Recently updated on June 27th, 2024
Trying to put together a day filled with friends, fine foods, and some fun? Is the lack of a firm plan getting in your way? Well, let Ocean State Job Lot help you put together a brunch with some punch to wow your family and friends into coming back for seconds, thirds, and maybe even more!
From choosing the perfect location to the must-have menu items and setting up your spread, this guide has got you covered. Discover how to make your brunch stand out with versatile and crowd-pleasing dishes like eggs, French toast, fruit, pastries, and cocktails. Plus, learn how to add sophistication to your gathering with a charcuterie board and elegant serving pieces. With these summer brunch essentials, you can create a memorable and stress-free brunch that your guests will love. So, let’s get started!
Plan Your Menu
When it comes to where to have your brunch, you don’t have to drive yourself crazy with a big budget location. Remember, it doesn’t have to be too fancy. A simple get together on the backyard deck or in a cozy living room with the windows wide open could do the trick. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends if they have a setting that makes more sense than your own. Once you have your location, it’s time to think about the food. Whether you’re going for a buffet-style or a sit-down formal brunch, there are essentials that you just can’t skip.
Eggs are a must-have. They’re versatile, easy to cook, and can be served in various forms. They’re also relatively inexpensive, which makes them perfect for serving up a crowd. You can serve up fried eggs, eggs Benedict, omelets, or even breakfast burritos. Alongside your eggs, you’ll need some bread to soak up all that yolk. French toast, pancakes, waffles, and other bread-based options like finger sandwiches are popular brunch options.
Adding fruit to your menu is always a good idea. It’s a healthy option that doesn’t require any cooking. Berries, apples, melons, and citrus fruits can be enjoyed as a side or used as a topper for pancakes, waffles, French toast, or yogurt. You can also make a seasonal fruit salad. Don’t forget to include some pastries too. Baked goods such as donuts, banana bread, cinnamon rolls, carrot cake, coffee cake, or scones add a sweet touch to any brunch spread.
Now, what’s brunch without some drinks?
While you may have the traditional coffee and tea, you can also jazz it up with some cocktails. Mimosas are an all-time brunch favorite. Pick up some plastic champagne flutes, and you won’t have to worry about accidental breakage. For a fun twist, try mixing champagne with Polar Orange Dry and add some extra bubbles to your brunch. We also carry a large selection of seltzer in flavors like black cherry and lemon. You can also consider offering nibbles like crackers, nuts, and chocolates to give your guests something to munch on.
For those looking to create something a little more elaborate, a charcuterie board is a great way to add some sophistication to your brunch. Cutting and serving boards, plastic ramekins, napkins, honey, nuts, sauces, and a selection of meats and cheeses can be used to create an eye-catching display.
Set the Table
Now for the fun part! Setting the table is half the fun. Disposable pans and chafing dishes make for easy clean-up, while fancy plastic plates, tongs, serving spoons, forks, knives, spoons, and tea towels give a touch of elegance to the proceedings.
Lastly, if you happen to be hosting a brunch for a special occasion like a bridal shower or baby shower, gift bags with chocolate, nuts, or other small trinkets can make for a thoughtful parting gift.
Enjoy Yourself!
It seems to go without saying that you should make time to mingle and sit back with your friends. Planning ahead and getting creative with your food and decor will help you feel relaxed the day of your brunch. If need be, pick up some disposable aluminum pans and plates for easy clean-up. Some creative decorations might help as well. With these brunch essentials, you can host an unforgettable and delicious brunch that your guests will be talking about for weeks to come.