If there’s one thing I mastered in 2020, it would have to be hosting small, intimate gatherings in a pinch.
2020 was the year of all plans getting cancelled and rescheduling last minute get togethers. Crazy enough for me, it was the year of many weddings, milestone birthdays and multiple family members and friends having babies – a year that would have normally consisted of non-stop celebrations. And while we weren’t able to celebrate any of these milestones the way we originally planned to, we still celebrated in the best way we could and made the most of the small get togethers that we were able to have.
This year taught me many things, in addition to how to host small gatherings it also taught me how to provide a meal when the grocery stores are out of almost every key ingredient you need and how to host a gathering that gives back to local shops and business owners.
A few weeks ago I did one last final get together with two of my girlfriends. We brunched, drank “Garden Marys” and enjoyed each other’s company – something that we didn’t get to do as often as we would have liked this year. Sharing all the details of this simple and easy brunch gathering you can throw in a pinch!
The Table Setting
For this get together, I kept it simple.
-Large floral arrangement as the centerpiece
-Fun mix and match of serving ware and platters
-I added rosemary to all of the platters and trays as a little finishing touch
-Used fun themed plates for eating off of as a pop of pattern and color
The Food
To avoid being in and out of multiple stores looking for ingredients and to support local businesses – I did a fun local board with treats from all of my favorite local pastry shops.
Bagels from Chicago Bagel Authority
Scones and Quiche from Floriole Bakery
Croissants from Aya Pastry
Fruit Salad from a local grocery store
This spread is extremely versatile. You can mix and match any of your favorite brunch pastries to make a fun brunch spread and add local jams, butter and cream cheese spreads for toppings.
The Cocktails
For this brunch gathering, I served Garden Marys (recipe below) and classic mimosas. I also offered juice and coffee as a non-alcoholic option.
Garden Mary
Ingredients
- 1 Part Plume & Petal Cucumber Splash
- 2 Parts Bloody Mary Mix
- Garnishes (optional): Celery, Pickle Spears, Cheese and Sausage Skewers, etc.
Instructions
To prepare as a cocktail, pour Plume & Petal into a tall glass. Fill with ice.
Fill with a favorite Bloody Mary mix and stir slightly.
Garnish as you like.
To prepare as a group serve, add ingredients and ice into a carafe. Stir.
This post was in partnership with Plume & Petal – an exciting 2020 opportunity that will continue into 2021! All opinions and photos are my own. Thank you so much for supporting my favorite brands that help keep Blog Appetit up and running!