Learn how to prepare a special brunch at home

Enjoying the weekend in a more relaxed way, without worrying about what time to wake up, is wonderful, right? After all, a brunch can make a day like this even more special. Between breakfast and lunch, opting for a charming mix of the two has been preferred by many in recent years, especially when it comes to celebrations that rely on more flexible schedules.

Find out the details and origin of the meal and get inspired to prepare your own!

Discover the origins of brunch

The meal of English origin , in the 19th century, emerged as an alternative to please everyone, catering to different tastes, preferences and styles, mixing traditional breakfast dishes with more substantial options, such as those served at lunch.

For many, brunch is nothing more than a coffee consumed a little later than usual, or just a passing fad, like so many others, but the truth is that this practice has been around for over 200 years and has become an essential event around the world, especially in recent decades.

The name is nothing more than a fusion between the words “breakfast ” and “lunch” , which mean “morning coffee” and “snack” in English, respectively. In big cities around the world, such as New York, London, Paris, brunch has already become a classic.

Here in the country, there are already many places that offer these options on the menu, focusing on certain days of the week, such as Saturdays and Sundays, with some even offering them daily. However, what has really been gaining prominence are private events in this format . Receiving friends and relatives at home with the charm of a beautiful brunch has been the bet of the most in-the-know.

Learn how to prepare your special brunch

To host with the style that the occasion deserves and celebrate in a special way, there are two ways to put this into practice: hire a specialised catering service or get your hands dirty in the kitchen. And, to help you with the second option (which, between us, we think is much more fun), we have brought you tips that will make all the difference in ensuring that your event is perfect.

Ideal time and place

Since the idea is to replace two important meals of the day with just one , the timing also needs to be taken into account. Since it involves combining breakfast with lunch, it is best to start it not too early, but not too late either.

The suggested time is between 10 and 11 am and lasts until 3 or 4 pm at the latest . Keep in mind that your guests have not had their first meal, but that this is not a lunch that should start close to noon. Common sense is very important in this matter, so as not to leave people hungry.

Another important point to ensure that the brunch atmosphere is maintained is the location. Since it is an event that always takes place during the day, it is much more inviting and cozy if it takes place outdoors or in a place with plenty of sunlight . Balconies, gardens or places near large windows can be the best choice to make your moment even more unforgettable.

Where to start?

Start by thinking about the focus of the event. Is it a birthday? Christening? Wedding? Just an excuse to get together with the people you love? This will help you figure out how to adapt some traditions to the menu and even the decor. Then, list how many people you plan to host.

To make your guests feel comfortable and at ease, it may be important to highlight whether there is a need to offer dishes that include vegetarian or vegan options, and whether there is anyone on the list who has any dietary restrictions.

To make your work easier, the buffet idea can be the most practical for everyone, without the worry of serving.

What to serve

One of the basic rules of brunch is abundance, but remember that this doesn’t mean you need to invest in over-the-top dishes, especially the heartier ones. However, what we said at the beginning prevails: it will be two meals in one. In short, it’s a hearty breakfast with the best of the lighter lunch options.

From there, it might be interesting to use a special brunch line to guide your choices. For a more British inspiration , for example, sausages, bacon, mushrooms, sausages, spinach and vegetables are a must . If your idea is to follow a more American proposal , pancakes, scrambled eggs with bacon, waffles, cookies and muffins are the options.

For a French touch , eggs benedict, croissants, croque monsieur, French toast, wraps, canapés, brioches, salads and macarons. If the focus is on more Italian cuisine, it is good to serve dishes such as bruschetta, frittatas, cannolis, sourdough breads, salami, cheeses, and desserts such as tiramisu and panna cotta.

But of course, mixing things up is always a great idea, and you don’t have to limit yourself to these issues. your menu is also a great idea at this time of year , with cakes, cheese breads and other finger foods , especially if your brunch is during the summer. A variety of breads, fruits, cheeses and cold cuts, spreads, jams, nuts and yogurts complete the list and even help with the decoration of your table.

Other excellent options for those recipes that fall somewhere between breakfast and lunch are quiches, pies and savory tarts. For proteins, including smoked salmon and roast beef goes perfectly with the whole idea.

What to leave out

Think of brunch as a meal that offers a break from the routine , with dishes that are different from what we usually eat every day. Avoid common and very heavy dishes, such as rice, beans and meat. This is precisely the opportunity to serve something different to your guests and delight not only their eyes, but their stomachs as well. On the drinks menu, leave out drinks that include vodka, whiskey, cachaça and full-bodied beers. These do not usually go well with the recipes proposed.

In addition to the menu, other details that don’t go well with brunch are loud, lively music (choose a calmer, softer soundtrack) and very vibrant colors in the decor.

Plan a pleasant event in the sunlight, and be inspired by nature and tranquility when making your choices.

How to decorate

Since it is a relaxed event, brunch allows for greater freedom in decoration, but that doesn’t mean it has to be anything but sophisticated and elegant. It’s always nice when we can give our own personal touch to events, and this is no different. Go for something light and mixed with personal and affectionate items, especially if the occasion involves family gatherings.

Invest in flowers of all types, including dried ones, herbs, branches, light tablecloths, delicate and retro crockery, colorful napkins, boards, jute and ceramic pieces, for example.

For furniture, opt for countertops in wood tones, a table with a wooden top or a table with a glass top . Try to focus the event’s focus on the main table , with accessories that match this main character.

A ladder shelf can add a different and special charm when serving, and looks beautiful displaying fruits and spices.

Drinks

Drinks need to match and accompany the chosen dishes, but some cannot be left off the menu, such as coffees, teas and juices. For that elegant touch, water flavored with seasonal fruits adds charm to the proposal.

As for alcoholic options, don’t forget that people may have just woken up, so they won’t always be willing to start the day with drinks and other heavier beverages. Chilled sparkling wine, preferably brut, is the most popular option in this format, and goes well with almost all dishes. Another option is the Mimosa, made with sparkling wine and orange juice, and is the most traditional at American and English brunches.

But you can also offer options such as white wine, clericot and even lighter beers, such as pilsner.

Checklist

Now that you understand how a brunch works and what you need to put into practice for this reception in the most fashionable style, check out the checklist we prepared to help you not forget any details and make this moment unforgettable:

1 – Establish the number of guests ;

2- Choose a place outdoors or with plenty of sunlight , but that can accommodate everyone comfortably;

3- Plan a menu that includes everyone , in the style of recipes that make sense for your event;

4- Pay special attention to drinks , so that they are served hot when necessary and very cold when requested;

5- Opt for a loving and Instagrammable decoration , in light colors;

6- Don’t forget to send the invitation in advance and, preferably, ask your guests for prior confirmation.