A few friends and a pretty table are the beginning of a festive holiday brunch
Watching my friends Michael and Inda prepare a brunch buffet this weekend reminded me how much fun it is to entertain during the holidays. I picked up several tips for keeping such events warm, festive, simple, and successful.
Three Steps to Success
First, pull out the Spode and sterling that’s been packed away for special occasions. Inda used her mother’s dishes, as well as his mother’s, making for a lovely and meaningful table setting. And, secondly, invite a few special friends or relatives. Inda’s mother, visiting from New York, added to the time of fun as we gathered around the table swapping old stories and views on current happenings.
And, third, and most important, serve an easy menu that your guests can join in preparing. Cooking together with their guests made for lively banter, as well as a relaxed and enjoyable meal.
The kitchen is the hub of the household for this very active family.
Michael included fresh, backyard-grown parsley in his wok of eggs. Other items still growing happily include oregano, chives, rosemary, thyme and cilantro. At his work site, he’s still getting green and red lettuce, spinach, daikon, radishes, chard and mache. Several years ago, I wrote about his beekeeping hobby.
Guests lend a hand in the kitchen
Warm blueberry muffins
Salmon slices on a pretty platter make an attractive buffet item.
Breads, scrambled eggs, salmon, cheeses and fruit. It doesn’t have to be complicated to be good.
How delicious! An edible center piece—well, the fruit, that is.
