Pink & Yellow Spring Brunch

Kate of Studio LIME Design sent me these pics of a pretty brunch she hosted for mother's day.  The simple modern design would work perfectly for any ladies get-together and has some ideas that are easy to re-create.  I particularly like the pink and yellow color combo, and the recycled cans painted, tied with ribbon, and filled with flowers.  Read on for what Kate has to say about the brunch... 

"I wanted to host a sweet and simple brunch for my mom and mother-in-law to honor them and show how much my husband and I appreciate all of the hard work, dedication, and selflessness they've displayed and modeled for us {new parents ourselves!} over the years.

My tablescape was inspired by the beautiful and soft springy colors that surround us at this time of the year. I used a pale yellow fabric to cover my place mats and some brighter pink and yellow fabrics/ribbons to cover the vases holding floral blooms to infuse a little more color to my table. A large lantern with candles was used to anchor the table.

At each mothers' place setting was a ceramic pitcher filled with a floral bouquet and a simple white frame holding a picture of her with her children from a long, long time ago. This was a special touch for each guest of honor, added to springy vibe of the table, and doubled as each mom's Mother's Day gift as well.

Each guest also had a mini menu tucked inside their brunch napkin listing the eats for the day. The hit item on the menu was a "Banana Nut French Toast," which couldn't have been more simple to make {tips on my blog}. And mimosas were served to kick off the brunch because what's brunch without mimosas?!?!

I also created a sweets bar using the sideboard in my dining room. I propped a fabric covered backdrop to add a pop of color and a twig tree with hanging crystals. On to the good part -- the desserts -- mini powdered doughnuts, sugar cookies with flower fondant toppers, and a pound cake with cream cheese frosting to top it all off. One of my favorite quotes, which explains the awesome responsibility we have as mothers so perfectly, was also added to the dessert spread."

Thanks for sharing the lovely brunch with us, Kate.  All these ideas can be used in bridal showers, birthdays, and baby showers as well!

Paper items & styling - Studio LIME Design

Fondant Cake Toppers - Two Sugar Babies

Mother's Day Brunch Ideas

{tabletop photos by Kristin Rogers Photography}

What do you have planned for Mother's Day?  With a few days left to plan, I've put together some brunch ideas that are pretty and festive and a great way to enjoy the morning.  Whether you want to create this for your own mother, a group of girlfriends who are moms, or set the table for you and your own young children, here is the plan for you. 

Set the Table: 

• Set a pretty, but simple table with a lace table topper and a few bunches of flowers.
• Lace and doilies always say "mom" or "ladies" to me.
• Keep the flowers in one or two colors for a stronger statement.
• Finally, tie on a special chair sign so mom knows exactly where to sit. 

Menu:

Serve a menu of delicious food that pleases everyone's palette. 

• Individual portions of quiche or frittatas makes for a pretty presentation and is a hearty main course.  
• Who doesn't love bacon, right!  Add a twist with this cornmeal & brown sugar coated recipe.
•  Growing up in the South, biscuits are a staple at the breakfast table.  Serve them with a variety of flavored butters.  Choose both savory and sweet options - herb, honey walnut, fruit flavors.
• Serve fresh fruit with a little yogurt and granola to end the meal on a light and healthy note.

Finally, make a sweet toast to mom with a mimosa, and have a Happy Mother's Day!

Beautiful Brunch Table

I love a brunch party almost as much as I love a cocktail party, and this brunch table styled by Trish of Frilly Milly Events, for a recent baby shower, is so appetizing and pretty to look at.  I love Trish's inspiration which was the "old-fashioned comfort food" she used to enjoy at her grandparent's farm. 

I love the art of food display.  The bacon skewers, and the french toast triangles are both whimsical and unique, while the donut hole topiaries are an easy, yet eye-catching focal point.  The fantastic chalkboard sign is a re-purposed mirror that Trish found at a thrift store, painted, and added chalkboard paint to the center to create a fabulous piece that can be used over and over again. 

Individual fruit cups and mini chalkboard labels are added, and a pretty fabric backdrop and simple flowers are all that's needed to complete the look.  Sometimes a very simple approach to styling can be the most attractive of all!

Designer - Frilly Milly Events

Photographer - Lauren Blair Photography

Mini Onion Quiche Recipe

This delicious recipe is from one of my very first clients, who asked me to style a ladies brunch.  In terms of my design style, a lot has changed since then (for the better, thank goodness), but this mini quiche recipe is still just as good.  Hope you'll try it and enjoy it as much as we do!

Mini Onion Quiche

3/4 cup crushed ritz crackers
4 Tbsp(1/2 stick) butter, melted
Nonstick cooking spray
1 cup chopped sweet onion(or a combo of sweet and green)
2 Tbsp butter
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 cup grated swiss cheese(or asiago)
Preheat oven to 300. Combine cracker crumbs and melted butter. Divide crumbs among 24 mini muffin tins (or ramekins, as shown) that have been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Saute onion in 2 Tbsp of butter, for about 10 minutes. Cool, then divide equally among muffin tins over cracker crumbs. Beat eggs; add milk, salt, pepper, and cheese. Pour by spoonfulls over onions. Do not fill to the top as they will spill over. Bake until set; about 15-20 minutes. Do not over bake.
Note: If you are baking in ramekins as shown in the picture, increase baking time by about 5-7 minutes.
Tip:
May be stored in refrigerator or freezer. Warm before serving.

Waffle Breakfast Party {With Free Printables}

This party idea and design is just in time for the weekend!  Sent to me by Sibylle of Funkytime blog, this Waffle Breakfast party is an adorable and unique idea for weekend entertaining.  Even better - she's offering the downloads for all the cute paper goods, FREE!

The colors and styling here are fresh and Spring-like.  There are invitations, bottle & jar wraps, favor labels, a birthday banner, mustaches for photo ops, and something new and different - bottle cap toppers!  Head over to Funkytime for your own set, and you'll also find the pretty waffle toppers available! 

A Cozy Breakfast Bar

Aahh, the weekend is almost here and I've got just the thing to help you enjoy it.  This lovely breakfast bar was originally set up as a birthday celebration by Rubyellen of Cakies blog and is full of wonderful ideas... 

The buffet is set with a selection of cereals and milks and also a pancake station with 3 batters to choose from: red velvet, whole wheat, and buttermilk.  Several toppings and syrups are available to make them even tastier!  Rubyellen also had bacon, eggs, and potatoes to offset all the sweetness.

One of the cutest things from this party is the "bacon and egg" favors made from pretzel sticks, white chocolate, and an m&m.  A very cute and appropriate idea!

I love the slightly vintage feel of this party and there's nothing better than starting your day over a leisurely brunch with friends.  Give it a try - Bon Appetit!

New Years Day Brunch

Maybe you're not the stay-up-late & watch-the-ball-drop type on New Years Eve.  Maybe you'de rather go to bed at a decent hour and welcome the new year with a New Years Day Brunch.  Afterall, there will be football to watch and resolutions to start working on.  Cyd of The Sweetest Occasion set up this brunch bar that is a perfect help-yourself display.  Make it easy on yourself and serve pastries & muffins that you make yourself or buy from the bakery, fresh fruit, milk & juice.  For protein you can cook a whole pack of bacon at once in the oven, or serve a spiral ham. 

Offer small jars of jam as a sweet favor for your guests.  You can dress it up with a simple fabric topper tied with string or ribbon.  A pot of coffee and good friends or family, and you are all set to welcome 2011!