Whether you’re planning for a Mother’s Day brunch, a bridal shower brunch, or a ‘lets celebrate because it’s spring and beautiful outside’ brunch, they all come with preparation. One of my favorite pastimes is playing hostess and entertaining guests. However, it can be stressful to entertain if you aren’t adequately prepared. I’m not talking weeks of preparation, but it’s good to get organized (and it’s fun, too)! Here is your 10 step guide to planning the perfect brunch in the comfort of your own home.
- Pick a date and time
- Create a guest list
- Send out invitations. You can, of course, just send your invitees a text or an email, but I think it’s much more festive (and the invitees will feel special, too) to send an e-vite (Paperless Post is my all time favorite)
- Make lists
- Food/Drink you want to serve
- What you already have in your pantry and refrigerator, and what you need to purchase
- Decor/Tablescape
- Don’t go crazy here (unless, of course, you want to). I think flowers are perfect and a simple color scheme. Place cards take away the question of ‘where to sit’ and can also serve as a decorative element
- Serving Platters and Dishes/Silverware
- What you already have in your cabinets, and what you need to purchase
- Food/Drink you want to serve
- Set up a schedule for the few days leading up to the brunch – when to purchase the food, the serving platters needed, flowers – so you’re not running around like a crazy person the day of
- Clean your home. No guest wants to walk into a mess. Set aside 30 minutes to clean up prior to the brunch
- Give your guests something to take home afterwards so they’ll remember the great time they had at your brunch (cupcakes in a jar, mini floral arrangements, etc)
- Thank you notes – if your guests bring anything (they most likely will), always follow up with a thank you note afterwards. Hand-written notes are essential; do not thank them via email.
- Clean up immediately following the brunch, as soon as the last guest leaves. If you put it off, it may take you hours to get to it, and you don’t want to have dirty dishes in your sink all day. Put on some great music, finish the mimosas off, and clean.
- Don’t forget to have fun. Sometimes when you’re playing host or hostess you can get wrapped up in making sure everything is perfect that you forget to enjoy your company. If you prepare enough in advance, you’ll be able to sit back, relax, and have an unforgettable brunch.
AAAAAAAAAAAmazing.
May reblog this! xo
http://preppyandfunny.wordpress.com
Great post! I love it:)
http://theprintedsea.blogspot.de/
Who doesn’t love a fabulous brunch? Great tips!
xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
love that first pic! would love to go to a spring brunch with friends!!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
I’ve never ever wanted to host a spring brunch as bad as I do now, thanks to your post. This looks like SO much fun!
BTw, would you like to follow each other via facebook?
http://WWW.ROXTHEFOX.COM
Thank you for the tips. I’ve never hosted a brunch before but reading this makes me want to get my girls together and have one!
-Vogue&Heels
http://www.vogueandheels.com
I love parties!!! Really want to throw one right now!!!
Great ideas!! I love Spring!
xoAmy
http://www.dreamingincashmere.com
This is such a lovely idea. I always imagined me doing this kind of things once I left my parents’ home. So maybe in a few years 😉 my dad would go bonkers if I started inviting tons of people over…
These are great tips Julie! I love spring brunches especially because all of the flowers!
Brunch is my favorite meal. I’d love to host a fancy brunch!
Fizz and Frosting
Awwwww everythings sooo perfect & lovely….thanks for the inspo Julie!!!!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
I love playing hostess too!
These are all such helpful tips. I think it’s a great idea to write out a schedule. When I’m planning a party or get-together I usually do this in my head but then still end up leaving so much to the last minute and running around like crazy the day of! I’m sure writing it out would help.
xo
http://www.fitfashionista.com
Great tips……I love entertaining with meals at my home…..my favorite thing to do!
Roz
http://www.myredglasses.com
adore the tulips!
http://everythingsalwayssunny.com
Kristin
xx
Beautiful! I just love brunch. Great tips, I’ll be pinning for later!
xo
LesliMarie
http://www.linenandtulle.com
cleaning up immediately is the hardest part, but the best advice!
Great tips! I’m itching to host SOME sort of spring-gathering, whether it’s a brunch or a BBQ. Either way, ready to round up all my friends and celebrate some spring weather. 🙂
-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
Sssssooooo pretty! Gorgeous.
Great tips! I’m hosting a brunch next Sunday and I really appreciate all your tips!
YES! I’m addicted to entertaining, even though I’m ridiculously shy, but these are gorgeous Xo, Megan, http://www.TfDiaries.com
Great advice and also for a baby shower! I’m looking forward to throwing one soon.
Red Soles and Red Wine
I love this! now I want to host one myself 😉
XX,
Miranda
I’m definitely pinning this for later! I’m always day-dreaming about partay planning, but I get overwhelmed by the details.
xx, Bubbly in Brooklyn
i adore this!! so cute.