16 Delicious Brunch Ideas for Your Next Celebration
There’s a special occasion coming up and you’re getting ready to host a bountiful brunch. The thing is, you’re not sure what to serve or how to give it that extra pizazz. Fortunately, we’ve created a list of delectable brunch ideas you and your guests will love.
Whether you’re planning a baby shower for the parents-to-be or a birthday brunch to celebrate someone special, these brunch ideas have you covered. Plus, we’ll share top hosting tips to pull off your event like a pro.
Impress Your Guests with These Delicious Brunch Ideas
Looking for ideas on what to serve as part of your brunch spread? Discover all our favorite brunch recipes to help you host the best brunch ever.
1. French Toast
French toast is a breakfast and brunch classic that deserves a spot at your table or buffet. Whip up these sweet treats with this French toast recipe that requires just seven ingredients and 15 minutes. For an unexpected gourmet touch, offer your guests tasty toppings like a sprinkle of brown sugar or a dollop of ricotta.
2. Waffle Bar
Waffles are always popular for brunch, as you can customize them in so many ways. Create your own waffle bar complete with toppings like maple syrup, peanut butter, fresh berries, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream.
3. Selection of Bagels
If you’re looking for savory brunch ideas, bagels are a great choice. Offer a variety of bagel options — plain, sea salt, everything, sesame seed, onion, asiago — alongside fillings like smoked salmon and cream cheese, ham and cheese, and avocado and poached egg.
4. Breakfast Sandwiches
Have fun with a DIY take on fast-food breakfast sandwiches. Simply toast English muffins, then fill them with fried eggs, cheese, and bacon, sausage, or a burger patty. The good news is that you can modify any of these ingredients for vegan-friendly breakfast sammies. Speaking of modifications, if you prefer a Mexican twist, simply wrap your ingredients in a tortilla to make breakfast burritos instead.
5. Hash Browns
Ah, hash browns. These crispy taters make a crowd-pleasing addition to any brunch spread — and they’re relatively easy to make with this simple (and gluten-free) hash brown recipe. If you want to make it even easier on yourself, grab some frozen hash browns from the store and cook them just before your guests arrive. In addition to ketchup, offer sour cream as an optional condiment.
6. Fresh Fruit and Veggies
For something light and refreshing, you can’t go wrong with selection of fresh fruit and cut vegetables. Classics like apples, orange slices, kiwi, berries, and bananas are always a hit. Or you could prepare a fruit salad with a mix of flavors. Cut up zucchini, cucumber, bell peppers, celery, and carrots to make crudités and serve with Greek yogurt for dipping.
7. Eggs Your Way
Many of your guests are likely to enjoy eggs, but almost everyone likes them cooked differently. If you have the time or a caterer available, offer to make eggs up based on guest preferences — whether they want fried eggs, poached eggs, omelets, frittatas, or Eggs Benedict with chives and hollandaise sauce.
8. Pancake Stacks
Pancakes are another easy brunch idea that folks will love. These buttery favorites are easy to make, and you can customize them based on dietary needs or personal taste. Just be sure to offer plenty of pancake toppings like fruit compote, whipped cream, chocolate chips, and maple syrup.
9. Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are a wonderful option for a fall or holiday brunch, but they’re also a favorite all year round. Use this quick cinnamon roll recipe to make your own — no yeast or kneading required. This easy brunch recipe could also be a cute idea for a “bun in the oven” themed baby shower.
10. Croissants (and Champagne!)
Hosting a brunchy soiree with a Parisian party theme? Well then, flaky croissants are a must for your menu. You can easily find frozen options to bake at home or place an order at a local bakery. Offer plain croissants, pecan croissants, and any other flavors your guests would enjoy. Don’t forget the bubbly!
11. Breakfast Casserole
Casserole is a winning choice for any party, and breakfast casserole (also known as a breakfast bake) is the perfect option for your next brunch. Try this easy breakfast casserole recipe or consider a sweet twist with French toast casserole instead.
12. Quiche
You might see quiche as a great lunch option, but it’s also ideal for a relaxed brunch — especially for a springtime celebration or summertime baby shower. There are lots of great quiche recipes for every taste and preference.
13. Scones
For a touch of British tradition, you can’t go wrong with scones. These crumbly favorites are ideal for an afternoon tea party or when you simply want to add a touch of sophistication to your brunch menu. Just be sure to serve with clotted cream and jams.
14. Banana Bread
If you have plenty of bananas that are about to ripen, it’s time to make a classic banana bread. This brunch idea makes a great addition to any buffet spread.
15. Bread Pudding
Turn a humble loaf of bread into a mouth-watering dessert of bread pudding. This simple dish is easy to make with just a handful of ingredients and is ready to serve in less than an hour. Better still, you can make it either sweet or savory, depending on what complements the rest of your brunch.
16. Selection of Cakes
Who says you can’t have cake before noon? This is one of our favorite brunch ideas for a housewarming party, bridal shower brunch, or any other special occasion. Coffee cake, carrot cake, vanilla, and lemon poppyseed cake are all fantastic flavors that would work well with an easy breakfast spread.
Hosting Tips for the Best Brunch Yet
You’ve found the perfect breakfast recipes and brunch items for your menu, but how do you host the perfect brunch party? Glad you asked. Here’s how to turn a late-morning/early-afternoon meal into a lovely birthday brunch or other celebration.
Pick a Date
The sooner you decide on a date, the sooner you can start planning some of the more fun details. (Hello, mimosa cart!) Consider what you’re celebrating and when it works best for you and your intended guest list. If you’re hosting brunch for a holiday like Easter or Mother’s Day, plan your event close to these dates.
Build a Guest List
Do yourself a favor and make an organized spreadsheet early on that includes the first name, last name, and email address of each of your guests. This will come in handy when you’re ready to send out invitations. Digital invitation services like Greenvelope allow you to upload your list directly — which saves you time and effort!
Send Digital Invitations
Design: Solmade Studio
Your invitation will be the first communication guests receive about your party, so make sure you select a design that sets the tone for what’s to come.
Greenvelope has a variety of brunch-inspired invites to choose from, including this eye-catching baby shower brunch invite. Every invitation can be customized, so you can turn these digital invites into one-of-a-kind designs in moments. Change the layout, colors, fonts, stamp, and message to make it stand out.
Consider Dietary Requirements
You have a list of wonderful breakfast ideas, but before you finalize your menu, ask your guests about any allergies or dietary requirements in advance. Doing this is a breeze with Greenvelope digital invitations, as you can send survey questions via the simple dashboard. Once you have your answers, whip up a few options that are vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free, depending on your guest list.
Beverages and Cocktails
When it comes to brunch ideas, keep this one in mind: Don’t limit your beverages to coffee and orange juice. Whether it’s a sparkling cocktail, a bloody mary station, alcohol-free spirits, sparkling flavored water, or mimosas by the pitcher, you can make your brunch party special with a variety of fun drinks.
Decorations
From floral arrangements and festive streamers to elegant place settings and colorful centerpieces, consider incorporating decorations that will complement your overall theme or color palette. If you don’t have a theme in mind yet, take a look at these creative party themes for inspiration.
Music
Good parties often have good music, and there are multiple ways to incorporate it into your brunch. Whether it’s smooth jazz or top 40 hits, we love the idea of connecting a simple playlist from your phone for a little background music.
Clean-Up Crew
Do yourself a favor and assemble a crew of friends to help break down and clean up after your party. You’ll be glad you asked for some help, especially if you’ve planned an extravagant or decor-filled celebration.
Plan and Host Your Dream Brunch
Whether you’re planning a birthday brunch, Christmas brunch, or a monthly get-together for your book club, these brunch ideas have all you need to plan the perfect menu and an impressive event.
When you’re ready to send out those invites, use one of our brunch invitations to spread the word. Customize your design to match the moment, then send the invites on their way via text or email. Your guests will be thrilled to join the celebration.
