Springtime is the perfect time of year to host a brunch! Whether you’re hosting just you and someone special or you’re planning for a whole group, you want everything to be perfect. I think it was Benjamin Franklin who said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” So, like anything done well, planning is key. Have a plan and stick to it and you’ll be so happy with your efforts! To help you host the perfect brunch without all the stress, we’ve put together some tips to help you pull off that stress-free brunch.

I partnered with event designer, RO & Co Events to offer some dreamy inspiration. I just love how they used Pantone’s Color of the Year, Greenery, in this St. Paddy’s Day themed brunch decor!

Set a simple menu

Once you know how many people you’ll be hosting, the first thing you’ll want to do is decide what you’re going to serve everyone to eat. Choose simple dishes that complement each other. Be sure to plan both sweet and savory, have some fruit and a simple salad. Decide on one main dish and keep the rest simple.

The Night Before

Set everything you’re going to need out the night before. Coffee cups, plates, napkins, silverware, bread baskets…anything you’ll need. Set it on the table or out on the kitchen table. Trust me with this one. I once realized 20 minutes before my guests arrived that I had forgotten the strawberries and had to make a dash to the store.

Get Ahead of the Game

Make as much as you can the night before. That way you won’t have to get up at 5am the morning of your brunch to start cooking before the rooster crows. You can even make some canapés the weekend before, freeze them, and then thaw them the night before. Or better yet, pre-order some dishes from your favorite restaurant or catering company to be delivered the day before. You can even use an event designer, like my friends at RO & Co Events to offer some dreamy inspiration and save you some time.

Need some ideas on things that you can make the night before or even weeks before and just re heat? Check out make ahead brunch recipes I found on PopSugar!

Don’t forget the Drinks

Don’t forget to get everything ready for Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas … I mean, it is brunch after all. Make sure you have enough cocktail glasses and champagne flutes on hand. If you’re having a large group, you can rent these from your local event rentals company or pick up a few extras at your local Pier One or Pottery Barn.

Keep things in perspective

Be sure you set realistic expectations for yourself and the party. There will seem like there’s so many little details to remember, but the most important thing to keep in mind is the reason you’re having this brunch: to spend time with friends and family. Nobody expects you to pull off a Martha Stewart scaled event…they just want to spend time with you!

Want to turn your brunch into the perfect proposal? My good friends at RO & Co Events can help you turn your perfect, stress-free brunch into the proposal of your dreams.