Tips for Hosting Brunch

Hosting a brunch is a great idea for a party or gathering. They're perfect for celebrating wedding showers, baby showers, holidays and more. However, if you've never planned a brunch before, you might have a difficult time planning and organizing. Here are some tips to help you pull it off:

Go for the Brunch Buffet

Serving food buffet style is ideal, because it allows you to serve the food quickly without worrying about juggling different courses. Plus, with the right tools, you can keep food at temperature so that everyone get their warm food warm and their cold food cold.

Go for a Diverse Menu

The brunch buffet also gives you the opportunity to create a diverse menu that accommodates a variety of diets. Got guests with food allergies or diabetes? Serving vegetarians? At a brunch buffet, everyone can pick and choose their ideal brunch meal. Here are some great brunch favorites:

• Egg and meat casseroles (or an omelette station if you want to kick it up a notch)
• Quiches
• French toast, breakfast bars, pastries, pancakes
• Fruit and/or vegetable salad
• Bacon and/or sausage
• Cheeses, jams, jellies
• Bagels and cereals (especially great for kids)
• Coffee, tea, orange juice, milk, hot cocoa

Make the Food Easy to Eat

You can plan a sit-down style brunch buffet if you have plenty of table seating for your guests. However, you can also enjoy a great buffet as guests walk around and mingle. To accomplish this, your menu should include bite-sized options that don't require utensils. Mini quiches, bagels, and pre-cut pastries work perfectly.


How to Arrange the Brunch Buffet Table

Plan your table before you start piling on the food. In general, keep your main course or entree items together, and consider using separate tables for dessert items. Use yet another table for coffee and other drinks. When serving a large crowd, allow your guests to fill their plates from both sides of the table. Finally, don't forget the party decorations for the buffet table. Adding decorative elements to the serving tables with make your brunch buffet more festive.