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Are You Hosting for the Holidays This Year? Try a Brunch Gathering!

A festive fall table set for brunch featuring items from AllModern | via Yellow Brick Home
candlesticks + holders | mugs | glasses | plates

Chances are, you’ve heard me rave about brunch gatherings in the past. I love a good brunch date, so of course I love a larger brunch gathering as well! Before the holidays swallow us whole this year, may I suggest a brunch gathering for anyone who has offered to be a host?

This post is in collaboration with AllModern, offering modern style and convenience for your modern life. Fast, free shipping = holidays made simple.

Hear me out: Brunch gatherings are more mellow, a friendly way to start your day, less food, and fun! We’ve hosted several, and as the final guest leaves (typically by noon or 1pm), I always exclaim, We need to do this more often! I’m able to ease into the day feeling joyful, having just enjoyed interactions with friends and family that (quite literally) fill my cup. I am not tied down by bedtimes or exhaustion, and the remainder of the day lies ahead, somehow providing a feeling of wonder and excitement for what’s to come.

What's for brunch? Quiche and berries on a melamine plate featuring items from AllModern | via Yellow Brick Home
mugs | glasses | plates | silverware (similar)

Below, I’m sharing my tips for hosting a casual brunch this holiday season. A brunch that’ll leave you rejuvenated and ready to conquer your day! Mark my words; give it a try.

1| Keep the Menu Simple

The first and most important rule I abide by is to keep. it. simple! Store bought quiches that can be thrown in the oven are a crowd pleaser, and a side of fresh mixed berries add color. Add a basket of bread or bagels, and you’re guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy. Small bowls (we’re using these) are great for DIY toppings, such as whipped cream, jam and butter.

What's for brunch? Quiche and berries on a melamine plate featuring items from AllModern | via Yellow Brick Home
pair of oak trays

2| Use Slightly Elevated, Yet Casual Dinnerware

Rather than an eclectic mix of all the collected mugs in your cabinet, opt instead for a set of matching glasses. Bring out the cloth napkins, light some candles (yes, really!), and pull out your favorite plates and bowls. I like to have one mug, one water glass and, sometimes, one champagne flute per guest. The table is set before the first guest arrives, with their water glass filled and a pot of coffee brewing.

Beeswax candles, double wall glass coffee mugs and a brunch spread featuring items from AllModern | via Yellow Brick Home
candlesticks + holders | mugs | glasses

Would you believe me if I told you these dishes are all melamine? I’ve had my eye on them for a while, and I finally purchased them through AllModern. They are shatterproof, BPA free, dishwasher safe, and look like high-end ceramic dinnerware!

table setting for brunch with melamine plate featuring items from AllModern | via Yellow Brick Home
melamine dinnerware | silverware (similar) | amber glass | mug

They’re made to mimic the look of handmade pottery, down to the perfectly imperfect beige accent stripe. I kid you not, the first time I handed my 4-year-old Lucy a snack in one of the bowls, even she commented on the quality. Truth be told, every one of our guests has commented on them! They’re really, really good.

3| Don’t Skip the Music

Hot coffee, mixed exactly how you like it, pairs nicely with a soothing soundtrack, don’t you think? We’ve been making slow upgrades to some of our dinnerware as we prepare for the most exciting part of our kitchen renovation (unpacking!), and these new mugs + this Spotify playlist are our jam.

table setting for brunch with melamine plate featuring items from AllModern | via Yellow Brick Home
dinner plate | bowl | silverware (similar)

Have you opted to host a brunch gathering over dinner? If so, what advice would you add, and what was your experience like?

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  • Carol10.11.22 - 9:18 AM

    I am laughing, because our brunches don’t even start until 1 pm!  I think you’re describing breakfast….ReplyCancel

    • Scott10.11.22 - 9:59 AM

      Haha! I think you’re describing lunch. :) Typically brunch runs from around 10-2 here in Chicago.ReplyCancel

      • Jessica10.14.22 - 12:45 PM

        Ha! I’ve had this discussion with so many people, so this makes me laugh. We are in the 10-2 brunch camp over in Ohio! ReplyCancel

  • Danielle10.11.22 - 11:09 AM

    These are great tips and a great idea! My hesitation is that I am so not a morning person and would rather have all day before hosting dinner, but I understand as a kidless night owl I may be in the minority for my family/friend group.
    I love the look of those plates – can you tell me more about how they feel? My husband is all about how things feel in his hand, usually the heavier the better. Do they feel similar to a pottery style, or like a light plastic plate?ReplyCancel

    • Scott10.11.22 - 12:09 PM

      Thanks Danielle! Lucy and I are the morning people of our little trio. Kim’s the night owl around here. The plates definitely have a nice weight to them and we both remarked on how substantial they felt in-hand when we received them. I’d say they’re not quite as hefty as comparable ceramic dishes, but way heavier than traditional plastic dishes.ReplyCancel

  • Sheila10.11.22 - 6:53 PM

    Pretty things!  I love hosting brunch but haven’t had one end by noon yet!  I like to set up a drinks bar on the buffet so people can serve themselves. Coffee, hot water, tea bags, etc with mugs and spoons at one end.  Flutes and juice glasses at the other end with still and sparkling water, juices and champagne in a big ice bucket.  Everything’s in easy reach for mid-meal refills. ReplyCancel

  • Ashley - The Gold Hive10.14.22 - 12:28 PM

    You have me sold on melamine! These plates are so pretty. And the photo edits are stunning – which preset did you use?!
    Lastly, have to weigh in that I agree brunch is from 10-2! a 1pm start time for brunch would mean I already ate breakfast or I’d arrive hangry! :)ReplyCancel

  • Julie10.16.22 - 5:04 PM

    Brunch is one of my favorite things to host, usually after a group morning workout we all gather for eggs and potatoes and fruit. Brunch foods are simple to prepare and I feel like it’s lower expectations to host brunch, so I feel like the pressure is off for a morning meal.ReplyCancel

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