Hosting the Ultimate Outdoor Brunch: Tips and Recipe Ideas
As the weather gets warmer, it’s the perfect time to plan an outdoor brunch with your friends and family. Whether it's a special celebration or just a lazy weekend morning, there are a few tips and tricks to make it unforgettable.
Tips for Hosting an Outdoor Brunch
Create a Comfortable Environment
When hosting an outdoor brunch, it’s important to make sure your guests are comfortable. Create a seating area with plenty of chairs and cushions. If the weather is too hot, consider setting up umbrellas or canopies to provide shade.
Set the Table with Style
Set the tone for your brunch by creating a beautiful tablescape. Choose a color scheme and use it to create a cohesive look with linens, plates, and utensils. Add fresh flowers, centerpieces, and natural elements like seashells or stones to bring an outdoor ambiance to your table.
Prep Ahead of Time
To make the morning of your brunch as stress-free as possible, prepare everything you can ahead of time. Plan your menu, shop for ingredients, and do as much prep work as you can the day before. This will allow you to relax and enjoy the brunch with your guests.
Recipe Ideas for Outdoor Brunch
Grilled Peach Bruschetta
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4-6 slices of bread
- 4 ounces goat cheese
- ¼ cup basil leaves, chopped
Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Grill the peach halves until char marks start to appear, about 3-4 minutes per side. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Brush the mixture over the grilled peaches. Grill the bread slices until lightly charred. Top each slice of bread with a smear of goat cheese, a grilled peach half, and chopped basil.
Breakfast Casserole
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 8 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ½ cup diced green onions
- Salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a skillet, cook and crumble sausage over medium heat until no longer pink. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In a separate bowl, mix together the cubed bread, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked sausage, red bell pepper, and green onions. Pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Pour into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until set.
Lemon Blueberry Scones
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 egg
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the blueberries. On a floured surface, pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut into wedges and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
With these tips and recipes, you’re ready to host the ultimate outdoor brunch. Set the scene, prepare some delicious food, and enjoy the company of your favorite people. Happy brunching!
