Planning

There are a lot of reasons you may find yourself hosting a brunch.  Whether you have company for the weekend and brunch is a continuation of your entertaining, or it's a holiday and Brunch is the best time to get everyone together, or, it's Sunday after church, or even just because you love French toast…  Another great reason to host a brunch is because you want to celebrate something special, and hosting a dinner or cocktail party may be a little outside your budget.  Brunch is a great budget boost for those celebrations! 

Planning

Planning a brunch is like planning any other event - you have to consider what you may conflict with and you have to find your space, know your budget, and determine who to invite!  It doesn't change simply because your event starts before noon!   

• However, there are a few wrinkles that can get in the mix with an earlier, weekend event. 
• If it's Sunday, chances are you are competing with church.  If you are not a regular church attendee, keep in mind that your guests may be.  If it has to be Sunday, then contact guests in advance to determine their church schedule. 
  
  
• If it's Saturday and your guests have kids, chances are there's some sort of sport going on.  As with the church goers, contact your guests in advance and see if its possible to work around game/practice schedules.
  
  
• You may be an early riser, BUT some of your guests may not.  Don't plan a Brunch before 10:00 a.m.  Otherwise, honestly, it's not Brunch, it's Breakfast. 

• Alcohol - well, unless ALL of your guests are very free handed with drinking, chances are, as this event is before noon, adult beverages won't be appropriate.  Of course, you can have a Mimosa or even a Bloody Mary, but your adult beverage meter should be really really low.  However, just because you won't have alcoholic drinks, doesn't mean you can't have delicious refreshments - consider unique fresh juices, a fun coffee bar, or a variety of teas.

Theme

Your Brunch doesn't have to have a Theme, however, if you want to have a little fun, go for it!  Just because your event is earlier in the day doesn't mean you can't have all the bells and whistles you would have had otherwise.  In fact, there are some themes that are made to be a brunch!  A Tea Party, a French theme, or even a Ladies Spa if you are getting together with girlfriends!  Dress up your space and your table and pick a theme that complements your party purpose and personality.

 

 

 

Venue

One of the selling points for a Brunch is that it's a GREAT budget boost for occasions that should be celebrated, but don't require evening festivities.  A promotion at work, a baby shower, a family graduation celebration, a new job, or even a celebration of a non-milestone birthday (milestone birthdays need more in my opinion!) - all are a great fit with a Brunch.  You will find that venues and catering/meals are less expensive with a Brunch than they would be with a Dinner, and you don't incur the alcohol costs you would with a Cocktail party.  A Brunch is a great way to stretch your dollar and still acknowledge a life event or just have a get together!

• How many guests do you expect to attend?
• Offsite options will let you know capacity maximums and minimums
• When entertaining at home consider - REALLY consider how many guests your home can comfortably accommodate.  Brunch is typically a sit down meal.  Even if you serve buffet or family style, you still need to have dining space for your guests.  Perching on couches is not easy when juggling pancakes and syrup!  Consider how many people you can comfortably seat for a Brunch.

 

 

Invites

An invitation for a Brunch should be REALLY clear.  Many people will get an invitation, check the date, pencil in the party on that date and then tuck the invite in their planner.  No time.  Just assumptions.  So, your even rolls around and your guest realizes that there is a conflict with a soccer game or another morning event.  Also, a Brunch won't have the excitement for some people that, say, a Cocktail Party will.  So you need to build a little excitement and anticipate that your turnout may not be what an evening party normally is.  You may have less, and, interestingly, you may actually have MORE.  It's easier to find childcare during the day than on Saturday night, and a Brunch is easier on busy schedules than a Dinner Party is.  Approach your guest list cautiously.

• Your invite should provide the following information:
• What are we celebrating?
• Time of Party
• Location of Party

• Invitations go out 2 to 4 weeks before your Brunch - and remember, if you have guests that may have conflicts, it may be worthwhile to call in advance of scheduling to see what times they are available if it's important to you that they attend.
  
• How formal do your invitations need to be? 
• Printed - all the bells and whistles
• Printed - basics
• Printed (and designed) at home with invitation software
• Prepackaged with details filled in
• Treeless invitations sent by e-mail

• Send out a Party Reminder via e-mail a week before with details and directions if your Brunch is at an offsite venue.
  
• Thank you cards can coordinate with the invitations or the theme.  You can also take your favorite party photo and personalize your thank you card.

DressItUp

Decorations - A couple of balloons or the whole enchilada, it's up to you!

• What do you need for your venue to fit your Party Picture? 
  
  
• Get inspired from your Theme!  What brings your Theme to life?  How can you inject the details into the décor and tablescape?  Don't forget your internet research to get inspiration.
  
  
• Little touches can have big impact, so think it through and remember the fine details as well as the large strokes.   
   
• Select three or four colors that you will primarily be working with - this defines your color scheme. 
  
  
• Walls, furniture, lighting, centerpieces, linens, chair backs, tablescapes (see below), even the ceiling and floor can all work into your decorations.  No surface is off limits when it comes to decorating!
  
  
• Don't forget to incorporate your food, beverages, and even your entertainment into your decor.  

Tablescapes - Your tables are your prime real estate, maximize the effect!

• Presentation is key in entertaining, and the table is the frame for the refreshments and meals that you will serve.  Make HOW you serve as important as WHAT you serve. 
  
  
• Not only are the tables the primary presentation for the refreshments, but they are also the focal point in the room. 
  
• Determine how your tables will be arranged - served meal, buffet meal, light appetizers… one long table, several smaller tables - start by building the design.
  
  
• The obvious starting point is the centerpiece, however, also consider the linens, place settings, crystal, place cards, napkin presentation, and even chair accoutrements. 
  
  
• Functionality!  Consider your guests when dressing your table.  A large centerpiece will either be a visual obstacle, or, will be removed and therefore a waste of resources.  Keep it low, or keep it high if guests will need to see each other across the table!
  
  
• Place settings and crystal will depend on the type of event you are having.  From the finest china to high quality plastic ware - it depends on what your party picture is.
  
  
• Finally, remember your FOOD.  Food, beautifully presented, is the reason d'etre for your tablescape to begin with.  Remember that your food should play a role in the design of the space.

Tablescapes Links:

• GG - Elements of a Tablescape
• Florists
• Tableware/linen rental

 

Food/Drink

Refreshments - The heart of the party, amusingly, is the stomach!

A Brunch, as with a Dinner Party, is centered on the meal.  So the food, amusingly, is the heart of your party!  Plan foods that will appeal to all tastes.  Some people are not big eaters early in the day, others thoroughly enjoy a hearty meal.  So select from a spectrum of foods.  Also, if you are hosting the Brunch in your home, remember to try to maximize your party time and minimize your kitchen time during your event.  Most elements of standard Brunch fair are NOT make ahead, so try to plan/prepare as much as possible in advance.  There are many items that can be prepared the day before and slid into the oven right before the party! 

• The following items should find there way onto the table:
• Fresh fruit with either cream or a sauce
• Continental items such as rolls, muffins, or bagels (avoid toast because it's a high maintenance food that has to be prepared AS you sit at the table!) and fresh bread
• A meat - sausage or bacon - although you can spring for ham or even steak!
• An egg dish - do NOT put yourself in the position of short order chef!  If you are going to make eggs, go scrambled, or an egg dish such as a quiche or torte.
• A bread type dish, such as pancakes, waffles or French Toast are wonderful, but plan ahead for this.  Make them early and keep them warm, or select a recipe that is low maintenance, such as a decadent French Toast that soaks overnight and then cooks in the oven as opposed to the frying pan. 

• For beverages, include fresh juice(s), coffee, tea, water and milk.  If you want to have a little fun, consider a coffee bar with various coffees, creamers and chocolate spoons.
  
• Consider your options for serving: 
• Formal seating - limits guests to a selected meal and is typically more expensive when catered.
• Family style - dishes are served as they would be at home, allowing guests to select what they want while at the table.  This is less formal but more personal than buffet.
• Buffet - Allows guests to select exactly what they want, addressing the morning meal preferences your guests may have.

• Try to avoid dishes that a portion (15-20%) of your guests won't like.  If you know of any special issues, try to have an alternative that will accommodate. 

 

FunStuff

A Brunch is typically a shorter event that a Dinner Party or Cocktail Party.  Entertainment is not as important.  However, there are absolutely NO rules that say you can't incorporate entertainment if you want to give your party that little extra something!  This is definitely true for both Activities and Music as well.  In fact, both of these elements are probably more critical with a Brunch because it's easier to get people to relax with a glass of wine at an evening party.  Go out of your way to have an activity (low key) that will get guests chatting, and definitely have some relaxing fun music playing in the background!  And don't forget to consider your Theme if you have one! 

 

Prizes/Favors

A little something to remember your event by…

• A party favor thanks your guest for spending the time with you and the Guest of Honor, and also provides a little reminder of your event. 
• Favors are NOT required - but it's an extra touch that shows attention to detail and gracious hosting.  Consider the occasion, the Theme, and the group you brought together for inspiration.