Tips for Hosting an Outdoor Brunch
Updated: Apr 6, 2020
Looking to host an outdoor brunch this Spring or Summer and need some inspiration? This story is for you. We are giving you the inspiration you need to start planning. Today we are sharing a beautiful coastal inspired brunch and our top tips for hosting an outdoor brunch.
Consider The Time
As with any outdoor event, timing is everything.Consider the time of year and make provisions based on the possibilities of rain, chili or too warm weather.
In the case of rain, be sure to have an indoor backup plan.
If it is a bit cool, provide shawls on the back of each chair for your guests to wrap up. Have hot water readily available for hot tea and/ or coffee.
If the weather is going to be a bit warm by that time of day, consider having outdoor fans or setting your table(s) in a shaded area such as under a shade tree, covered porch or veranda. If you have a canopy, that works as well.
Uninvited Guests
Animals rule the wild as they should, but they shall NOT rule your event. Mosquitos and ants can make any outdoor party very uncomfortable.
When planning your table decor, include citronella candles, or make your own citronella mosquito repellant using ingredients that you can find in your home or at the grocery store (I can provide a link for instructions if you like). You can also purchase products that you can use to fumigate your yard and under the table just hours before your guests arrive to rid it of mosquitos (I can provide a link for my favorite product).
Check for ant piles in the grass if your guests will be seated outside. Rid your yard of them days or hours before your event. A simple google search can tell you the best way to do so.
*If you just experienced heavy rain, the ants will be running rampant in the yard. Move your brunch from on the grass to solid ground.
Let’s Eat
There are many options when choosing your menu. Be mindful that this will be held outside. Unless you have warmers, choose foods that do not require to be piping hot, make ahead foods also save you time so that you can spend more time hosting. You can always hire a service team to prepare and/or serve. This is also a good time to introduce fun and modern versions of traditional brunch menu items.
Family style is my preference when it is time to serve the food. Everyone does not have to get up to go back and forth to the buffet table.
Always have self-serve drink station for your guests to enjoy while waiting for everyone to arrive and eat.
Provide pitchers of cool refreshing drinks at end of the table when it is time to sit down and eat.
Design element: Use serving platters that work with your color scheme or theme if you have one.
Have a seat, several seats
Have comfortable chairs for sitting for some time if you choose not to move the party from the table to a sitting area after eating.
* Since it will be outside avoid using metal chairs that can heat up and burn your guests.
Be sure to note that just because your table can hold 8 people does not mean you should seat 8 people at the table. Since it is outside, you want to give people room to feel the cool breeze blowing. So no matter if your table can seat 4-6, 6-8 or 8-10 always go for the lesser number or the number in between.
Design Element: Your style of seating here can be up to you. This is when you can add your personal style and stray away from less traditional. You may use mixed matched seats or all the same.
Always include personal meaningful touches to your table design.
If you are hosting a family style brunch, your table elements need not be crowded as you will need to make room for the food.
If you choose to use flowers, use those that are not as fragrant as it will over take your senses and alter the taste of the food. This is a tip for any event.
Choose citronella candles instead of floral scented candles to help ward off mosquitos.
Design element: Your table setting can also be where your creativity may shine bright.
It is outside. Your colors can be as bright, bold, soft or subtle as you choose. Add personal
meaningful touches to your table setting.
Most important, let your guests know that brunch will be held outdoors so that they dress properly. More so where the appropriate shoes.
Friends don’t let friends were stilettos in the grass.
meaningful touches to your table setting.
Most important, let your guests know that brunch will be held outdoors so that they dress properly. More so where the appropriate shoes.
Friends don’t let friends were stilettos in the grass.