Brunching has become a weekend staple, but it may not be practical for your wallet if you’re heading out all the time. Host your own with these tips in mind.
BY: LEANNE RAY, MS, RDN
Are you a fan of that popular late-morning, early afternoon meal known as brunch? Us too, but those brunches and bottomless mimosas can sure add up if you’re heading out to a restaurant every weekend.
Plus, there is something so comforting about entertaining at home as you set the table, put some fresh flowers in the vase, play some music, and whip up some new recipes. Here are a few tips to host your own brunch:
1. Think About Variety
When planning a menu, the first thing to think about is variety. Choose a bread or starchy item, protein, fruits and veggies, and some sort of fun beverage in addition to coffee and tea. If you feel comfortable with the group and aren’t shy about showing off your cooking skills, get adventurous with the main dish. However, you can keep it as simple as cheesy scrambled eggs with toast and berries if you want.
2. Make-Ahead Items
Make-ahead items are a must if you want to make sure you’re not scrambling (literally and figuratively) at the last minute. Avoid any type of made-to-order dish so you can focus on socializing and not setting smoke alarms off. Go with an easy egg dish, such as a frittata or quiche, that you can bake in the oven. Bake some muffins or bread, which can be easy to make the day before and warm just before serving.
Avoid making dishes that requires individual plating or styling; a buffet style is the way to go here so that everyone can serve themselves. If you’re trying to do Eggs Benedict that requires multiple components, you run the risk of your food getting cold before everyone can sit down to eat.
3. Let Your Guests Help
Whenever you host company for a meal, there’s a 99% chance your guests will ask what they can bring. It’s a nice gesture, but if you’re trying to put together a cohesive menu, you may not always want someone to bring a random side dish that doesn’t fit with the rest of the menu. However, there are still a few key ways they can help, including:
- Ice – This is especially helpful if you’re hosting a large group and are making cocktails.
- Booze – Ask someone to bring champagne because it’s easy to pick up, just remember to store in the fridge or freezer as soon as they arrive.
- Fruit – Have your guests bring pre-cut fruit or a simple fruit salad for a side to accompany all your dishes.
Happy brunching!
HEADER IMAGE: JOSEPH GONZALEZ
Leanne Ray, MS, RDN is a Denver-based Registered Dietitian empowering women to sustain healthy lifestyles that are practical and realistic. By helping others find happiness and joy through delicious foods that don’t involve guilt or stress, she shares how healthy eating can involve satisfaction instead of boring, low-calorie diets. Visit her site to read more from Leanne.