#entertining

[delta-breezes]

Emily Starr Alfano

[francesherrera]

7 tips for hosting an easy and memorable brunch at home

With spring in full swing, it’s the perfect season to try out  fresh, local ingredients, wild flowers, and simple materials to create a brunch for your friends and loved ones. 

Here are a few ideas and tips I’ve gathered from my favorite blog that I thought to share that would make an incredible, and memorable experience that will never be forgotten.

Brunch should be kept simple and most importantly, fresh. Classic breakfast dishes work out best like…

*Almond and oat granola, greek yogurt, and sautéed strawberries and raspberries

*Gruyere scrambled eggs on toast, Caesar salad, bacon and asparagus Rosemary and cucumber Juleps

And, for the decor, skip the prim and proper peonies and tulips instead use an arrangement of wild flowers. 

Follow these 7 tips for hosting a smooth and enjoyable brunch:

1. Do as much as possible ahead of time. Have the table set, vegetables chopped, sauces made, the night before. That way you can wake up, cook a little bit, and have time to take a shower before people arrive.

2. Try something completely new! But do a practice round a few days before so that you can learn from your first mistakes.

3. Be clear about timing. For a cocktail party, it is ok for guests to show up half an hour late. But when it comes to hungry people and you trying to keep everything hot and delicious, guests who are late can really cause tension. Let them know that this is an occasion to be punctual.

4. Simple but thoughtful is better. Plates that don’t have patterns, allow you to focus on the delicious food you have created.

5. Have a snack ready in case you do have to wait for someone who is a bit late. Guests tend to come hungry so something light like a couple of plates of olive tapenade on crackers will do the trick.

6. Have just one great cocktail to offer guests. It keeps it simple, and in the end your friends will have a great time. Of course it’s also good to have a cold bottle of white wine and beer for those who prefer another option.

7. Let people serve themselves. And be the first to serve yourself! You want your guests to feel comfortable, so make everything feel as casual as possible. The mix of great food, a thought out table setting, and a low key attitude will create the perfect setting for a good time.