brunch bunch

As you may have noticed I am so happy to say that spring is here to stay, the days are getting longer and the weather is warmer.  What better time to host a spring brunch?  I love brunches, they are easy to pull together and it usually at a time when most people are free.

Buy some peonies or cherry blossom branches and place in mason jars as your centerpiece  I just love this yellow inspiration board from Snippet and Ink

inspiration board from snippet and ink

The menu should be simple, I believe that a fresh simple brunch menu can be enjoyed by all especially the hostess.

W Designs Brunch Menu

Bread basket- 

buy muffins and croissants or other delicious bread items from a local bakery  Arrange them beautifully in a basket or on a tray  Mix 1 tbsp. of honey, orange zest or strawberry jam with 1 stick of soft butter for a delicious spread

A Nice Fruit Salad-

my grandmother always has a nice fruit salad at any party (as opposed to those really mean fruit salads), she carefully cuts up melons, strawberries, pineapple, anything that is in season  It couldn't be prettier or more delicious

Photo via Mango Power Girl Flickr

Yogurt Bar-

display plain yogurt in a glass serving bowl with sprigs of fresh mint, granola, and honey nearby so guests can make their own yogurt parfait including some of that great fruit salad

Deviled Eggs from Founding Farmers

Breakfast Protein-

a traditional charcuterie plate would make a wonderful option for breakfast, 

your local butcher can recommend sausages, cheese and spreads.  add hardboiled eggs and bacon to your own charcuterie tray to finish off this breakfast spread

Photo via Maggie Austin

The Cocktail Party

Picture this....in a by gone era couples gather casually in each other's living rooms or front yards in their suburban neighborhoods, drinks in hand to gossip about the neighbors or compare golf scores.

Now I'm not advocating we all move to the suburbs, start a family, get dogs and start the inevitable heavy drinking - but I am advocating the return of the cocktail and the cocktail party. I often contemplate what it would have been like to live in the early 60's a la Mad Men. Would I have been a chic housewife like Betty or a working woman like Joan? Regardless of my career situation, my 60's fantasy always includes me as the ultimate hostess at my very own cocktail party. Dutifully freshening guests' drinks while laughing at witty stories among friends.

My 60's bar, complete with cigarettes and spam.

Then I snap out of it and wonder why young people don't get together in this way as frequently anymore? In this age of cell phones, text messaging & twitter updates are we just too busy to commit to something as concrete as (oh no!!) a relaxed evening with friends? Does it always have to be "hey, I might stop by so and sos bar tonight, if I'm not too overbooked that is."

Why don't you start a new tradition with your friends. Invite everyone over for casual cocktails on a tuesday night, or make it an event on a Saturday. All you have to do is create the perfect bar and set the mood. In the next couple weeks I'll post about all of the essentially for hosting a fabulous cocktail party! But if you need immediate advice don't hesitate to call.

Setting Up Your Bar

- Designate a bar area: you don't have to have a real bar but having everything you need in a beautiful set-up will make your like easier and impress your guests. A side table or even an area on your bookshelf could work well.

- Stock your bar with all the essentials. This is an investment to be sure, but you will be able to host plenty of small gatherings with this supply. Also, you could always ask your guests to bring something to share.

I love the idea of putting all the liquors in a large low basket. It keeps everything organized and can be a year round accessory.

Bar Essentials List:

Liquor

blended whiskey
sour mash whiskey
bourbon
brandy
champagne
gin
vodka
tequila
vermouth (dry & sweet)
scotch
rum
liqueures (coffee, orange, cherry)
sherry (dry & sweet)

Mixers

tonic
club soda
ginger ale
cola
fruit juice (pineapple, orange)
bottled water
sparkling water

A beautiful summery bar.

I picture this bar surrounded by deep chestnut leather sofas and a crackling fireplace.

Stay Tuned for Cocktail Parties Part II