After having Graham (almost 5 years ago!), Eric and I decided that we wanted to host for the holidays. This allows us to not have to travel and the kids can stay home and play with their toys. When deciding on what meal to host, we chose brunch.
A brunch allows for an earlier meal; we typically do our brunch around 11am. We have also found brunch to be a bit more cost effective as you can serve a number of different foods that range from breakfast to lunch, as opposed to a large ham dinner with all the fixings.
In this blog post, I wanted to share what I feel are the essential elements of hosting a memorable holiday brunch.
Planning Ahead
Start by planning your menu and guest list well in advance. This allows you to get an idea of how much food you need to prepare, as well as considering any dietary restrictions or preferences your guests may have. Along with dietary restrictions, we also make sure to plan for kid-friendly options.
Theming
Have any special themes or ideas for decor? I usually just stick with what I already use for my Christmas decor, but you can do anything from generic Christmas to Ugly Sweater party.
The Menu
You want to make sure to craft a menu that balances both savory and sweet dishes. Your menu can include holiday classics like glazed ham, roasted vegetables, and stuffing. Don’t forget about mouthwatering brunch staples such as a decadent French toast casserole, fluffy pancakes, or a build-your-own omelet station.
Finish the brunch on a sweet note with a dazzling dessert spread. Showcase holiday-themed treats like gingerbread cookies, peppermint bark, and pumpkin pie.
For our brunch menu, I chose some family favorites:
Below are links to some of the recipes we used:
Simply Secen earns from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you
Interactive Elements
For the pictured brunch, I did not have any interactive elements, but I have in the past! You can set up a DIY waffle or pancake station with an array of toppings, or have a hot chocolate bar where guests can customize their drinks with marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles. The options are really endless!
Happy Brunching!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a festive atmosphere filled with delicious food, delightful decor, and cherished moments. While I shared my Christmas brunch spread, with a few simples changes to food and decor, these tips are perfect for an Easter or Valentine’s brunch too!
In need of some invitations to your next brunch? Check out what we have to offer on our Etsy shop