Cooler weekends are perfect for long, lazy brunches at home… Because what’s better than nibbling on breakfast-like foods for most of the day and lazing around in your most casual get-up while catching up with your friends? So, invite your neighbours, friends or family, and impress them with these brunching tips:
- Set up a hydration station
Every brunch needs an area where guests can fill (and refill) their glasses with something refreshingly cool. Think: freshly squeezed juices, frozen fruit that’s been pureed into smoothies, homemade ice-teas and even some sparkling wine for those who prefer their OJ with a kick. For a full effect, serve it in cocktail glasses with pineapple wedges, cherries and cocktail umbrellas.
Don’t forget to add a few jugs of water infused with lemons, strawberries and mints, so that guests can stay hydrated.
And make sure your guests know that this is a self-service bar – that way you, the host, can focus on the food and your guests can help themselves to drinks throughout the day.
- Think of egg-cellent ideas
A brunch menu without eggs is pretty much like going to a black-tie event without your fancy outfit – an epic fail! Plus, the really great thing about eggs is that there are plenty of things you can make with it: from scrambled eggs, fried eggs, omelettes and frittatas for the novice chef to eggs benedict, soufflés and shakshouka if you’re more comfortable behind the oven.
Note: don’t put pressure on yourself to make various kind of egg dishes – choose one that you feel comfortable making and let your guests savour the fruit of your labour!
- Don’t forget the pastries…
For many of us, pastries are the reason why we love a good brunch, right? So, make sure that your brunch table features those delicious nibbles like croissants, pain au chocolat, bagels, pain aux raisins, cinnamon rolls and Danishes – these sweet treats make for a perfect start to any brunch.
- Or the fruit
Fruit is a great way to keep things fresh at a brunch and provides a healthier alternative for those who are cautious of carbs. Make sure there are a variety of seasonal items available on your brunch buffet table, and that you serve it with the option of granola and yogurt.
- Keep the coffee flowing
The difference between a good brunch and a great one is really all about one detail: coffee! So, toss out the instant version and impress your guests with freshly ground beans that’s brewed in a moka pot or plunger. Don’t forget to have tea alternatives for those friends who prefer their cuppa without a caffeine kick.
- Decorating details
A few simple décor items can transform your kitchen/dining room from “just another room in your house” to “the best brunch spot in the neighbourhood”. Items like a table cloth, linen napkins and fresh flowers might seem like small things to add, but it can make a huge difference in the brunching experience.
- Be clean-up smart!
Once the pastries have been eaten and the mimosas enjoyed, the last thing you might feel like is cleaning up… So, instead of creating heaps of dishes that needs washing up, use biodegradable, disposable items that you can toss in the recycling bin before you kick your feet up and take that long, lazy nap!
- Make a playlist
No get together is ever complete without music! Yet, striking the brunch balance can be tricky – so opt for something that’s melodically upbeat but appropriate for late mornings. You can’t go wrong with the crooning of Dean Martin, Franks Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.
Alternatively, create a playlist of songs that feature breakfast ingredients like “Breakfast at Tiffany’s’” by Deep Blue Something and “Beans for Breakfast” by Johnny Cash.
All that’s now left to do is: enjoy!
