Hosting a brunch is one of my favorite ways to bring friends and family together. There’s something special about enjoying a leisurely meal, sharing stories, and laughing over a spread of delicious food. As a professional chef and recipe developer, I’ve had the pleasure of creating numerous brunch menus, but some of my fondest memories come from hosting a brunch for my sister’s 26th birthday and my own 27th.
Planning a brunch that’s both healthy and satisfying doesn’t have to be a challenge. With a bit of creativity and some thoughtful planning, you can create a brunch that leaves everyone feeling full, happy, and inspired. Here are some of my top tips and favorite recipes for hosting a brunch that will make you the hostess with the mostess.
Step 1: Plan Your Guest List
The first step in hosting a brunch is planning your guest list. Consider the size of your space and the type of gathering you want. Do you want a small, intimate brunch or a larger celebration?
- Guest List: Write down all potential guests and narrow it down based on your space and budget.
- Considerations: Think about any dietary restrictions or preferences your guests might have.
Step 2: Choose a Theme or Menu
Deciding on a theme can make planning easier and add an element of fun to your party. Themes can be based on cuisine (Italian, Mexican, etc.), a particular holiday, or even a favorite movie or book. Once you have a theme, plan your menu accordingly. Make sure to include options for any dietary restrictions your guests may have.
Pancakes & Prosecco Theme
For a girly and elegant brunch, a Pancakes & Prosecco theme is perfect. The colors pink and red will add a playful yet sophisticated touch to your event.
- Decor: Use pink and red tablecloths, napkins, and plates. Add fresh flowers in these colors to enhance the theme.
- Menu: Focus on delicious, healthy pancakes and a variety of Prosecco-based drinks.
Step 3: Send Invitations
Once you’ve decided on your guest list and theme, send out invitations. These can be formal (printed or mailed invitations) or casual (a phone call, text, or email). Include the date, time, location, and any other relevant details, such as dress code or if they need to bring anything.
I used Canva to create a digital invitation, adding a personal touch with my own text. You can also use tools like ChatGPT to craft the perfect invitation message.
- Invitation Creation: Use Canva or similar tools to design a beautiful digital invitation. You can use this free template to create the same invitation, but with your details.
- Message: Personalize the text to match the theme and inform guests of the details.
Example Invitation Text:
Dear (friend),
My birthday is coming up and I would love to celebrate with you over brunch. 🫶🏼 Lets meet at (my place) on the (insert date) for pancakes & prosecco 🥂 please let me know if you can make it 😊
With love, (your name) 💓💐✨
Step 4: Plan Your Menu
When planning your menu, consider a balance of appetizers, main courses, side dishes, and desserts. Choose dishes that you’re comfortable making and try to prepare as much as possible in advance. This will allow you to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.
Delicious Recipes from My Blog
Here are some delicious recipes and brunch dishes from my blog that are perfect to serve when hosting a brunch:
Mini Caprese Skewers | Just 3- ingredients!
Healthy Berry Pancakes + Homemade Berries Jam
Zucchini quiche with goat cheese
Chewy Oatmeal Cookie Recipe: a classic!
10 Beautiful Grazing Boards for Your Next Gathering
Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Icing
Baked Oats Recipe + Different Flavour Variations
Step 5: Think of Your Drinks
Don’t forget to pair your menu with suitable beverages, including non-alcoholic options.
While Prosecco was the star of my theme, offering a variety of drinks ensured all my guests were happy.
Prosecco-Based Drinks
- Classic Prosecco: Serve chilled with fresh strawberries.
- Hugo Spritz: Prosecco, elderflower syrup, mint, and soda water.
- Limoncello Spritz: Prosecco, limoncello, and soda water.
Non-Alcoholic Options
- Sparkling Water with Fresh Fruit: A refreshing alternative for non-drinkers.
- Herbal Iced Tea: Serve with lemon and honey.
Step 6: Prepare Your Space
Creating a welcoming and stylish space is key to hosting a successful brunch.
- Decorate: Use pink and red accents, fresh flowers, and elegant table settings.
- Seating: Ensure there’s enough seating for all guests, with comfortable arrangements.
Some things I bought for the brunch:
- Plates: I got these pretty pink plates from Temu. They are affordable, reusable, and made of sturdy plastic. They are easily stackable and dishwasher-safe. The set includes 12 small plates and 12 large plates, and they are also available in beige or black.
- Table Runner & Napkins: I bought a pink and red table runner from H&M, which perfectly matches the theme. I also found green and pink napkins that look beautiful with the table runner and other pink decorations.
- Candles: I purchased large red candles from Xenos and small pink candles for the cake from Sostrene Grene.
- Pink wine glass charms: Since there will be about 12 girls at the brunch, I bought wine glass charms from Temu, with each of our initials so we can easily identify our glasses.
Step 7: Cook with Confidence
Prepare as much as you can in advance to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Make-Ahead Dishes: Opt for recipes that can be prepped the night before.
- Confidence: Practice any new recipes beforehand to ensure they turn out perfectly on the day of the brunch.
Step 8: Create a Relaxed Atmosphere
The atmosphere can make or break your brunch, so focus on creating a relaxed and enjoyable environment.
- Music: Curate a playlist of light, upbeat music to set the mood.
- Lighting: Use natural light if possible, and add some soft lighting for a cozy feel.
Step 9: Serve with Style
Presentation is key when hosting a brunch. Serve your dishes with style to impress your guests.
- Plating: Use beautiful serving dishes and arrange food attractively.
- Garnishes: Add fresh herbs or edible flowers to enhance the visual appeal.
Step 10: Enjoy the Evening
Once everything is set up and your guests have arrived, it’s time to relax and enjoy the brunch.
- Engage: Spend time with your guests, enjoy the food, and have fun.
- Capture Memories: Take photos to remember the special moments.
Additional Tips for Hosting a Brunch That Everyone Will Love
Practice New Recipes
If you’re trying out a new recipe, do a test run a week before the party to ensure it’s something you’re comfortable making.
Delegate Tasks
Don’t hesitate to ask a close friend or family member to help with specific tasks, like setting the table or managing drinks.
Stay Organized
Keep a checklist of tasks to complete before the party to ensure nothing is forgotten.
Clean Up
Plan for cleanup by having trash bags and cleaning supplies ready. Enlist help from a friend or two to make the process quicker.
Lastly…
Hosting a brunch can be a delightful and memorable experience with a bit of planning and creativity. By following these steps and tips, you can ensure your Pancakes & Prosecco brunch is a hit. Remember to enjoy the process and have fun with it. Your guests will appreciate the effort and leave with wonderful memories.
I hope these ideas inspire you to host your own girly and elegant brunch. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more recipes and hosting tips. If you would like to get to know me more, follow me on instagram : Lifestylemartina. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Happy brunching. With love, Mar
Martina is a trained and experienced chef. She has worked as a Chef in multiple restaurants in the Netherlands. Currently, she works as a Marketing Manager for a Start-up in The Hague. In her spare time, she cooks and bakes delicious recipes to host friends and shares all of her best recipes and tips through her blogs.
