How to Style a Brunch: Beyond the Food
Brunch is more than just delicious food! Take your spread from good to gorgeous with this post. Plus, discover creative drink station ideas and signage that will make your guests say “wow!” Get ready to host a brunch that’s as stylish as it is delicious.
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Index
So you’ve planned the perfect brunch menu, a delicious symphony of sweet and savory treats. But before your guests arrive, there’s one more crucial step: transforming your table into a brunch buffet masterpiece!
Styling a beautiful spread is easier than you think and so here are some expert tips to elevate your brunch from tasty to truly breathtaking.
The Art of Arrangement
When it comes to styling your brunch buffet, the arrangement of your food is key. It’s not just about functionality (guests being able to reach everything), but also about creating a visually stunning display that sets the mood and gets everyone excited to dig in.
Tier Up
Tiering adds a touch of drama and visual interest, making your buffet spread more inviting. Guests will be able to easily see the variety of delicious options you’ve prepared.
Space Efficiency
By using vertical space, you’ll free up valuable table real estate for additional food items or decorative accents.
Accessibility for All
A tiered display ensures that everything is within easy reach for guests of all heights, preventing any awkward stretches or frustrating rummaging for hidden dishes.
OUR FAVORITE CAKE STANDS
11 PIECE SET – GOLD
7 PIECE SET – GOLD
10 PIECE SET – WHITE
10 PIECE SET – WHITE
7 PIECE SET – PINK
3 SET CAKE STANDS
Mixing and Matching Serving Boards
When it comes to setting up your brunch buffet, think beyond boring old platters. Mixing and matching different sizes and shapes of serving dishes is a fun way to make your spread look amazing and super functional.
The Rustic Charmer: Cheese Board
A beautiful cheese board made of natural wood or slate instantly elevates your cheese selection. Choose a board with a generous surface area to showcase a variety of cheeses, from creamy brie to sharper cheddar.
Don’t forget to add accompaniments like grapes, fig jam, and sliced salami for a complete cheese experience.
A Burst of Color: Fruit Board
Who says fruit has to be relegated to a bowl? Elevate your presentation with a vibrant fruit board. Opt for a board made of ceramic or glass to complement the colorful nature of the fruit.
Arrange sliced berries, citrus wedges, and juicy melons in a visually appealing way. You can even get creative by carving fruit into fun shapes!
Going for Graze: Charcuterie Board
Elevate your cured meats beyond a simple platter. A long, narrow board is perfect for displaying cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and chorizo.
Arrange them artfully, overlapping slightly for a visually appealing presentation.
Don’t forget to add accompaniments like olives, marinated artichoke hearts, and cornichons for a delightful grazing experience.
A Touch of Sweetness: Dessert Board
Who says brunch can’t end on a sweet note? Dedicate a board specifically for desserts. A small slate board or a vintage cake plate is perfect for showcasing an assortment of pastries, cookies, donuts and mini cakes. Arrange them playfully, creating a miniature dessert wonderland.
BEAUTIFUL BOARDS
20×15 BOARD
24×18 BOARD
SERVING BOARD WITH HANDLE
36×12 Rectangular Charcuterie Platter
Smaller Bowls for the Good Stuff
Think of smaller bowls as your sidekicks. They fill in the gaps and add those finishing touches. These little guys might not be the main attraction, but they play a crucial role in elevating your presentation and keeping your guests happy.
Flavor & Texture Helpers
Dipping
Fill bowls with creamy ranch dressing, salsa, or aioli for dipping.
Olives & Pickles
Offer separate bowls for olives and colorful pickled vegetables.
Nuts
Add a bowl of roasted almonds, cashews, or a spiced nut mix.
Fresh Herbs
Provide a bowl overflowing with fresh herbs for guests to add to their plates.
Spice Up Your Food
Offer a bowl of chili flakes for those who like things spicy.
Sweet & Savory Options
Jams & Condiments
Use cute bowls for jams, jellies, honey, and other condiments near your cheese board.
Fruit Salad
Showcase a vibrant fruit salad in a beautiful glass bowl.
Yogurt Parfaits
Fill mason jars with individual yogurt parfaits for a charming and controlled-portion option.
SMALL BOWL SELECTION
SET OF 6 SMALL BOWLS
SET OF 6 GLASS BOWLS
SET OF 6 GLASS BOWLS
Platters
Don’t underestimate the impact of a well-styled platter! It can be the difference between a good brunch buffet and a stunning one that wows your guests (and inspires them to capture it on camera).
Platter-Specific Ideas
Forget just dumping food in the center. Take a few minutes to arrange your offerings in an aesthetically pleasing way. Here are some tips and platter-specific ideas:
Here are some tips and platter-specific ideas:
Pancakes
Move beyond the standard stack! Create tiered displays that resemble mini cakes, playful fan shapes, or even mini pancake shapes cut into hearts or stars for a touch of whimsy.
Quiches
Ditch the traditional quiche! Bake bite-sized quiches in muffin tins and arrange them in a beautiful pinwheel pattern on a platter. Get creative with shapes using cookie cutters and add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color.
Veggie Platter
Showcase the vibrant world of vegetables! Arrange colorful bell peppers, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, sugar snap peas, and broccoli florets in a visually appealing way. Include a selection of dips like hummus, ranch, or guacamole for added variety.
Platter SELECTION
4 PCS Serving Trays
Ceramic Serving Platters
2 PCS Serving Platters
A Feast for the Eyes: Beyond the Food
Sure, the food is the star of the brunch buffet, but the way you present it can elevate the entire experience into a feast for the eyes.
Here are some expanded tips to create a stunning tablescape that complements your delicious spread:
Tablecloth: Setting the Stage
The tablecloth is the foundation of your brunch tablescape. It sets the tone and creates a cohesive look.
Here are some things to consider:
Classic
For a timeless look, opt for a neutral-colored tablecloth like white, beige, or light gray. This allows your food and other decorative elements to take center stage.
Patterns
Feeling bold? Choose a patterned tablecloth that complements your dishes. Floral prints are perfect for spring brunches, while stripes or geometric patterns can add a modern touch. Just remember, keep the pattern busy-ness in mind. A loud tablecloth might overpower the food.
BEST SELLERS – UPDATED FOR 2024!
LINEN TABLECLOTH
FABRIC TABLECLOTH
LACE TABLECLOTH
Napkins
Napkins are often relegated to a purely functional role – cleaning up spills and messy fingers. But these little squares of fabric hold the potential to elevate your tablescape from ordinary to extraordinary!
Here’s how to transform napkins from afterthought to a stylish and functional part of your table setting:
Fabric
Ditch the boring paper napkins! Invest in a set of colorful fabric napkins. They’re not only more eco-friendly, but also add a touch of elegance to the table.
Color Coordination
Choose napkin colors that complement your tablecloth or other decorative elements. For example, pair a floral tablecloth with solid-colored napkins in one of the flower’s hues.
BEAUTIFUL NAPKINS FOR ALL BUDGETS
50 GOLD TRIM
12 COTTON LINEN
50 GOLD EDGE
250 PLAID DESIGN
100 SUNFLOWER DESIGN
100 FLORAL DESIGN
12 COTTON – LAVENDER
50 FLATWARE POCKET
20 CHEESECLOTH
100 Milky White
Fresh Flowers: The Blooming Stars of Your Brunch Buffet
Fresh flowers are more than just decorations; they’re the vibrant heart of your brunch buffet. Their cheerful colors, delightful fragrance, and touch of nature instantly elevate your table setting. But with so many options, choosing the perfect floral centerpiece can feel overwhelming.
Here are some tips to guide you towards the perfect blooms for your brunch:
Consider the Occasion
Casual Brunch
Opt for a relaxed and whimsical arrangement. Sunflowers, daisies, or lilies in a rustic mason jar create a charming atmosphere.
Formal Brunch
Embrace elegance with a sophisticated centerpiece. Roses, hydrangeas, or calla lilies in a crystal vase exude a touch of luxury.
Themed Brunch
Play with the theme! For a springtime brunch, choose tulips or hyacinths in pastel colors. A mimosa brunch might call for citrus-hued lilies or gerbera daisies.
Color Coordination is Key
Complementary Colors
Let your flowers be the stars! Choose blooms in colors that complement your table setting. If your tablecloth has a bold pattern, opt for softer colored flowers.
Seasonal Palette
Embrace the season’s beauty. Spring calls for soft pastels, summer for vibrant hues, autumn for rich jewel tones, and winter for whites and deep purples.
Size Matters
Table Proportion
Keep the scale in mind. A massive centerpiece can overwhelm a small table, while a tiny arrangement might get lost on a large one. Choose a centerpiece that complements the size of your table.
Guest Visibility
Ensure your centerpiece doesn’t obstruct conversation. Low and wide arrangements or those in tall, slender vases are ideal for allowing guests to see each other across the table.
Size Matters
Subtle Scents
While a delightful fragrance can enhance the ambiance, avoid overpowering scents. Strong-smelling flowers like lilies might be overwhelming in a small space. Go for milder options like roses, peonies, or freesia.
Seasonal Allergies
Be mindful of guests with allergies. If someone suffers from seasonal allergies, avoid highly fragrant flowers and opt for unscented varieties.
VASES
12 AMBER VASES
10 PINK VASES
WHITE PITCHER
4 Clear vases
By incorporating these tips, you can create a tablescape that’s both beautiful and functional. Remember, the goal is to create a visually appealing setting that enhances the entire brunch experience for your guests.
Beyond the Table: The Finishing Touches
Here’s how to extend the magic beyond the table:
Your brunch buffet is looking incredible, but don’t stop there! The finishing touches are what elevate your gathering from a good meal to a truly memorable experience.
Ambiance with Music
Create a delightful soundtrack for your brunch. Upbeat and cheerful tunes for a casual gathering, or soft jazz for a more sophisticated atmosphere.
Drink Station
Your brunch spread is looking phenomenal, but a well-organized drink station is the missing piece!
Here’s how to create a stylish and functional area dedicated to beverages, keeping your brunch flowing smoothly:
Location, Location, Location
Accessibility: Choose a spot that’s easily accessible for guests but doesn’t block the flow of traffic. Avoid areas with high foot traffic near the buffet or entryway.
Space & Theme: Consider the space you have available and your brunch theme. A dedicated bar cart works wonders for a sophisticated brunch, while a rustic table with crates might suit a garden party vibe.
The Beverage Basics
Coffee & Tea Station: Set up a dedicated coffee and tea station with a selection of hot beverages, sweeteners, creamers, and various teas. Consider a hot water dispenser for convenience.
Coffee & Tea Essentials
Coffee Dispenser
100 cup Hot Water Urn
Coffeemate variety creamer – 150 pack
Assorted Sugar packs – 350
Two Rivers Assorted Tea Sampler
Yogi Tea Organic Sampler
Juice & Water Buffet: Offer a variety of juices, sparkling water, and still water. Include colorful pitchers or dispensers for a visually appealing display. Don’t forget to add sliced lemons, limes, oranges, or berries for a refreshing touch.
BEAUTIFUL DRINK DISPENSERS
DRINK DISPENSER
DRINK DISPENSER
Drink Dispenser Set of 3
2 PACK DRINK DISPENSERS
GORGEOUS PITCHERS
GLASS CARAFES
PITCHER WITH LID
PITCHER WITH LID
PITCHER WITH SPOUT
LOVELY GLASSES
8 SET TALL GLASSES
PURPLE GOBLETS
PINK DRINKING GLASSES
VINTAGE FLUTES
GREEN DRINKING GLASSES
AMBER DRINKING GLASSES
SIGNAGE
Cute little signs labelling your dishes add a personal touch and serve a practical purpose:
Dietary Delights
Help guests with dietary restrictions identify safe options by labelling dishes that are vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free.
Creative Captions
Ditch boring labels! Get creative with cute names for your dishes. For example, call your quiche “The Quiche Lorraine of Your Dreams” or your pancakes “Fluffy Cloud Stacks.”
Signage that Shines
By going beyond the basic sign, you’ll transform your beverage labeling into a charming and stylish element of your brunch décor. It adds a personal touch, helps guests identify drinks easily, and complements the overall theme of your gathering. Let your creativity flow and have fun with it!
CARDS AND SIGNS
CARD HOLDERS – 20 set
100 PLACE CARDS
CARD HOLDERS – 30 set
60 FLORAL CARDS
LIGHTING
The right lighting can transform your brunch atmosphere. Here’s how to create a warm and inviting ambiance:
- String Light Sparkle: Drape string lights across the space for a whimsical and festive touch.
- Candle Charm: Cluster candles throughout the room, but ensure they’re placed safely and won’t obstruct conversation. Consider using flameless candles for added safety.
- Natural Light Magic: Subsequently, take advantage of natural light by positioning your brunch buffet near a window.
LIGHTING IDEAS
FAIRY CURTAIN LIGHTS
FLICKERING LED LIGHTS
OUTDOOR STRING LIGHTS
OUTDOOR STRING LIGHTS
By incorporating these finishing touches, you’ll elevate your brunch buffet from good to grand.
Remember, it’s all about creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere that makes your guests feel comfortable, relaxed, and also ready to enjoy a delicious meal with good company.
Bonus Tip: Theme Time
Take your brunch buffet to the next level with a fun theme! Embrace spring with pastel colors and floral arrangements, or you could also do a Parisian cafe vibe with a striped tablecloth and mini baguettes.
By following these tips and incorporating your own creative flair, you’ll transform your brunch buffet into an Instagram-worthy masterpiece.
Remember, brunch is all about celebrating good food and good company. So relax, have fun, and let your inner stylist shine!
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