{"id":1658,"date":"2017-04-19T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-04-19T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/toh.test.rda.net\/10-tips-for-hosting-a-stress-free-brunch-party-from-professional-event-planners\/"},"modified":"2023-01-15T12:13:26","modified_gmt":"2023-01-15T18:13:26","slug":"how-to-host-a-stress-free-brunch-party","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/how-to-host-a-stress-free-brunch-party\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Tips for Hosting a Stress-Free Brunch Party, from Professional Event Planners"},"content":{"rendered":"\"Beautifully\r\n\r\nThere's no better way to start the day than surrounded by your favorite people, eating sweet and savory breakfast food, and-heck, I'll say it-sipping a mimosa or two. Brunch is my favorite meal, but I always hesitated to throw one myself, worried that it would mean waking up before dawn and being ready for a nap by the time the guests arrived.\r\n\r\nBut throwing a brunch can be super low stress and low maintenance. (And way<\/em> less daunting than a formal dinner party!)\r\n\r\nFollow these top tips from the Taste Recipes Live professional event-planning crew:\r\n\r\n \r\n

Tip #1: Prep Ahead, and Plan a Mix of Dishes<\/h3>\r\nLet's get one thing straight: Brunch is all about the food. We like to make sure we have a mix of savory and sweet items. But don't worry, you won't need to wake up in the wee hours of the morning to prepare it.\r\n\r\nEarmark some make-ahead recipes<\/a>. Pastries like muffins and scones can be frozen ahead. Breakfast casseroles and egg bakes, like our Farmer's Casserole<\/a>, can be prepped the night before and baked in the morning, filling your house with an amazing smell.\r\n\r\nDon't feel like you have to make everything, either. There's no shame in setting up a toast-your-own bagel station with bakery bagels.\r\n\r\n \r\n

Tip #2: Keep Your Food Warm<\/h3>\r\nThere's no need to cook your food at the last moment before your guests arrive. Casseroles, pastries and other hot breakfast items can be kept warm in an oven set to 200 degrees until showtime. Most guests like to settle in to chat and have a drink before they start chowing down.\r\n\r\nIf you want to have guests walk into a dramatic table setting, then place your warm dishes on the table and tent with foil 5 minutes before the party. Just pull off the tents once the first doorbell rings!\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\"Three\r\n

Tip #3: Don't Forget the Drinks!<\/h3>\r\nFizzy champagne and OJ might be the most iconic brunch-time bevvy, but we're all for trying new things.\r\n\r\nWhip up a batch of our Perfect Lemon Martinis<\/a> or heat things up with a Bloody Maria<\/a>. One of our very favorite brunch-time drinks is our recipe for Strawberry Mimosas<\/a>. They're perfectly sweet and show a gorgeous pink hue. It's also important to cater to guests who will not be drinking alcohol by providing a couple tasty\u00a0mocktail options<\/a>.\r\n\r\nAnd, of course, don't forget to have coffee ready!\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\"Find\r\n<\/a>\r\n

Tip #4: Don't Forget About the Kiddos<\/h3>\r\nWith all the excitement, it might be easy to forget about the kid's table. If children are on the guest list, offer simple items like cereal and milk. They are more likely to eat what they recognize rather than try new or \"fancy\" breakfast food.\r\n\r\n \r\n

Tip #5: Set Up a Self-Serve Bar<\/h3>\r\nOur party planners agree that having a themed buffet station gives parties a lighthearted touch. Make space on the counter for a special spread for guests to serve themselves as they mingle. Your party-goers will love being able to customize their snack. Plus, it gives you a chance to make a super-sweet display. Here are a few ideas to get you started:\r\n