Putting on a small get together is one thing, but how to throw brunch for a crowd is another! Especially when everyone’s busy these days. Here’s your answer: Brunch!
Tablescape Details: blue napkins c/o || table runner c/o || rattan placemat c/o || basket tray c/o || white plates || silverware || glasses {old from Mexico} || white cake stand {old but similar here} || french press coffee pot || blue and white ginger jars {from Home Goods but similar here} || blue and white french throw || fold up seat {old}
Bar: sierrabar c/o || stemless champagne glasses || orange juice carafe {old}
One of my favorite party ideas is an outside fête, complete with mimosas and a killer tablescape. There’s plenty of good weather ahead of us too, so why not?! Some benefits of brunch are…
- It’s simple
- Unexpected from the typical dinner party
- Everyone’s available in the mornings
- Easy clean up
Scroll below to get my best tips on how to host brunch for a crowd.
How To Host Brunch For a Crowd
Set The Scene The Night Before // I always say, the host sets the tone for a party. To ensure I remain as chill as possible (although I always wind up frazzled!), I try to prep ahead as much as possible. Here, I assembled the table, the bar and the tablescape allllll the night before. I covered everything with old blankets to protect my masterpiece from dew, squirrels and more. The next morning I simply uncovered and wallah! A beautiful scene all ready to go. This allowed me to get all dolled up without the stress of getting everything ready.
Flow // I never knew about “flow” till I was older. But it’s a thing and it works. Multiple areas for food and drink encourage guests to move and mingle! Which results in better party conversation. For this brunch, instead of putting the drinks on the table, I set up a nearby mimosa station. Anytime I create different areas to congregate, people seem to talk to other guests they wouldn’t normally interact with. I also like creating different food/drink stations. For example if you’re entertaining inside, maybe a cheese board in the dining room, cocktails in the living room and apps in the kitchen!
Outfit Details: stripe jumpsuit // hoop earrings // bamboo bangle {old} // gold sandals
Make A Statement // Nothing makes a statement more than a stunning tablescape. I love hearing guests gasp when they see it for the first time too! Here’s exactly how I did mine. And yes, there’s a science to entertaining decor.
I knew I wanted the scene to be fresh, colorful and inviting. So I added some of Serena & Lily’s tabletop pieces to what I already have! Serena & Lily is my new secret go to and I’m always surprised when people tell me they’ve never heard of them. They’re unique from the usual go to’s I see others use, which naturally makes me feel like I stand out {in a good way!}. It’s based out of California and you’ll start seeing it everywhere.
Since I was using a white linen tablecloth, I knew I needed to incorporate tons of texture and color. Psssssst! This is what adds dimension and makes a table pop.
- To do this, I tied Serena & Lily’s blue napkins in a knot and placed them on TOP of the plates {versus the side of the plates with silverware on top}. This way all the blue could be seen from far away.
- Another simple way to add color and texture is incorporating lemons (or any citrus fruit for that matter)! Didn’t it turn out so nice?
- I’ve had my eye on these placemats FOREVER. The scalloped rattan adds a nice contrast against the tablecloth and more importantly – texture.
- Linen napkins dress up a party in a second! So I always try to use them. The blue ones reminded me of Nantucket but these monogrammed ones were a close second.
- Here’s a fun trick! I placed a runner on the side of the table versus down the middle {just fold it in half if too long}. I learned this from my mama! It designates a space for food and helps keep the table-cloth clean {which of course still had to go to the dry cleaners}. Those coffee drips will get you!
- Don’t forget underneath and around the table too. Serena & Lily’s oversized sandbar tray is handy for so many things. It’s huge so you can carry food and decor to and from the house in just one to two trips. I kept a nice throw on it too in case guests wanted to make a little picnic right there in the grass.
Ice Cold Beverages // Guys. Ice cold drinks are the way to people’s hearts. So make sure wine and beer are chilled and kept on ice the ENTIRE time. Serena & Lily’s Sierra Bar is MAGIC and really steals the show. Part bar, part party bucket, it can be filled with ice, used as a table top, stores additional plates and holds alllllll the wine and beverages you can imagine.
Naturally, brunch isn’t brunch without mimosas. I filled the right side with ice and champagne. Then kept the left side as a table top to display orange juice and glasses. I even used the lid as a tray to serve the mimosas!
Underneath were stacks of plates so guests could grab their own! This extra outdoor storage space helps keep your table uncluttered and stay pretty too.
Side Note: We also used this bar for our block party last weekend and we received a MILLION compliments. All our neighbors kept commenting on how their rosé and chardonnay stayed ice-cold all night long and it held ALL our wine!
Seating // Don’t you hate when one person monopolizes all your time at a party? One of THE BEST KEPT SECRETS for hosting is not providing enough seats for guests. Sounds cruel I know! But if you think about it, people like to mingle on their feet and talk to lots of party goers. With limited seating, people can stand, walk and encourages that whole flow thing I just talked about.
No Cooking // There’s no point of hosting a party if you can’t enjoy it! Pick up some fresh pastries (everyone loves croissants), colorful berries, yogurt, any other pre-made items and call it a day. I know several people who like to make a Quiche ahead of time and simply reheat! Stay away from anything that requires cooking that day – like omelets, pancakes or waffles. YSince most people eat a light breakfast anyway, keep it simple. Just make sure you’ve got quality coffee and keep it HOT!
What type of get togethers do you like to throw? Now that you know how to throw brunch for a crowd, get in on the books today! And don’t forget to use Serena & Lily for some major inspo.
Speaking of Serena & Lily, have you guys been to their new brick and mortar in Lincoln Park, Chicago yet? I went there Monday and its to DIE for. Plus all their Fall stuff is trickling in. For a sneak peek, you can check out my Instagram stories. But don’t worry, I have a full tour coming to the blog soon too!
Photography by Paige Babilla
A huge thanks to Serena & Lily for collaborating on this post!
