How to Host an Amazing Brunch Without Really Trying

Your guide to hosting a gorgeous, amazing brunch without cooking a single thing. Thank you to J.K. Adams for sponsoring today’s entertaining idea. 

Brunch season is upon us, friends! Whether you’re celebrating Easter, Mother’s Day or just a sunny Sunday, there are mimosas and pastries in your future. If you’re planning to host, this gorgeous Brunch Board is going to make your life a whole lot easier.

Everybody loves a good brunch but playing host can be rather stressful, especially so if its scheduled as part of a larger event like an Easter celebration. I’m not an early riser so the prospect of crawling out of bed in the pre-dawn hours to start a batch of cinnamon rolls before my kids wake up at dawn does not compute.

Sure, there are plenty of wonderful recipes that can be prepared the night before (check out my Blueberry Brioche French Toast Bake) but if you’re coming from church or your kids have been up since before sunrise in search of Easter eggs, or you simply didn’t have time to get something into the oven beforehand, I have the perfect solution.

Behold the Brunch Board!

Be prepared to hear audible gasps from your guests when you unveil this spread. It has absolutely everything you expect at a good brunch: flaky sweet pastries, fresh and juicy fruits, savory meats and cheeses, salty, crunchy nibbles and spreads. Your guests will be lining up to dive in.

In fact, it is so utterly lovely, it won’t occur to anyone that the entire spread was purchased pre-made at the supermarket. Not a single item requires any preparation beyond some washing and slicing. Most of the arranging can be done well in advance — the night before even. And its completely portable. Just as comfortable on a dining room buffet as it would be at the center of a patio table.

The key to pulling off this Amazing Brunch Board is in the artful arrangement. I like to start with a large and beautiful serving board, like this beauty from J.K. Adams. U.S. made from American ash, this board provides the perfect foundation for building a bountiful spread.

Next, to add texture and interest, I like to layer on a smaller cheese platter. This Charcoal Slate Cheese Server provided the perfect backdrop for a bevy of luscious cheeses.

Once you’ve chosen your serving pieces, its time to hit the supermarket. Try to pick up items that offer as many contrasting colors, textures and flavors as possible. Hit the bakery for croissants, pastries or coffeecake. Next, head to the deli to pick up a few types of gourmet cheeses, cured meats, nuts and crackers. Don’t forget the fancy jams and mustards. Next, head over to the produce section and be prepared to spend some time here. Start with fresh, juicy berries since they’re easy to plate and always a crowd favorite. Next grab some grapes, citrus and perhaps some kind of tropical fruit as an unexpected twist. Before you leave the store, be sure to grab a few bunches of fresh flowers. They’re really key in elevating this meal to occasion status.

Now its simply a matter of arranging the spread. Start with the largest items — probably your pastries and croissants. Net add the cheese platter and the larger fruits. Finally, fill in the blank spaces with fruits, nuts, spreads and such. Since ours is an Easter spread, I added a few hard boiled eggs to the mix. If you’ve dyed eggs, feel free to leave them in the shell — they’ll add even more color and interest to the board.

If you’re arranging things in advance, wrap tightly with several layers of plastic wrap before refrigerating and be sure to save any delicate items or fruits that might brown until right before serving.

That’s it! Now simply brew a pot of coffee, whip up a pitcher of mimosas and enjoy your day. Happy brunching!

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