Posts Labeled ‘brunch’

January 4th, 2012

Bellini Bar

At our recent New Year’s Day brunch, we set out a bellini bar for our guests to enjoy. Bellinis are a perfect brunch beverage and setting up a make-your-own bellini station allows guests to create the drink to their taste.

I followed Giada De Laurentiis’ recipe for the fruit purées and offered peach, strawberry, and blueberry. A note to those who may wish to try this — blueberry was not very popular! I’d suggest blood orange or lemon as an alternative.

Set out a little sign indicating what the bar is and how to create the drink, and put labels in front of each purée so guests know what they are pouring. Many thanks to Jennifer Olmstead of Deleted Space Creative for the design of the sign and labels.

Cheers!

October 26th, 2010

Make it Interactive: Table Conversation Starters

There’s nothing worse at a party than silence. Why not spark some witty banter with some conversation starters? Here are a few ideas that I love.

Custom crossword puzzle; via Martha Stewart

A custom crossword puzzle would be a perfect way to create discussion at a bridal luncheon, or wedding or baby shower. Try Variety Games or Puzzle Maker for customizable templates.

"Fun Facts" card; via Style Me Pretty; photo by Olive Juice

Even listing some fun facts about the bride and groom or guests of honor at a party can be a great way to start chatter around the table. This card is adorable!

Question-prompting guest book; via Martha Stewart

Create your own thought-provoking guest book that guests can sign and pass around the table.

DIY fortune cookies; via Once Wed

I love these DIY fortune cookies found on Once Wed. Create a series of “fortunes” or best wishes and insert them into the folded fortune-cookie-look-a-like and encourage guests to share their wishes around the table.

Paper Leaves of Thanks; via Martha Stewart

With Thanksgiving coming up it’s a perfect opportunity to create some interactivity around the table through having guests share what they are thankful for. Even just writing little thoughts on these simple but pretty paper leaves could be fun.

What’s your fun idea for making your special occasion dinner table interactive?

May 10th, 2009

Mother’s Day Brunch

This year I am not able to celebrate Mother’s Day with my mom as we live so far away. But if she were here, I’d serve something like the following menu, which includes some of my “go to” brunch favorites:

Potato and Boursin Frittata

Potato and Boursin Frittata

Potato and Boursin Frittata

Mixed Greens

Keep this simple. Use organic baby greens tossed with simple vinaigrette.

Fruit Salad with Mint

Assemble a fruit salad using seasonal fruits. Consider pineapple, strawberries, melons…. Then add some fresh chopped mint and mix.

Lemon Pound Cake with Raspberries

This pound cake from Barefoot Contessa is divine. Add some raspberries for a pop of color and textural contrast.

Barefoot Contessa's Lemon Cake

Barefoot Contessa

Happy Mother’s Day everyone. Here’s to good eating!

April 27th, 2009

Celebrating Mother’s Day – Washington Style.

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10. Still wondering where to take Mom for brunch?

Washingtonian magazine recently posted a list of DC-area spots where you can celebrate Mom’s Day in a special way. They’ve done all the research for you … all you have to do is choose!

Need more DC Mother’s Day ideas? Check out the magazine’s Mother’s Day Guide.

April 5th, 2009

Springtime = Bellinis

Round Pond citrus syrups

Round Pond citrus syrups

On Saturday I hosted a brunch for my Bible Study. I served a bell pepper frittata, hash browns, french pressed coffee, and an adaptation on bellinis.

I poured a small amount of Blood Orange Syrup from Round Pond into a champagne flute and topped it off with prosecco. (My husband and I picked up a bottle of the syrup on a recent visit to Napa and are so glad we did!)

Springtime is a wonderful season to serve bellinis because they are so refreshing and lite. Think about setting up a bellini bar for your guests to enjoy; it’s interactive, fun, and deliciously divine. Or just serve individual bellinis with a new twist — like with a lovely syrup from Round Pond.

Bellinis are great not only for at-home brunches, but for wedding or baby showers, bridesmaids lunches, and even engagement parties.

Salud!