Brunch Parties:
No Muss, No Fuss Once a month I get together with the women in my book group for a Sunday morning potluck brunch to catch up and talk about the latest thing we've read. One of the great side benefits of this is that it has given us the excuse to try out new recipes on the group as we experiment with what foods fit in the brunch category. Therein lies the beauty of entertaining friends and family over brunch - there is not as much pressure as, say, a sit down dinner. Keep it casual, from the food to the décor, and you can be as relaxed as your guests.
The key to keeping the atmosphere of your brunch appropriately casual is to not fuss too much about decorating your home. A buffet style set-up works well for guests to serve themselves and is easy on the hosts. The buffet area can be a simple preparation with a basket of lap napkins, jelly jars filled with silverware (be sure to put them in handle up), trivets for hot items, and empty pitchers and glasses for beverages - all of which can be set up the evening before. It is usually easier to pick up and carry silverware and a napkin after serving yourself food, so be sure to put these items at the END of the buffet line. It can also be helpful to set the beverage station away from the buffet area so that guests can go back to pick up a beverage after setting down their food, so they aren't forced to try to juggle too many items at once.
Depending on the number of guests, the casual nature of a brunch get together allows for a wide variety of options in seating arrangements. If the group is small, and your table is large enough, you could sit at your dining room table. But why not keep the relaxed atmosphere going by inviting guests to sit in the living room, and have floor pillows available to accommodate any overflow. Despite the comfy furniture at my house, multiple guests always prefer to sit on the floor, so why not be prepared for that? In nice weather, it is also fun to set up a large table in the yard and eat outside. If there are kids present, (as brunch time tends to be an easier time for parents with young children to gather) this allows the kids to let out their excess energy running around the yard while the parents can comfortably watch while enjoying their food. So pick a location that works for you and your guests, remembering there are no rules.
Depending on the time of year, it's easy to adjust your brunch menu to suit the seasons. In the middle of winter, an easy to prep the night before egg bake could be served with roasted root vegetables and a pot of hot chocolate on the stove, the warm aroma of chocolate filling the house. How low fuss is that? In spring, asparagus and
mushroom tarts are quick to make, but looks so sophisticated. Paired with scones, fresh fruit and a
citrus tea punch, you are all set for a fabulous relaxed meal with your guests.
For more great brunch ideas, be sure to check out
Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day by local pastry chef,
Zoë François, and
Jeff Hertzberg, an ardent amateur baker. This popular cookbook is filled with great recipes for breads, pastries, and other goodies that utilize a lightning fast batch of moist no-knead dough that serves as the base for each dish. Whether you are in the mood for Apple Strudel Bread or Granola Bread, there is sure to be a recipe that fits your menu. Their newest book,
Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day, featuring more whole grains, fruits and vegetables, will hit bookshelves at retailers in October.
- Colleen Fox Slack, Home & Culinary, the Affair
