I love creating memories with my friends and family at home to celebrate life’s special moments. It feels very personal and intimate, and it’s another happy memory that makes me smile when I walk into our living room or dining room. So, I’m doing a series of posts on some of my favorite moments with tips on entertaining at home!
I’ve always loved hosting brunch parties at home – all the fun of brunch with friends but you don’t have to leave home and can jump on the couch or bed as soon as the fun is done! Some of my favorite tips to hosting a fabulous and memorable brunch party are below.
1. Have a Signature Drink ready for guests as soon as they arrive. This could be as simple as a glass of champagne, or could be more involved such as a seasonal cocktail. I love sparkling gin basil smash cocktails in the summer or bourbon based cocktails in the fall/ winter.
2. Try to prepare as much of the food beforehand as possible or have catering to allow yourself time to chat with guests so they remember spending time with YOU. I used a catering company for this birthday brunch I hosted and it was great – I mingled with guests and didn’t have to stress about getting the food ready. However, if you are making the food yourself, many food items could be prepared and plated in advance:
- Yoghurt cups in small glasses
- Fruit cups in fun glasses or bowls
- A chicken sausage hash could be prepared the night before and just heated up and served in ramekins right before guests arrive
3. If you are wondering what type of food to provide, try to have a variety of options – fruit, heavy carb favorites like donuts/ pancakes/ waffles, and perhaps a hash or charcuterie. It’s always nice to ask your guests their dietary restrictions prior to the party so you can ensure everyone can eat at least one dish.
4. Have a coffee station for those that need a little perk me up. You can set this up on a bar cart or any small table. Big plus if there are some cute sugar cubes and mini bottles of Baileys that guests can add to their coffee!
5. Also try and set up an area where guests can serve themselves drinks – whether its mimosas, fruit infused waters, etc., it’s nice for guests to be able to serve themselves without having to ask. One of my favorite options is an easy self serve mimosa bar with champagne, a variety of juices and cut fruit where guests can concoct their own drink.
6. If you don’t have enough glassware or tableware, you can always rent some from a party supply rental store. They have a variety of glassware, tableware, cutlery, chairs and other decor that can be rented for parties, weddings and other events. You can usually pick up/ drop off your order or they can deliver for larger orders.
7. Add some flowers to the table! A larger centerpiece or clusters of small bud vases along the length of the table always look good.
8. End the brunch with some delicious local party favors that guests can grab on the way out. Little boxes of macarons, chocolates, small jars of homemade granola can all double as decor and provide a sweet parting note.
Our homes are the backdrops for so many personal and intimate memories. Our homes should remind us of these memories and bring us joy everyday. If you need help creating a global eclectic home you love to entertain in, I’d love to help! Contact us at reenaravi.com/contact for any interior design or virtual interior decorating help!
Hi .I want to organize a brunch for twenty people in my house .how can I start