Last weekend, after our friends’ daughter’s wedding, we threw a Sunday brunch buffet for the large group of out-of-town guests. It was made easy by everyone pitching in! This buffet menu would be perfect for Mother’s Day or other holidays, too.
And there’s more as it’s Five Fave time with Annie and Cindy!
1. Sunday Brunch Buffet
Gabriella and Tim were married last weekend in American and Indian weddings. On Sunday morning, before everyone left, we set up this breakfast/lunch buffet to gather one last time.
It was light work with so many friends helping. Here’s how to host it…
- We ordered different baguette sandwiches (such as ham and cheese and roasted vegetables with brie cheese) and French pastries from our local Le Petite Paris cafe.
- A separate coffee and cappuccino station was set up with three creamers on a tray with labels: almond, oat and dairy
- Outside drinks were on ice along with self serve Bloody Mary and Mimosa bars
- Julz brought the delicious apricot smoked salmon from Uptown in Tallahassee. You can order it online, too. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Cathi brought four homemade quiches (we had a little leftover which we were happy about). Two were served at a time while the other two remained warm in the oven
- Dorothy brought fresh fruit (such as pineapple, strawberries and grapes) and vegan desserts (the bride is vegan)
- Terri brought tasty banana breads and mimosa ingredients
- We had a platter of chopped vegetables with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers with hummus and a vegan dill dip.
- Bamboo plates and luxe paper napkins from Amazon were used.
- Joy helped to pay for the lady we hired to clean and keep the platters fresh (so worth it so we all enjoyed the party)
2. Cute Indoor/Outdoor Serving Platters
Yesterday in Target, I bought a melamine and bamboo platter and bowl for $10 each. So pretty in person! They will be nice to use on the patio or inside and can go in the dishwasher but not in the microwave.
They also have salad plates that I was thinking would be nice by the pool or when we need something unbreakable for when our grand-daughter visits.
3. Casual Brunch Outfit
Quince polarized sunglasses ($50 I have these) • embroidered cotton blouse • kick crop jeans • mini shopper tote • comfy raffia slides (I have these too–on sale) • neutral pink polish
4. Quince Well-priced Suitcase Update
I’m happy to report that I’ve used the Quince expandable carryon (priced much lower than the similar Away suitcase) for two trips and it is holding up as well as our Away carryon. It’s great! In fact, Howard wants to borrow it for a trip to Europe that he’s taking soon.
I’m also using the Quince leather tote and well-made quilted leather crossbody. Did you catch our popular sneaker post? I have on the airport friendly On Cloud sneakers (they can slip on) with Spanx Perfect pants and a sweater tunic from J. Jill (sold out in black but other colors are on clearance).
This was last week on my way to Wilmington, NC to visit Kris from Driven By Decor along with Annie from Most Lovely Things (a little east coast blogger meet-up). I will show you a bit of Kris’ home next week in a wallpaper in small spaces post.
5. What Audio Book To Listen To: “None Of This Is True” By Lisa Jewell
I couldn’t put this NY Times best selling book down. It’s great in the audio version with the different British voices in a podcast format. Lots of twists and turns.
“The book follows the story of Alix Summer, a popular podcaster, and Josie Fair, a woman with a painful and shadowed history who wants her story told.”
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Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
Ava Werstlein says
Oh my gosh I wish I had know you were in Wilmington and I could have bribed you to come see my reno project! Ha! I have been following your blog for years. Hope you enjoyed our little town. Lovely time of hear to be here. No idea the other blogger was out of here so l will check her out.
Patricia Diana Folk says
Good Morning Mary Ann,
I look forward to your post about wallpaper which is making a big comeback.
I recently remodeled an area of my house which was built in 1994. It needed this terribly, but we had a second house in the South and I had ignored our home place.
My powder room was a challenge since it was wallpapered, very Victorian and floral.
The wall paper was so tightly adhered and was still perfect, but dated. The first change was to remove the old fashioned curtain which matched the paper. Yuck!
Immediately it let the sun shine in and exposed my beautiful view of our gardens. Up went a lovely white valance. Then the new floor which covers from the laundry room, the hallway, powder room, and kitchen. New fresh green walls. But, that still left a wallpaper problem. The top portion of the powder room is a lovely mini print wallpaper of small rose buds, subtle vine, and a dark green background. So, I had a white wainscoting installed. Wow, what a difference. Toilet, sink and sink base cabinet are white. The old light fixture was a perfect choice in 1994 and looks terrific. Now, I am in love with this powder room. And it looks fresh and inviting.
I know, weird isn’t it. I still have beautifully framed paintings of locations where we have traveled. Landscapes and a tree scene which I painted. An original watercolor
Of a young girl on a swing, done in rose tone color paint, with a rose colored frame, over toilet. Perfect. I wish I could sent you a before and after photo.
Have a great day! Patty
Mary Ann Pickett says
You can send photos to my email if you are a subscriber! Sounds lovely!!
Patricia Diana Folk says
I will
Juliet says
What a lovely brunch and awesome spread! Love your brunch outfit too. Especially that gorgeous embroidered blouse. Fun to see you, Annie and Kris together. Excited for next week’s pics. xo
Joan says
Lovely brunch suggestions — thank you!
Re. your Away and Quince carryons: how do they compare volume-wise? Does one seem more capacious than the other?
Happy Easter, Mary Ann!
Heidi says
Hi Mary Ann,
Happy Easter, and thank you for the great ideas for an easy and delicious brunch.
Hope you had a wonderful time with your friends!
Xo Heidi
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Heidi! Happy Easter.
Nancy B says
Love your travel outfit! What sizes did you get??
Happy Easter!,
Mary Ann Pickett says
The top is a small and the pants are a petite medium (I’m 5’1″)
Nancy B says
Thank you so much! Not only do I love the outfit! Loved everything about this post!🥰
Francesca B says
Happy Easter Mary Ann! Lovely post!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Happy Easter, Francesca!
Melinda says
Love the Target serving pieces! I’m getting those!!
I too loved “None of This is True” audio book. A good listen.
I also love your travel outfit and I am checking out the Quince luggage. Thanks for a great post! (as usual)
Mary Ann Pickett says
Happy Easter, Melinda!
Gail says
What a wonderful brunch and with everyone bringing delicious dishes, sure makes entertaining a large group easy. I’m sure everyone loved your beautiful home too!
Wishing you a very Happy Easter.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Happy Easter to you, Gail!!
cindy says
You guys are the best entertainers! The party looks flawless of course! I love that shirt from Boden it looks darling on you!
Ethel Alderson says
Where do you find someone to clean up???
I am missing something his!
Did she clean while you entertained,batter brunch.
?
Come.on share the details.
I need to add this type person to my life. (Ha, Ha)
Mary Ann Pickett says
I got her card when she was working at another party that we went to. The kitchen was spotless when the party was over!! Heaven.