Organizing the Perfect Christmas Brunch

christmasbrunch As we get closer to Christmas day it seems that there are just not enough nights on the calendar for all the holiday festivities we’re invited to. There can be office parties for both spouses, neighborhood get-togethers for holiday cocktails, holiday parties with your children’s youth groups, cookie exchanges with friends, and the list goes on. We don’t have enough nights in December to squeeze in everyone. A great alternative to hosting the traditional Christmas dinner is hosting a Christmas Day brunch.

I’m apart of a wonderful family that doesn’t mind having potlucks for holiday dinners and doing their part to make each holiday just as special as the last. What’s so special about our holiday dinners is that it may consist of my immediate family or my siblings in-laws. As far as I’m concerned the more the merrier.

If you’re thinking of having a Christmas brunch this year, here are some great tips for hosting your family.

Plan the menu in general terms such as food categories (eggs, muffins, etc.) and quantities of each.
Assign each family the category they would most enjoy preparing.
If necessary, give each family two assignments, such as a casserole and juice, or muffins and party goods. Distribute assignments with an eye toward equalizing expense and effort.
Avoid any dishes that require last minute work beyond reheating. That includes scrambling eggs, flipping pancakes and omelets made to order.
Plan foods that will travel well such as egg casseroles or baked hams.
Ask that items be brought over ready-to-serve. For example, if someone brings bagels or rolls they should slice them in advance.
Request that your guests bring over the appropriate serving pieces for their contributions. If you’d prefer to coordinate the serving pieces yourself, make sure you know exactly what will be required so they can be set out on the buffet table ready to be filled when your guests arrive.
Review your menu to be sure there will be food that appeals to the littlest members of the group (usually not a problem at a brunch)

Little Touches to Add Merriment to the Festivities

Ask each family to bring a wrapped ornament to the party for an ornament exchange with the group.
Choose your holiday music in advance and have it playing when your friends arrive.
Spray your rooms with holiday scented room fragrances or burn holiday scented candles throughout your home. However, keep the scents out of the buffet area – let the food be it’s own festive scent.
Hang mistletoe in strategic locations.
Prepare a special area for the children to play. Arrange a few holiday craft activities if the children are old enough to manage them. Or ask the children to plan a performance of Christmas carols to be sung after the meal.
Don’t forget a special holiday centerpiece for your buffet table.
Add special holiday beverages to your menu, whether or not they include alcohol.
Send your guests home with a little favor you’ve made such as a cookie dough ornament or a little sachet of Christmas potpourri tied with a festive ribbon.