Summer brunches are the epitome of relaxed elegance, combining the best of breakfast and lunch with a dash of sunshine and a sprinkle of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Hosting a summer brunch can be both fun and rewarding, especially when you incorporate elements from your backyard to create a beautifully decorated and deliciously satisfying event. Here’s a guide to help you host a memorable summer brunch that’s easy, budget-friendly, and full of charm.
Menu Suggestions
Creating the perfect brunch menu involves balancing sweet and savory dishes, offering a variety of flavors that cater to all tastes. Here are some tasty menu ideas that are sure to impress your guests:
1. Fresh Fruit Platter: Start with a vibrant platter of fresh, seasonal fruits. Think watermelon, berries, peaches, and mangoes. A fruit platter not only looks beautiful but also provides a refreshing start to the meal. If you really want to kick it up a notch toss the berries in a vanilla simple syrup or a fruity balsamic to enhance their flavor.
2. Quiche Lorraine: A classic quiche is always a hit. Make a Quiche Lorraine with bacon, Swiss cheese, and onions. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time and serve warm or at room temperature. The best part about quiche is they are both light, but filling since they are packed with all the protein from the eggs so a little goes a long way!
3. Avocado Toast Bar: Set up an avocado toast bar with various toppings like cherry tomatoes, radishes, feta cheese, smoked salmon, and poached eggs. This interactive station allows guests to customize their toast just the way they like it. My favorite combo is toast with avocado, sliced English cucumbers, red onion, and a sprinkle of dill on top!
4. Berry Parfait: Create individual berry parfaits with layers of Greek yogurt, granola, and mixed berries. These are simple to assemble ahead of time and add a touch of sweetness to the menu- not to mention everything looks cuter when it’s packed in little dessert glasses.
5. Mini Pancake Skewers: Serve mini pancakes on skewers with alternating layers of fruit and pancakes. Drizzle with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for a delightful treat. Not wanting to make a ton of pancakes from scratch? Use some store-bought mini-frozen pancakes for a quick cheat!
6. Fresh Baked Croissants: My favorite brunch “hack” if you will is grabbing some frozen croissants from Trader Joe’s. Sipley set them out the night before and then bake them the morning of your brunch; they are perfect!
7. Sparkling Mimosa Station: No brunch is complete without mimosas! Set up a mimosa station with a variety of fruit juices (like orange, peach, and pomegranate) and a bottle of bubbly. Freeze some fresh fruit slices ahead of time for garnish and to keep the bubbly cool without watering it down with ice.
Using Foraged Greenery for Table Decor
Nothing says summer like a table adorned with fresh greenery. If you’re like me you likely have a boxwood bush or two around your yard! Here’s how you can use greenery from your own yard to dress up your brunch table:
1. Greenery Table Runner: Create a lush table runner using long branches of greenery. Eucalyptus, ferns, and ivy work beautifully. Simply lay the branches down the center of the table, allowing them to overlap and create a continuous runner.
2. Floral and Greenery Centerpieces: Combine your greenery with seasonal flowers to create stunning centerpieces. Use mason jars, vintage vases, or even teacups as containers. Arrange the greenery first, then add in the flowers for a pop of color. Have potted plants around your yard? Pop them on the table to create a simple centerpiece that looks great and takes no effort at all!
3. Napkin Rings: Make simple yet elegant napkin rings by tying sprigs of rosemary, lavender, or small branches around folded napkins with twine or ribbon. This adds a touch of nature to each place setting.
4. Herb Place Cards: Create unique place cards by attaching small sprigs of herbs like thyme or basil to card stock with your guests’ names. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also add a pleasant fragrance to the table.
Final Tips
- Prepare Ahead: Many brunch items can be prepared the night before, reducing stress on the day of the event.
- Keep It Casual: Summer brunches are meant to be relaxed. Don’t worry about perfection; focus on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
- Stay Hydrated: Offer plenty of water infused with fresh fruits and herbs to keep your guests refreshed.
By combining delicious, seasonal dishes with beautiful, foraged greenery, you can create a summer brunch that’s both delightful and memorable. Happy hosting! 🌿🥂🌸
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