By Jenny Reimold
Whether you’re celebrating an engagement or hosting a teenager’s birthday, brunches are a delightful way to honor a special guest or occasion. Styling a stress free and low maintenance brunch can easily be done with proper preparation and a visually appealing, cohesive color palette. If you’re planning to host a Sunday brunch or need some tips to create an appealing and charming tablescape, follow my guide to creating a lovely, casual brunch.
PLAN AHEAD
As someone who prides herself on time management, I like to ensure that my tablescape and place settings are completed the night before the brunch. Part of this planning process includes having essential serving pieces on hand for every party that I host. A quick trip to HomeGoods can remedy any last-minute styling needs as the majority of my entertaining “tool kit” has been purchased there. The foundations of my party tables include: Solid colored table runners - Layering whites on ivories is always a classic look, however pastels or muted florals are great additions for spring as well.
Cake stands - These classic pieces aren’t just for cakes. Use these to display other food items, floral arrangements or even framed photos of your honored guest.
Hobnail dishes - My Instagram followers know that I am a huge fan of both vintage and modern hobnail dish sets. In fact, a small army of women formed in search of HomeGoods’ $3.99 aqua, Portugal brand hobnail bowls and $4.99 plates that were released this spring. The classic elegance of a hobnail plate adds style, especially layered with a hobnail piece of a different color or perhaps a vintage saucer for a more feminine feel.
ADD COLORED GLASS
Infusing different textures of color in your brunch set up is an easy and simple way to create visual appeal. Create floral arrangements in colored glass vases that coordinate with the color scheme of your event. Colored glass goblets, vintage or modern, really top off any places setting. I have several sets of these that I keep on hand for year-round entertaining. You can find vintage glasses and vases at antique stores, purchase “vintage inspired” ones at HomeGoods or can get plastic ones at party stores for children.
STYLE WITH FRESH FLOWERS
Add life to your brunch by incorporating fresh floral arrangements in small groupings along the table and in your serving areas. For this photo shoot, I purchased these beautiful bouquets of roses and snapdragons from local florist, Amelia’s Flower Truck. Perhaps you’ve seen their VW vintage, mobile vans around Nashville. Now, Amelia’s has a storefront in The Factory at Franklin making beautiful flower arrangements more accessible, especially for last minute party needs. I also purchased the vintage inspired, pink vases there as well, allowing me to knock two chores off the to-do list!
Styling a stress free and low maintenance brunch can easily be done with proper preparation and a visually appealing, cohesive color palette.
INCORPORATE FOOD AS PART OF YOUR DESIGN
Brunch foods and pastries are not limited to the bar or buffet only. Incorporate your menu options into your table; display them in grand fashion. Homemade waffles and donuts are perfect accents to cake stands. Cupcakes look great on top of place settings. This donut wall, made by Coogee Studios on Etsy, is not only great for brunches but also comes in handy for birthday parties and other holiday parties. Celebrate your treats with a stylish display!
DON’T BECOME A SHORT ORDER COOK; ENJOY YOUR OWN EVENT.
Typically, a savory brunch always includes one egg dish, an assortment of pastries, fresh fruit, a daytime cocktail if appropriate and often a baked treat for dessert or party favor. Plan foods that can be served in food warmers and use your oven to keep things like casseroles and quiches warm. French toast can be prepared the night before and heated in the oven. Create a waffle bar where guests make their own waffles with various fruits and syrups. Self- serve stations also allow for conversation and introductions amongst guests. Local baker, Meesh’s Bakery, is my go-to confectioner for any event. Her custom cookies, praised by the Property Brothers, are fabulous. She can create any design or logo and I always use them as part of my buffets, tablescapes or as toppers to my place settings.
More important than your floral arrangement or buffet selection is enjoying your company! If your quiche falls flat or you burn the blueberry muffins, don’t panic. Your party guests will be more encouraged to have a good time when they see you are too. So, laugh it off, grab a mimosa and celebrate in style!
Jenny is your Styling Your Everyday contributor. She will bring to you design and entertainment tips from her years of experience. Connect with @jennyreimold on Instagram or at jennyreimold.com. Photography by Shannon LeBlanc Photography
