Elevate Your Brunch Game with These 7 Simple Steps and Mouthwatering Recipes
Easy tips for hosting, plus two of my favorite recipes!
E.lee Sule
Brunch is one of those meals that I love, but I never go out for. The wait, the crowd, the cranky hungover folks being cranky and hungover. Private brunch, however, is always a delight. Follow my tips to throw an easy (and, if you are so inclined, very photogenic) festive Spring brunch.
The first step to creating an elegant, seasonal brunch is to choose a theme. This can be anything from a traditional Springtime-Easter brunch to a boho-chic garden party or a rainy spring afternoon indoors. Once you have a theme in mind, use it as inspiration for your decor, food, and drink choices. Pinterest is an excellent resource for finding theme ideas and inspiration to get those creative juices flowing.
Beautiful decor will make the event more memorable. You don’t have to go all out, but a few well-chosen decorations can make all the difference. Flowers are always a good choice, whether you opt for a traditional bouquet or something more unconventional like succulents or wildflowers. Add some ambiance with candles, fairy lights, or lanterns to create a cozy atmosphere that your guests will love.
The food is the centerpiece of any brunch, so it’s important to plan a menu that will impress your guests. You can stick to traditional brunch fare like eggs Benedict, pancakes, and bacon, or you can get more creative with dishes like avocado toast, quiche, or breakfast tacos. Personally, I’m partial to a fruit-heavy cheese board and a Dutch Baby. Don’t forget to include some vegetarian and gluten-free options for guests with dietary restrictions. Provide a variety of beverages — I can attest as someone who worked in the service industry for years, serving brunch, that people love options on Sunday morning. A mix of sparkling water, juice, coffee and, if you imbibe, a cocktail or sparkling wine.
When it comes to food, presentation is just as important as taste. Pinterest-worthy brunches often feature beautifully arranged platters and dishes. You can use cake stands, tiered trays, and serving boards to showcase your food. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your presentation — for example, you could serve yogurt parfaits in mason jars or fruit salad in a watermelon bowl.
Interactive elements can make your brunch more memorable and fun. Why not set up a Bellini or Bloody Mary bar where guests can choose their own mix-ins and garnishes? You could also have a DIY waffle station or a build-your-own bagel bar. These interactive elements will keep your guests engaged and create a more social atmosphere.
Adding a personal touch to your brunch can make it feel more special and meaningful. Consider creating custom place cards or menu cards with each guest’s name or a personalized message. You could also give each guest a small party favor, like a mini bottle of champagne or a homemade treat. These small touches will show your guests that you put extra thought and effort into the event.
Finally, don’t forget about the little details that can make a big difference. Make sure you have plenty of plates, silverware, and glasses, as well as napkins and tablecloths that fit with your theme. Set up a designated area for coats and bags, and make sure your bathroom is clean and accessible (bonus points if you put out nice towels, cute soaps and candles!) These small details will help ensure that your brunch runs smoothly and that your guests have a great time.
In conclusion, throwing an elegant, seasonal Spring brunch is all about creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for your guests. By choosing a theme, decorating with style, planning the menu, focusing on presentation, adding interactive elements, adding a personal touch, and taking care of the details, you can create a brunch that your guests will love. Go make some memories with the people you care about!
Dutch Baby Pancake
Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you! This pancake is a game changer, my friends. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even dessert, any time of year. And the best part? It only takes about five minutes to whip up! Caveat: the room temperature eggs and milk are key to getting the popover texture, so leave out overnight or prep several hours before brunch!
Now, don’t get me wrong, this pancake is delicious on its own with just a sprinkle of sugar, syrup, or preserves, and my personal favorite is with Greek yogurt and lemon curd. But why stop there? Get creative with your toppings! Serve it up with a pile of fresh berries and whipped cream, or try sautéing some apple slices in butter and sugar for a delicious fall twist. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, lightly cook up some banana slices and dust them with brown sugar for a decadent dessert pancake. Trust me, once you try this pancake, you’ll never go back to the boring old flat kind again.
Time: 40 min; Servings: 3–4
Ingredients:
3 large eggs (duck eggs? Do it!) at room temperature
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half, at room temperature
1 tbsp sugar
Pinch of nutmeg and/or cinnamon
4 tbsp butter (honestly, I’m a monster and use salted, but most would say this is wrong. Use your best judgement)
Toppings of choice — popular choices include maple syrup, powdered sugar, fruit preserves and cinnamon sugar.
How to:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425
Step 2: Toss all ingredients except butter and toppings into a blender and blend until silky smooth. Can also be mixed by hand, no worries!
Step 3: Put the butter in either a cast iron skillet or a pie pan and place in the oven, watch to make sure the butter doesn’t burn, and once it is melted, add the batter to the pan and put the pan back into the oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the Dutch Baby is all puffy, golden brown and delicious looking.
Step 4: Remove from oven and slice into pie-shaped wedges, serve immediately with toppings on the side for people to choose their own adventure.
Springtime Celebrations brings you seasonal home, garden and lifestyle tips with a focus on seasonal and mindful living and personal development. Find us on IG, Instagram.com/springtimecelebrations and on Etsy for printable PDF’s and JPGs, Etsy.com/SpringCelebrations.
