Hosting weekend brunch at home is a fantastic way to spend quality time with friends and family, or to celebrate a special occasion. Why not break out of the typical bagels and cream cheese rut and make things a little more special? These easy ideas will help you host a brunch that’s elegant, yet effortless!

A BEAUTIFUL BUBBLY BAR

Set up a pretty “Make Your Own Mimosa” station to wow your guests as they enter, either on a bar cart, small table, or a large tray set on a side table.
♥ Serve a variety of fresh or bottled juices transferred into clear glass bottles labeled with a small hang tag. (Tip: Use a small kitchen funnel to make filling the bottles a snap!)
♥ Mango or peach nectar, grapefruit juice, pomegranate juice, and passion fruit juice all make unique options from the basic OJ.
♥ Add champagne or wine glasses and an ice or wine bucket to keep the bubbles chilled. If you like you can also include Crème de Cassis and St Germain, a bottle of bitters, and raspberries for garnish.

EUROPEAN BRUNCH BOARD

Mimic the feel of an upscale European hotel breakfast with a stunning Brunch Board as the centerpiece of your table. It’s so simple to assemble ahead of time, fun and interactive for guests, and way less work during the party for you!
♥ Just gather together several large platters, wood boards, or slate trays and pile with an assortment of mini baguettes, croissants, charcuterie, fruit or berries, and semi-firm imported cheeses such as imported Havarti, Fontal, Lacey Swiss, or Tomme.
♥ Arrange each food into an organized section for a finished look and to make it easy to replenish as needed.
♥ Pre slice cheese and fruit for easier serving.
♥ Add an assortment of condiments such as jam, butter, honey, and grainy mustard served in small bowls or miniature jars with small spoons for a posh, hotel room-service touch.

AN UPSCALE MAKE-AHEAD EGG DISH

Instead of an omelet station that keeps you trapped at the stove or a plain-Jane pile of scrambled eggs try our easy mini frittatas baked in muffin cups or small ramekins. They can be made earlier in the day and served lightly warmed or room temperature. To make:
1.  Whisk together eggs, some cream, salt and pepper.
2.  Place any fillings you like into each greased cup, fill with the egg mixture, and bake at 350 degrees until set in the center.
3.  Unmold onto a platter or serve right in the ramekin.
4.  Filling ideas include minced cooked veggies, diced ham or crumbled cooked bacon, fresh herbs, and definitely some of your favorite imported melting cheeses such as grated Fontina, Gruyere, or Edam.
5.  Make a big batch of mini frittatas in a variety of flavor combinations so guests can choose.

A FEW SPECIAL SIDES

You don’t need to add much more to round out your menu offerings! Pick one or two side dishes that will look pretty and serve well at room temperature. Adorable party bites are always a hit, as well as lighter options. Our Camembert Crostini with Strawberries and our Arugula Salad with Bacon, Blue and Pears are both great brunch choices that will ‘WOW’ your guests.

Our Camembert Crostini with Strawberries  
make a lovely sweet treat. 

GORGEOUS BLOODY MARY GARNISHES

Sure you’ll have coffee and tea at your brunch, but it wouldn’t be a party without Bloody Mary’s too! Put out a prepared pitcher with a platter heaped with fun and unique garnish options for guests to choose from. Easy ideas include:
♥ Cubes of flavorful hard imported cheese such as Aged Gouda, Emmentaler, or Smoked Cheddar
♥ Stuffed olives, pepperoncini, cornichons, diced pepperoni or salami.
♥ Tuck small wood or metal skewers in a glass for easy garnishing.

These so-simple ideas are sure to make your next brunch party a standout. And even better, with our easy make-ahead dishes and serve-yourself platters and cocktail setups you’ll get to feel like a guest at your own party too. Just add coffee, silverware in cloth napkin rollups, some fresh flowers and you’re ready to go!