How to Host a Brunch: Tips, Tricks & Recipes

Spring and Summer are the perfect time to have your friends or family over for brunch. But we know it’s not as easy as it sounds so we want to help you out and let you know just how to host a brunch and stay sane at the same time.

Our tips, tricks and recipes will cover every aspect so that you can sit back and enjoy the morning instead of rushing around like a crazy person.

Tip #1: Make a pitcher friendly cocktail. These blood orange mojitos are perfect for brunch and can be made in the morning before everyone arrives and then all you have to do is serve. Heck, your guests can probably handle that for themselves too. You’ll definitely want to have some
cocktail muddlers and cocktail stirrers on hand for this one.

Tip #2: Use make ahead recipes such as this Boozy Baked French Toast from Smitten Kitchen. You can put this recipe together the night before and bake in in the morning before your guests arrive. No cooking over the stove while your guests are having a great time without you.

Tip #3: Have appetizers ready. Putting together a simple but lovely cheese plate is a great way to keep everyone from gnawing on their hands while everything comes together. Besides no one wants to sit down to eat right away. They want to get a cocktail, mingle and munch. Don’t forget to display your cheese plate on a beautiful board like this Maple Flag Board with Flower Engraving. Which leads me to the next tip.

Tip #4: Don’t forget the decorations. Look, you don’t have to go to Target and clean out an entire row to make your home look festive. You’ve already got your cheese on a gorgeous board, just add some grocery store flowers and you’re practically done. I don’t personally keep any vases in my house so I usually put floral arrangements in a glass pitcher or, if those are being used for Mojitos, mason jars/drinking glasses. I just put a few small arrangements around the house.

Tip #5: Have a mix of sweet and savory food. What we all love about brunch is that you can go sweet or savory. And when you make brunch at home, you can have both. My standard brunch menu formula is: 1 part sweet, 1 part savory, 1 breakfast meat, 1 green salad. Within those parameters you can go crazy. I love a simple herb quiche like this one from Martha as my savory dish. You can even buy a pre-made one, no one will know.

Tip #6: Don’t forget the coffee. Seriously. I know that cocktails are the greatest thing about brunch but not everyone drinks so make sure you have something for everyone. These coffee scoops make coffee stylish and easy. Also set out all the accoutrements like cream, soy milk, sugar, agave, etc. It will feel luxurious like it’s your own personal coffee shop.

Bonus Tip: Serve cocktails or coffee on a fancy wooden tray like this personalized geometric tray and you will look like a brunch pro.

Happy Brunching!