Hollowed out orange halves stand in as votive holders.Image via Texas Citrus
I have a confession to make, I feel completely incompetent in the kitchen. While I love to entertain, I'm embarrassed to invite friends to dinner. I rarely attempt new recipes. I refuse to report the number of times the smoke detector had to be disengaged due to one of my culinary disasters. However, I can whip up a brunch like nobody's business. I'm not talking about tossing a few dozen bagels in a basket and calling it a day either. For Easter brunch last week I made Lemon Souffle Pancakes with Raspberry Sauce and they were heavenly. That got me thinking, planning a brunch might be my best option for entertaining a group of friends. Since I know I can pull off the pancakes, maybe I could create an entire citrus inspired brunch theme.
Here is what I'm thinking:
On The Menu:
Mimosas
Mimosas
I first sampled these at the Stanford Court Renaissance Hotel in San Francisco. Ideas for the Table:
Image from Modern Day Floral
My philosophy is that presentation is everything when entertaining. The food is secondary when guests see that some thought went into setting the table.
Image from Modern Day Floral
Image from Manolo for the BridesYellow Bird Plate from Pier I, $5 each
Pom Pom Napkin Rings from Martha Stewart in yellow or white would be an easy project that costs no more than the price of a few packs of tissue paper.
If I wanted to really go overboard with the theme, I'd buy a set of these pillows from Etsy seller, Freshline for $18 each to set on my sofa.
I never like to send guests home empty handed. A fresh baked lemon poppy seed muffin in a small gift box like this would work:
$2.99/4 boxes at Themed Parties for Kids.
Do you pick a theme when you entertain?
I never like to send guests home empty handed. A fresh baked lemon poppy seed muffin in a small gift box like this would work:
$2.99/4 boxes at Themed Parties for Kids. Do you pick a theme when you entertain?
Excellent post! I like so many of these ideas and plan to try out several And that recipe for the Lemon Souffle Pancakes...Oh my, they sound so wonderful! Can't wait to give them a try. I have to host a party next month and I am going to try the lemons and limes in a Hurricane idea. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhat great ideas!
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful post. I'm wondering what a girl needs to do to be added to your guest list. :-0 I especially liked the image of the tulips and limes. I am hosting a bridal shower next month and we are doing all white with pops of orange. I have ordered orange tulips and I think this would be so pretty with the limes or tangerines. Thanks for the idea.
ReplyDeleteThank you also for stopping by Becolorful and leaving the idea of giving my mom some of the photos for Mother's Day. I hadn't thought that far ahead yet but a great thought.
Have a great day.
Pamela
Okay Karen you outdid yourself with this post. Your images and food and flora are so beautiful I nearly swooned! I want to do it all: the brunch, the tablescaping, the pillows - absolutely brilliant.
ReplyDeleteI confess to not having actually had themes before when I entertained but I certainly will from now on! Luckiest of all, I have a few guests already coming over this Sunday for a cookout which I will now turn into a themed cookout thanks to your post.
Love it! If lemon souffle pancakes are on the brunch menu at your house, I am sure that your "culinary disasters" are quite delectable as well - looking forward to that invite! ;-)
ReplyDeleteThat's so funny - I was looking at those very plates yesterday at Pier 1 admiring how cute they are! If you want to win an adorable apron to wear while cooking for your guests, head on over to my blog - I'm having a giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a great weekend! --Katy
So happy and springy!! And do I pick a theme... umm yeah not so much :)
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas! My group of oldest girlfriends have been trying to do monthly brunches to get together. The hostess makes the main dish and the rest of us bring accompaniments. It's a much less stressful way to entertain, and a great excuse to use my fancy china!
ReplyDeleteYou should go for it. I think your brunch would be perfect. I think your pancakes sound delicious!
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas! I really love the different ways to use citrus on the table.
ReplyDeleteI am going to try those pancakes. love the center peices and candle Idea. Happy sits saturday
ReplyDeleteStopping by from SITS --- looks delicious! I especially like those lemon souffle pancakes - I'm mentally calculating where/how I could get my own!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog!! With two small kids running around making the house look pretty has fallen by the wayside, but boy do I miss the little touches. We do Sunday brunch all the time around here (we are doing one tomorrow in fact!) and I love this idea of a themed brunch.
ReplyDeletethanks for stopping by & letting me know about your blog. I will be back for sure :)
Don't ya just love Pier 1 these days?? I have that little yellow bird plate. I love the yellow gingham box. Very cute ideas.
ReplyDeleteLeAnn:)
Such wonderful ideas for a brunch or any gathering. I love the colors of the lemons and limes. They are so fresh and spring. The pancakes look amazing. I know I would love them. Thanks so much for stopping by and your gracious comments on my china cabinet. I really appreciate it. I've also enjoyed browsing your blog. I will be back. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and leaving a comment on my potluck post. I like the suggestion you listed above. I love the look of sliced citrus fruit in a vase and mimosas! :)
ReplyDeleteThose lemon pancakes look decadent! Thanks for sharing the recipe, can't wait to try them out!
I'm planning a citrus themed brunch for my bridesmaids closer to our wedding and was browsing for ideas online and came across this! Such cute ideas. Thank you!
ReplyDelete