Hosting the people in your life at your home for a meal together is a tried and true tradition. Sometimes, it can be stressful when you begin to consider a sit-down dinner when people may stay too long into the night, or you have to make far too much food and pull it out of the oven in time to serve, but make sure it does not get cold The solution to these small problems is to invite your loved ones over for a delicious and delightful brunch. Here are some tips to help you host a wonderful moment together.
Prepare the Menu
Serve a variety of dishes and cater to different tastes while being mindful of dietary restrictions (more on that below). Pick easy-to-eat foods that your guest can adeptly slice with a fork, such as a casserole, without the need for a knife if the plate is resting on their lap. Opt for fun and requisite brunch staples like this delicious deviled eggs recipe that is sure to please.
Nothing is more satisfying for brunch than hearty foods that make you feel good inside. Select or bake crusty bread loaves and rolls that beg to be slathered in high-quality butter and jam. Set out a selection of culinary jams from local shops for a nice touch. Lay out a spread of fresh fruits in easy-to-bite sizes so your guests can enjoy them without any trouble. A charcuterie tray with a beautiful arrangement of sandwich meats and cheeses, along with olives and dried fruits, will add a heartiness and fun touch to the meal.
Set the Table
Setting up a brunch table is a simple step toward hosting a memorable brunch. Start by deciding where to place the food. If you have a large sideboard, this will do. If you only have a table, use that! Place a tablecloth over the table or a runner over the sideboard for protection and a nice visual. Before adding decorative touches, be mindful of how much space you will need for the food, plates, utensils, and napkins.
Before the day of the brunch, set out the serving dishes you will use along with everything else. This way, you ensure you have enough room for it all. Next, add small decorative touches, such as flowers, objects to match the season, or small placards with the name of each dish. Take a picture of the completed setup once you are finished so you can easily put everything back in its place when the bowls and serving dishes are filled with the food.
Watch this video to learn how to set a lovely brunch buffet table at home.
Be Creative with Seating Arrangements
When you invite friends and family into your home for a good meal and great conversation, you need to make the possibility of eating and talking a reality. To do that, you should have enough seating for your guests to be comfortable and enjoy their time together. If the weather is agreeable, set up tables outside. Borrow canopies or tents or set everything up underneath a covered patio or pergola for shade. Use any table available to meet your needs. Tie them all together with tablecloths in a matching color palette.
If eating indoors is the only option, take advantage of every available chair to make it work. Use bar stools creatively placed at the corners of the room, and ensure you have a side table nearby for those guests to place their drinks. Clear off most of your coffee table decor to make room for plates. And, of course, use your table if it is not already in service as the buffet. A few portable tray tables dispersed throughout the sitting area will be helpful for everyone as well.
Be Mindful of Dietary Restrictions
Showing up someplace where there is nothing for you to eat is no fun. Ensure your guests are well-fed at your brunch event by asking about their dietary restrictions. Even if you already know everyone well, reach out and ask if anything has changed. Pro tip: Keep a list of everyone’s specific restrictions on your phone so you can send an individual text to them with that list and ask if there are any updates.
If this is new to you, just ask your guests what they prefer to eat at brunch. That way, you know you will have something they will enjoy. Be sure to label the dish as vegetarian or gluten-free so everyone is aware. Also, if you know them well and they offer to bring a dish that meets their respective needs, go ahead and accept. It will make things easier for everyone.
Set Up a Drink Bar
At any meal, drinks are just as important as the food you serve. Show your guests how much you value them by offering a wide variety of beverages to suit everyone. If you know someone’s favorite drink, you will make them feel very special by having it available.
Beyond that special touch, have a coffee bar with a carafe of hot coffee, or set out your fancy espresso maker for on-the-spot service. Add another carafe with hot water and a selection of tea. Include extras like sugar, honey, cream, and various milk options.
And remember that mimosas are the signature brunch beverage. Set out orange juice for the traditional drink recipe, and add pear and apple juice for a fun twist on the original. Set out some bubbly and bowls of fresh berries to top it all off. Always have plenty of water available for everyone, too.
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Hosting brunch is a fun and easy way to enjoy food with great people in the comfort of your own home. With only a little planning and food preparation, you will be ready to entertain in no time at all. Pick out the perfect easy-to-make foods like these lemon blueberry waffles, add some tasty drinks, and then get ready to let the conversation flow.