Restaurants don’t want you to know this, but many chefs consider brunch to be overrated. Menu items are often overpriced, the best cooks usually have the weekend off, and the ingredients used aren’t at their freshest.
What’s a brunch lover to do? Host your own brunch party at your home!
Lots of people host dinner parties, but a brunch event is way more casual and relaxed. It allows you to spend time with friends and loved ones while having the afternoon and evening to yourself. You’ll also find you’re not constricted when it comes to menu options to serve since you’re combining breakfast and lunch dishes.
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Here’s how to throw a brunch party your friends will be raving about for days to come.
Offer Variety With Many Flavor Sensations
Some people like their morning meal a little sweet. Others prefer savory. That’s why your menu should include dishes that tickle all kinds of taste buds.
Although you should begin planning your brunch menu a week or two in advance, the good news is when it comes to this type of shindig, anything goes. Roasted or mashed potatoes have their rightful place next to chicken and waffles at a brunch (they even go together.)
Here are the types of foods and dishes you may want to consider for your brunch party:
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Sweet: Pancakes, French toast, waffles, and doughnuts all rule here. Flaky homemade biscuits served with an assortment of jams and flavored butters will also be a hit.
Savory: Try making a breakfast casserole that includes cheese and bacon or sausage. You also can’t go wrong with omelets and frittatas.
Healthy Options: Tossed or fruit salads (it doesn’t have to be the standard lettuce-based variety), oatmeal and fruit cups, and fruit smoothies.
Fun: Try serving a breakfast pizza or flatbread. Or set up a breakfast slider station with choices that include brioche buns, scrambled eggs, cheese, tomato and avocado slices, bacon, and condiments.
Hearty: Sliced beef for those who love their morning steak and eggs, or a chicken dish.
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Anything goes when crafting your brunch menu, but be sure you include some protein or meat-based dishes and a little variety for everyone.
Set Up a Coffee Station
Java is one thing you can’t skip when hosting a brunch party, especially if you’re starting the event on the early side. Make it easy for guests to make their own coffee by setting up an easy-to-use machine or hot brewed coffee in a pot along with cream, milk, sugar, and (optional) flavor shot dispensers.
Create a fun sign for the area inviting people to become their own barista. If you really want to elevate your coffee game, consider purchasing a home espresso machine.
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Don’t Forget Beverages
For many brunch fans, the meal wouldn’t be the same without a cocktail to enjoy with it. You can either prepare mimosas or a morning drink of your creation ahead of time, or set out alcohol, fruit juices, and other ingredients so that people can make their own. If you’re feeling inspired, set up a bloody Mary station with garnishes such as olives, shrimp and celery stalks.
No matter what you offer for beverage choices, you should also make sure plenty of ice-cold water is available.
Prepare What You Can Ahead of Time
Mix together or make whatever menu items you can ahead of time to save yourself time the morning of your brunch. Many casserole dishes can be cooked the day before or at least refrigerated until it’s time to put them in the oven. Measure out pancake and waffle ingredients the night before and put out napkins, glasses, mugs, dishes, and utensils.
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Bake That Bacon
Bacon really can’t be prepared the night before as it doesn’t quite retain the same texture. But you can avoid the greasy mess of frying bacon the morning of your brunch party by cooking it in the oven.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees, line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil, and place bacon strips on it in a single layer. Bake 20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy (a little less if you like it a little soft and chewy.) Drain on paper towels when you’re ready to serve it.
Bonus: your home is going to smell like a popular breakfast joint and you can keep the freshly cooked bacon warm until you’re ready to serve it. You’re also going to want to save that bacon fat for frying.
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Set the Mood With Decorations
Brunch is supposed to be lively and fun, so create the atmosphere by placing a colorful flower arrangement on the main table and hanging paper decorations from the ceiling or on the walls. You can also create a playlist of positive, uplifting music that anyone would welcome beginning the day with. Mellow jazz music is also a match made in heaven for brunches.
Don’t Be Timid About Accepting Help
If guests offer to bring a brunch dish, beverage, or accessories, our advice is to say yes! Planning a brunch can be a lot of work, and letting a few people take some items off your plate will make for less stressful affair. You can return the favor when you’re a guest at your friend’s party.
Planning a brunch means being able to enjoy the morning or early afternoon with your guests, so don’t be shy about letting people help you out.
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Throwing the Perfect Brunch Party Is Easy
It’s easy to host the perfect brunch party by knowing exactly what to serve and then planning for it ahead of time. Lots of people throw dinner parties, so why not be a rebel and go for brunch instead?
View the Vibe has plenty more home entertaining advice such as how to host a backyard BBQ, cocktail party, and more. Browse our online magazine for some more healthy lifestyle tips!