A Great Easter Brunch

From bursts of colorful flowers in bloom to fresh, temperate breezes, Easter is a time when everything feels alive and brand new. Spring’s awakening is the perfect time to celebrate. And a mid-day brunch is a treat for the eyes as well as the budget, because nature has already done half the work for you!

More Fun Easter Ideas

Elegant, Easy Eats

Keep it simple. Buffet or family style is usually best. A frou-frou formal event is a big no-no for the kiddie set. Remember: Both big and little guests should be able to mingle comfortably and have a good time.
Forget about fussy and over the top. Joseph notes that an overly complicated menu is a hostess’s biggest pitfall. Eggs dishes like quiche are “so in right now and I find them fantastic. And you can’t go wrong with smoked meats on a platter with wonderful cheeses and breads,” she adds.
Cut corners, not style. Budget-conscious entertaining doesn’t need to be drab. Consider a signature drink, like pear mimosas for the grown ups and white grape juice for the kids.

Countdown Planner

A harried host can make for a stressed guest. Plan ahead so you can relax and enjoy the party yourself. Some tips:

Three weeks out Send out invitations and start shopping for your non-perishable items.
Two weeks ahead Firm up your guest list before the big day.
The weekend before Do all your dessert baking.
The night before Set the table and decorations.
The day of Cook eggs, waffles and other foods that should be served immediately.

Delightful Decorations

Be inviting. Consider warm, homespun invitations. Create a family photo on cardstock with the printed details, made on your personal computer. Another idea: Brown craft paper is inexpensive and earthy; hand-stamp a few pretty spring motifs on the border and use a pastel pen to jot the what-where-when information.
Think seasonal. A central color combination or Easter element will tie your party together in elegant fashion. Purple—a signature Easter shade—coupled with green reads, “timeless chic,” says Nicky Mesiah. Highly sought-after for her planning as well as catering expertise, Mesiah says you can bring the outside in with wheatgrass and other fresh details. “I love these colors,” says Mesiah. “They don’t compete with the food; they are not overly feminine; and they are super hot and fashionable. You can add gold accents if you like to really glam it up.” Lavender, lemongrass and other natural elements are affordable, chic and simple centerpiece ideas, says David Tutera, celebrity event expert and host of Discovery Channel’s Party Planner. “Stick with the season and let spring be your guide.”
Use what you’ve got. Take it from a pro: there is no need to buy pricey servers and accessories. “Easter is a great time to re-purpose and recycle," says home and food stylist Annette Joseph. “Make good use of paper and live plants. She suggests simple touches such as recycled jam jars with fresh daisies; a brightly colored paper runner trimmed with pinking shears; or a bowl of pretty dyed eggs for beautiful centerpiece. Mesiah likes no-fail, go-with-everything white plates—mismatched is fine—and napkins, linen or quality paper. “Use scraps of ribbon and trim embellish your napkins,” Tutera advises. “Try a galvanized bucket as riser for your buffet.” Mesiah says staying on theme can actually help contain costs. She notes, “Sticking with purple and green, what’s fresher and more modern than beautiful pitchers of water with fresh lime or cucumber slices?”
Get crafty. Have plenty of paper, crayons and safe, rounded scissors on hand along with some templates. Invite kids—as well adults—to decorate the place settings.