I think I could be crowned QUEEN OF THE FABULOUS, EASY BRUNCH! We have lots of overnight guests here at StoneGable and that mean feeding them breakfast! After years of hosting I think I have refined the process for a fabulous brunch!!!
I've put together 5 EASY, EASY tips for a no cook breakfast or brunch that will leave your guest full, impressed and happy ... and you with lots of time and energy to enjoy the rest of the day!
It's all about making use of the best your grocery store has to offer... and a little bit of fun styling!
We are talking easy here, so we are not going to go overboard or take hours to put together.
An easy, no cook brunch can be simple and delicious and very polished without all the fuss!
Here are 5 tips to use to guide you to an effortless beautiful brunch!
1. HAVE A PLAN
If you fail to plan... you plan to fail! That's the truth. Take a few minutes to make a menu and a shopping list. You don't want to have to make unnecessary trips back to the store!
And here's an added bonus... when you have a plan you can use it over and over again!!!
2. ALL THE FOOD SHOULD BE STORE BOUGHT
Don't cook... or bake... BUY!
Most stores these days have great breakfast or brunch foods!
I love to serve a breakfast or brunch that is a little different and on the light side. Here's the big take-away from this post.... DON'T OVER DO IT! I've found that people don't eat huge quantities for breakfast!
This is what I bought to serve 6 guest at my house a couple of weeks ago...
2 types of hot smoked salmon
lemon wedges
capers
garden tomatoes
pickled eggs
artichoke hearts
cherries
assorted danish and rolls
citrus infused water
coffee
Put together an attractive tray of breakfast choices...
And a basket of sweet treats!
3. USE REAL DISHES AND CLOTH NAPKINS
Use real dishes as long as the brunch isn't too large!
My first choice for almost any get together is white dishes!!! I have a love affair with white dishes! They can be pulled out of the cupboard and all go so nicely together!
And use cloth napkins. I always have napkins pressed and ready to use.
It's just as simple as a paper... and a whole lot prettier!
4. FLOWERS!
A little bouquet of flowers goes a long long way in the style department and just take a minute to put together.
Nothing fancy... garden or store bought flowers in a pitcher is perfect for this uncomplicated brunch!
I used my MACKENZIE-CHILDS checked enamelware pitcher to hold flowers in bloom from my garden!
5. WHEN SOMEONE ASKS TO HELP... SAY YES!
Don't do it all yourself when you have guests. It's fun to work together in the kitchen while sipping coffee! If a guest asks to help... and they will... say yes!
I like to send my guest out to the garden to snip flowers, have them cut up lemons, put out the pastries, wash the fruit or get down the glasses and plates. Easy things that don't take a whole lot of explaining and things that save me time!
It's becomes an "event" when everyone is involved... and a whole lot easier too!
These tips are second nature to me now... and if you follow them they will be the same for you too.
It can be almost effortless to put together an easy, fabulous brunch!
A brunch that your guest will fondly remember and one you will enjoy too!
Remember to pin this to your Food Pinterest board!
Great tips, Yvonee. I'm with you on the cloth napkins and also have a bunch ready to use. What I need to do is increase the variety. Maybe make some of my own to add to the pile.
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of all the store bought food rather than frying up a bunch of bacon.
Great post. Your photos are always so great!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post with excellent tips. I love how to say yes if someone ask to help. On a side note it was so fun to have dinner with you and spend more time with you at Haven. You are so sweet and really touched my heart. Have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
I loved spending time with you and your wonderful mom, too! If you are ever near Lancaster you must come for a visit!
DeleteWonderful ideas -- really common sense but a lot of times our common sense flies out the window when we think GUESTS!! Wonderful post and beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteYvonne...you were going to do a post about your Mackenzie-Child pitcher...did I miss it? I love them, and I'd be so interested to read your take on their quirky style.
ReplyDeleteNo you did not miss the MACKENZIE-CHILDS post. I am waiting for some beautiful Courtley dishes. When I get those I'll do a post right away!
DeleteThese are such great tips Yvonne! I tend to go overboard and end up stressing myself out and not enjoying time with guests. I love the idea of only using store bought items. I also wanted to say how much I loved meeting you at Haven, you are so sweet and give the best hugs! I had such a wonderful time at dinner with you all : )
ReplyDeleteThis is a GREAT idea to use all store bought food!!! I am SO doing this!!! I am loving your MC pitcher and dishes!!! So SASSY and that is YOU!!!!! XO
ReplyDeleteLet's be honest, you should just be crowned the Queen of Everything!!!! Wonderful, as always :) xoxoxo!
ReplyDeleteIt's both beautiful and yummy looking. My mother always pickled her own eggs, and I have never tried it.
ReplyDeleteLike you we have many guests for breakfast, but mine rarely look as beautiful as yours.
ReplyDeleteBUY?! Now you tell me. :) What a beautiful sett8ng and food. I have had a house full them last 2weeks, and I have been in the kitchen every morning before they wake up.This looks yum!
ReplyDeleteTaking notes smart lady and using in the future.
Hugs, Gee
Great tips! Instead of cloth napkins I try to buy pretty printed luncheon napkins when I find them on sale and use those. After doing this for several years I have a good variety of styles to fit many themes and occasions!
ReplyDeleteJulia from SC
I loved this post -- you hit all of my hot buttons. Buy the food but use real dishes and cloth napkins. It elevates your party while not adding trash to our already overflowing landfills. Great ideas!
ReplyDeleteGood ideals! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBe specific about which pitcher you use for the flowers! Please.
Looking forward to your post on Mackenzie Childs. Hurry, please
Show it to us in different holiday settings, different seasons and how to use only 1-2 pieces since it is expensive!!!!
Nan, Odessa, DE alderson@udel.edu
Hi! I used the small pitcher from MacKenzie-Childs. Aren't their items amazing?
DeleteRealistic tips, Yvonne! Especially about buying the food and not making yourself crazy cooking or baking it. We have a local grocery here that has some wonderful foods that are already prepared. That's the way I'd go! Love your Mackenzie Childs pieces.
ReplyDeleteSo much less stress. Perfect.
ReplyDeleteFondly,
Glenda
Good ideas, Yvonne. I often just have a quiche, fruit and muffins, very simple and all ready when they arrive. Or a European breakfast: hardboiled egg, cheeses, deli type meat, tomatoes, cucumbers and bagels or muffins.
ReplyDeleteI l o v e having guests for breakfast or brunch.
~Yvonne~
ReplyDeleteLooks lovely!! I have never had capers, what do they taste like ?
Prayers for your son, and comfort to you. I know how it is being a mother.
Paula
northern IN
I so love your tips, Yvonne. I have the lakehouse and guests so often. I like to leave breakast things out at night for those that like to get up at the un-Godly hour of 6 a.m. Many of your ideas can be in the fridge with a note and the sweets covered in plastic wrap. So many guests say don't fuss with plates and real napkins...well, if you have them stacked and ready to go, who can complain?!
ReplyDeleteAs always, you are the best hostess! :) Love ya!
Jane xx
You have nailed it with this post Yvonne! And doesn't Mackenzie Child's make it so easy with their beautiful pieces?
ReplyDeleteI forgot to ask....are you attending the MKC barn sale this year? You will LOVE it.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful spread that any guest would be thrilled with. My challenge is feeling that I have to make everything from scratch. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteWonderful tips, as usual!! Thank you for reassuring me to "make it simple"!~~Ang
ReplyDelete