Like no other time of year, the holidays inspire cozy gatherings at home. Simple and stress-free is our guiding star during this busy season, so we’ve teamed up with Sister Schubert’s to put together a quick guide with all the key ingredients for a casual Christmastime brunch – one that’s fun, festive and helps you focus on what really counts: quality time with friends and loved ones.
Setting the scene. To create a cozy and seasonal vibe with a minimum of fuss, take a cue from nature. Persimmons, pomegranates, pine cones, evergreen boughs and garland are all readily available during the holidays (you can pick up persimmons and pomegranates at the grocery store, pine cones at a craft store or outside, and evergreen branches and garland at a Christmas tree lot, nursery or your own yard). Arrange the greenery along the dining table and cluster fruit and pine cones alongside for a simple centerpiece (or as an accent if you’re serving buffet style). Even during the daytime, candles create a magical glow – place pillars amid the greenery and on the mantel.
Tunes to set the mood. Whether you’re going for a timeless and traditional feel or something more contemporary, our holiday playlists provide instant atmosphere.
Food. Make-ahead dishes are a must for a stress-free gathering. Upside-down banana French toast made with Sister Schubert’s rolls will fill your home with that welcoming, fresh-baked smell as guests arrive – just bake right before the party. If you’re hosting a big crowd, add a hearty mushroom and gruyère frittata: It can be prepared before guests arrive, then served at room temperature. Mixed citrus salad (oranges, blood oranges, grapefruit) makes the most of winter fruit; add pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries for a festive pop of holiday color. Or, for a cozy alternative to a cold fruit salad, prep (again, ahead of time) a tray of baked apples and pears – simply core, dust with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, dot with butter and roast, then serve with vanilla yogurt or whipped cream.
Drinks. Belly-warming beverages are one of the perks of colder months. Coffee and hot chocolate topped with whipped cream banish even the deepest winter chill. Warm a large batch in a heavy pot on the range and ladle into mugs, spiking with liqueur for an added kick if you like. For a seasonal twist on a familiar brunch staple, mix mimosas with cranberry juice instead of orange. To make serving easy, stir up a big jug—guests can help themselves. For alcohol-free spritzers, sub soda water for the champagne and garnish with fresh cranberries.
Entertainment. Holiday gatherings are all about togetherness and good cheer, and a few simple, seasonal activities promote family bonding. Kids and crafty adults can cut out paper snowflakes; as they’re made, hang the snowflakes together to create a communal wall or window display. Set up a holiday cookie-decorating station using store-bought sugar cookies and frosting plus bowls of seasonal decorations (crushed candy canes, for example). Make sure you have containers or goody bags on hand so guests can take their creations home with them. Gift exchanges are another holiday party go-to; just don’t forget to give your guests a heads-up when you send your invitation. Finally, when the carb-crash hits, gather everyone around the television for a holiday special or movie. A Charlie Brown Christmas, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Miracle on 34th Street are time-tested gems, and Elf is a family-friendly contemporary classic. Make watching one of these an at-home ritual to return to year after year.
Invitation. Start inviting your guests to your holiday brunch with the free invitation below or others from our Christmas invitation gallery.
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