream, and yogurt.

Beverage: The Arbor Gold Spritz
This effervescent cocktail is inspired by the famed Arbor Gold wine of Westeros, with a modern twist. The combination of white wine, sparkling water, and a hint of elderflower liqueur creates a drink that is refined and rejuvenating to match the vibes of your Green Wedding feast.

Serving Size: 6
Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
• 1 bottle (750 ml) chilled white wine (preferably a light, fruity variety like Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain)
• 1 cup (240 ml) sparkling water
• Fresh lemon slices for garnish
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish
• Ice

Method:
In a large pitcher, combine the chilled white wine and elderflower liqueur. Stir to combine. Just before serving, add the sparkling water and stir to combine. Fill glasses with ice and pour the cocktail over the it. Garnish each glass with a fresh lemon slice and a sprig of mint. Serve immediately, and enjoy this light, fragrant cocktail as you celebrate the optimistic spirit Green Wedding.

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Top 3 photo credits: HBO, remaining photo credits: Jody Eddy