Cooking and entertaining is my love language. I’ve always loved learning new recipes, filling my loved ones with the joys of food, and hosting my friends and family.
Not only is sitting around a table a great place to create memories — in our stomachs and hearts — but creating a beautiful tablescape presentation can help create a warm ambience.
This year, with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I decided to honor my close friends with brunch. I was determined to do it simply but elegantly.
I figured a brunch was ideal for my friends — especially since a lot of the preparation can be done the day before. I always set my brunch table the night before, which gives me a boost in the morning knowing that it’s one task already completed.
I chose to use a neutral striped linen tablecloth to give just a hint of formality but also a homespun feel. I take a lot of my home inspiration from my days traveling in Europe where a minimal table and simple food can make the biggest impact.
As we near the holidays, I decided to begin my table with some cedar boughs cut from our backyard tree. The greenery gives it that holiday coziness and can be dressed up with silver and gold accents or left as is for a natural feel with simple greens.
To add a bit of whimsy and an ode to a brunch staple — orange juice — I added some dried oranges. Not only do they give off a citrus aroma but they really pop against the greens for that holiday feel.
It’s an embellishment that can be accomplished using any kind of citrus, like lemons, limes, and grapefruit to add different tones to the table. I use a food dehydrator to dry my oranges, but you can also dry them out in the oven at a very low temperature for the same effect.
Next up is the dinnerware. I love my dinnerware, which is white with speckles throughout. These dishes can be dressed up or down but I chose to keep it simple using all neutrals, allowing the dinnerware to make its own statement of functionality meets inviting.
The neutrals give complete flexibility — you can keep it casual or change the look entirely with a vibrant tablecloth or place mats, colored candles and charger plates, delicate glassware and a more formal centerpiece. The beauty of a neutral dish set is its versatility.
Since I had planned a brunch, it could not be complete without a perfect holiday brunch bevy: a twist on a classic brunch mimosa.
Bubbly Holiday Brunch Mimosa 
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce Campari
- 2 ounces blood orange juice
- 2 1/2 ounces of prosecco
- 1 slice dried orange
Instructions:
Pour the orange juice into a champagne coupe, add Campari and top with prosecco. Add a sliced dried orange to the rim for your garnish.
You can also infuse some fun into your brunch plans with a quirky dress code. My request was that everyone wear something cozy. Their favorite joggers, pajama pants, athleisure wear, and slippers.
This was a casual brunch treat and the perfect time to relax and enjoy each others company. Of course, I am always the coziest in my Knix.
I try not to get caught up in the frenzy of the holiday preparations. It’s hard to enjoy the process if you’re overwhelmed and everything becomes an obligation rather than a labor of love.
In the end, it’s not really what’s on the table that’s important, but who’s around it. This year, I’ve surrounded myself with close friends to share some laughter and to appreciate our gifts of friendship.