Serve Up Sophistication with a Spring Brunch

Plan the Perfect Garden Party

For a sophisticated spring brunch, send out elegant invitations a few weeks in advance encouraging guests to “gather in the garden,” “kick off a fresh season al fresco,” or “celebrate spring in style,” with a special meal. Once the invitations are out, it is time to focus on the décor. If you’re lucky enough to have a vibrant garden setting bursting with spring flowers, simply set out a few tables and you’re done. But for most of us, it’s going to take more effort.

Either in your garden, yard or on the patio, set up a simple card table or tables and chairs depending on the number of guests, then drape all with white cloth. Tie a wide white sash around the chair backs to keep the cloth in place when your guests sit down. The materials you use don’t have to be expensive or fancy, the all-white look always presents elegantly. Using white dinnerware doubles the dramatic effect.

Another choice is to go with what we call “elegant eclectic”, a mix and match approach to your dinnerware that is a great idea if you don’t have enough in your service for every guest. Visit flea markets and antique stores and buy one or two fine plates or glasses from several different attractive or unusual patterns that compliment each other. Eclectic simply means the quality of the pieces makes up for the lack of exact matching. Don’t worry, the overall look is just as elegant.

The next step is to bring the best of spring to the table with fragrant centerpieces featuring the flowers of the season. Do a little research at local shops or even in your own yard to see what’s blooming in your area. You could choose to have all one color, if you’re in the Deep South, such as Louisiana or Mississippi, a dramatic all-white table of fragrant, saucer-sized Southern Magnolias will be available to you in spring. Or you could use mixed bouquets with a burst of beautiful colors. The vibrant-hued iris is a good spring flower as far west as Texas and the coastal regions of the Southeast are known for Gerbera daisies, which come in multiple colors. You can also use a single bloom or two in a creative container for simple sophistication, such as the huge, lily-like amaryllis, which grows well in Florida this time of year. If you would like a more lush arrangement that mimics a blooming garden, use hydrangeas, which bloom in the spring as far north as Maryland. Try unique containers, such as wine glasses or empty wine bottles or old fashioned milk containers for a shabby-chic look.

Now it’s time to consider the menu. The ideal time to throw a spring brunch is around 10; a little later than a traditional breakfast, but earlier than lunch. Assuming your guests will be hungry when they arrive, greet them with Sausage Biscuits, Bacon and Mushroom Bite-Size and fresh sliced fruit, which will also double as a colorful element of your décor when presented on a sidebar with fresh flowers matching your centerpieces. Another way to greet your guest with color as well as a little refreshment is to offer a pitcher of mimosas or a rose wine spritzer to accompany your pre-meal snacks.

The rest of your menu should be closely associated with spring. The key to a successful brunch is to keep the menu simple. Try creating several casseroles ahead of time so you have time to mingle with your guest. The Overnight Bacon Casserole is an easy to prepare dish that will surely impress your guests. After brunch, direct your guests’ attention to a dessert tray and coffee or warm flavored tea. Try the Best Ever Carrot Cupcakes and Luscious Lemon Angel Food Cake with a Citrus Glaze to round out the occasion.

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