You might be a little rusty entertaining after the last couple of years. That’s why you should slide back in with an easy and elegant Spring Brunch. When our daughter, Alexandra, was visiting recently we invited our local cousins over for a simple ladies’ brunch. Here’s how we did it with some easy tips.
My friends, Cindy, Annie and I are joining seasoned hostesses Claudia and Michele with Fresh Spring Entertaining Ideas. Their links are at the end of the post.
Table Set With Pink, Blue and Green
The cabbage leaf salad plates were a wedding gift that Howard and I gave Alexandra and Luca. She brought them up from Los Angeles for our brunch.
Easy tip: we set the table the day before.
The blue and white blocked print table cloth is from Pottery Barn as are the blue napkins (similar). This is a similar inexpensive raffia placemat and similar vintage looking green glasses.
Easy Tip: We used one type of flower, magenta ranunculus for the centerpiece.
Linen Lavender Sachet Party Favors
Our neighborhood linen shop StudioPatro made these fragrant lavender linen sachets for us in a custom color combo of grass green and sand linen. Our cousin, Ana, said she would put the lavender sachet in her car to calm her rambunctious young boys! Good idea to make your car smell more spa-like.
Easy and Elegant Spring Brunch Menu
We made the iced tea from brewed English Breakfast tea bags. You can mix the iced tea with lemonade for an “Arnold Palmer.”
I was a little disappointed with the organic lemonade from Trader Joe’s . Good old Minute Maid or freshly made would have been better.
Easy Tip: Serve Family Style.
Shop the Brunch:
Warm Goat Cheese Salad
I made Ina Garten’s traditional French salad with warm goat cheese and added thinly sliced watermelon radishes for color. Ask your grocer to carry them…they sort of look like parsnips from the outside. I used a hand held mandoline slicer.
Easy tip: slice radishes in advance and leave in water, drain when ready to serve.
Mushroom and Leek Quiche
Alexandra made a mushroom and leek quiche from Smitten Kitchen that morning.
Easy tip: Use store-bought frozen pie dough then cook as directed with the parchment paper and pie weights.
Easy tip: She topped the quiche with fresh snipped herbs for a fresh and colorful presentation.
Store Bought French Pastries — No Shame
There is a famous French bakery here in San Francisco called B. Patisserie. I waited in a long line to pick these up…but heck…that’s a lot easier than making them (and our guests got to take leftovers home). We added the edible flower garnish.
Easy tip: Go to your best bakery. Order ahead if possible.
And that’s how to have an easy and elegant Spring Brunch!
You may also like Six Easy Ways To Refresh Your Home For Spring.
And now let’s check out what my friends have for us!
CINDY HATTERSLEY DESIGN
MOST LOVELY THINGS
HELLO LOVELY
CIAO NEWPORT BEACH
Much happiness in your new home! Looking forward to reading about all your adventures. I can’t seem to find the post announcing your move. Can you tell me which one it is?
Thank you and all the best!
Nancy
I announced it in the email recently…this all happened quickly. I’m in Florida now and it’s a lovely day.
I love so many things I want to copy from your lovely brunch. Always inspiring, kudos to your daughter too!
Mary Ann,
I’m so very happy for you and your family to return to my home state! We love the area you chose, and its not too far to attend UF football games, right? I can’t wait to see how you transform your new home to be uniquely yours. I hope to be spending much more time at our little gulf coast cottage since I have recently retired from IBM. I know you will inspire me to do better things – I may have to consult with you soon, since our repairs from Hurricane Michael will start this summer. I know you will be extra busy getting settled; I hope the move goes as smoothly as possible!
I commented on the brunch earlier but missed the move announcement. You had talked about it earlier. I was worried about your kids and your sister. See, we do become attached to our favorite bloggers! Happy to see your son is transferring and I know the rest of the family will visit. I love Florida living and despise narrow minded people like a few of your commenters, good people are everywhere. I am thrilled to see another direction on your talented decor.
I have loved and look forward to your lively and informative blog weekly from SF. And now will do the same from another part of the country. Admire your sense of adventure to tackle such change and challenge. With your positive attitude, you will rise to the occasion. Will continue to follow you from Oregon. Best to you and your lovely family. What part of FLA?
It’s Atlantic Beach near Jacksonville, Judy. Thanks so much for your kind comment.
Mary Ann, I am late to this great post, but I have to say I really loved the pretty setting and the simple, but yummy menu too. It would totally make me feel I could do this. Buying a special dessert at a local bakery is so smart too. I also adore Alexandra’s dishes and it was nice to see her and your cousins. I love the tablecloth! I have the napkins and they are my favorites.
I know I am sad you are moving, but sounds to me like something I would also do to be near my son and family. Florida needs more open minded people and I know a lot of Californians who have moved there. My cousins live there and they are not conservatives, and don’t like the anti-gay things at all.
It’s a big state and you’ll find lovely caring people just like you and Howard. I can’t wait to follow along with your home and reno. Sending lots of hugs and good wishes! Don’t let the turkeys who commented on here get to you. xo
Thanks, Kim…you are the hostess with the mostess!!! I will never forget the beautiful lunch you served us in your home.
It just shows we all need more kindness in our hearts.
Best wishes for a smooth move across the country. I hope you’re able to connect with local entertaining and decorating mavens in your new area. Chief will definitely help you meet new people on your walks.
I hope so, Melinda!
What a beautiful brunch!!!
Welcome to Florida and Go Gators!!!
Thanks, Carol!
Good luck with your move Mary Anne, did you say what town/city you are moving to? Maybe I missed that. Can’t wait to see how you add your personal touches to the new place. How fun!
Linda
Atlantic Beach near Jacksonville, Linda. Thanks so much!
Mary Ann,
How fun. I’m excited to see Floriday and the Gulf Coast via your blog. I know you will make your new home wonderful, as you have done so in every home you’ve shared.
I hope your move goes smoothly and I’m thrilled to know you will still post the wonderful words you always share.
xo,
Karen B.
Living on the GULF COAST I know you will enjoy FLORIDA and maybe you won’t even want to return to CA. Wishing you the BEST!
The Gulf Coast is beautiful too!!
Such a gorgeous and colorful table, Mary Ann! Alexandra’s new cabbage plates are amazing. And I love the color of the radishes. I’m terrified to use a mandolin, but I may have to pull up my big girl pants and give it a try. The fresh herbs on top of the quiche is a great tip. I love everything about this table … what fun! xo
They make gloves you can use with a mandoline. (not all veggies work well with the hand guard) I’ve had my mandoline for about 2 years and wonder how I lived without it! Way better than a food processor.
Great idea!!! I will investigate. Thanks so much!!
Thanks Juliet. Loved spending time with you yesterday!
HI Mary Ann,
What a lovely brunch. No doubt your cousins felt all the love and attention you and Alexandra put into the preparations. That beautiful combination of green, blue and pink has always been a favorite of mine and like many of the commenters, I love those cabbage plates. Your move to Florida will bring new adventures and decorating challenges that will be fun and informative to follow. Best wishes to you, Howard and Chief, and to Tommy, as you make the East coast home … again.
I love those cabbage plates too…it was a risk bringing them in Alexandra’s luggage! Thank you for your thoughtful and kind comment, Annmarie.
Congratulations on your move. How exciting to start a new journey in Florida
Thanks, Mary. The hard part is almost over!
Best wishes on your relocation, Mary Ann! I am a relatively new subscriber, but have enjoyed your blog, particularly seeing your daughter’s wedding in Spain and reception in CA! I love design and entertaining, my husband is from Italy, I grew up in the Bay Area with SF as “my City”, we lived near your hometown from 2004 – 2013, and all over the country, so I feel a little simpatico with your posts!
Thanks, Joan. I think moving is good to understand different perspectives. Does you husband cook for you?
Sadly, my husband cooked before we married, but happily relinquished the kitchen after! He loves good food, though! We bring back a lot of pantry items when we visit Italy…
Those are fun souvenirs to bring back.
Will miss your posts from SF as it is a favourite city of ours. That beautiful apartment will find new occupants who I hope cherish it as much as you! (Though hoping that gorgeous dining room chandelier gets a home in Florida) It’s a good time of your life to make a major move, we won’t be moving across country but downsizing from a 3200sq ft house to a 1,000sqft condo in the next year. Our boys and grandchildren are nearby but moving is very emotional and it’s such hard work going through ‘stuff’as we have lived in this home for thirty eight years!! Rather do it now than when I am ninety!!!
Best of luck to you, your husband and sweet little Chief on your new adventures in Florida! You are still young enough to enjoy a new life but old enough to appreciate every minute! Best from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Allison, our new home will be bigger but I don’t know how we managed to have so much stuff (so said the movers). It’s so hard. But it’s necessary. Going through my mom’s things when she died was quite a chore, especially for my sister.
Good luck on your move. Keep me posted.
I loved the pictures from your luncheon and I always find inspiration from your posts. All the best to you in your big move. We are traveling to Paris in October, so I look forward to hearing all about your trip this spring;)
Yay! You must be excited, Jackie. Of course I will be posting about Paris…but mostly we will be in Italy for a dear friend’s wedding.
Mary Ann,
You set the most beautiful tables! I love the plates from Italy that you gave Alie. They add so much to the table. The green glassware, the tablecloth, the ranunculus in the dark red, and even the salad coordinates. How fun to have one last lunch with Alie and your cousins in SF!
Thanks, Annie. I love your thoughtful Spring table!!
Mary Ann
So excited for you and Howard’s new adventure! Congratulations., Agree that moving is HARD but looking forward to seeing all your design choices and how you make it a home.
Please promise that you won’t retire anytime soon – I look forward to your sweet, positive, cheerful and colorful view of the world!!
All the best!
Amy
Your comment made me tear up, Amy. Moving is hard…physically and emotionally.
I am not retiring anytime soon! I love this too much.
Oh my goodness, Mary Ann, I am inspired by your kindness to some difficult remarks! Congratulations on your move and look forward to you joining us in the sunshine state.
Thanks, Kelly. Everyone has opinions. Which makes us all human. 🙂
Welcome to Florida, Mary Ann!
The quiche looks delicious, btw. Will have to give that one a try.
We liked it Jamie!
Having moved from California to Florida ourselves, I think you will find joy in living here as we have. While I will always love and may return to California one day, my bones just can’t take the chill of the Pacific Coast anymore. There are great and kind people everywhere and those people will gravitate towards you. All the best to you and I look forward to your posts and your new adventure!
Thanks, Ry!!!
Great post! Would it be possible to get the brand of the dress that your brunette cousin standing to the right of you is wearing? I love the colors.
It was actually a cute jumpsuit, Tanya. I can ask her.
My husband and I honeymooned in San Francisco and have visited many times.
I have loved seeing you and your life there. And I do hope that once you are settled in Florida (I moved to Pensacola from Memphis and have loved being on the Gulf Coast), I hope you will continue your blog with your new life. Best wishes for your next adventure!
Absolutely, I will continue CCH from the Atlantic coast…plus we will be back often to California. Thanks, Julia!!!
Oh, congratulations to you and your husband! It will be great fun to see your skills in action as you create another beautiful home. Transitions are always hard, but your happy attitude will make it less stressful. The brunch and all the accessories are so fresh and pretty. Last summer at your recommendation, I bought that same tablecloth. All the best to you, Howard, and Chief as you travel to your new home.
I love that table cloth, Kim. Thanks for your support of the move!
Such a beautiful table and menu Mary Ann! So excited to see your next home. I’m happy for you all and hope your move east goes smoothly!
Thanks so much, Susan. Have a great weekend!
So excited you are coming back! I hope you are close by so I can see more of you! Linda
Thanks, Linda! Hope to see you soon! Tommy is moving to Orlando with his company.
So happy for you Mary Ann. This change sounds so wonderful for you both. I so admire that you were able to
hang in there living in San Francisco as long as you did. Chief will be so happy having a backyard as you will be.
It’s a HUGE decision leaving a job that you love. Change is a constant isn’t it.
The luncheon that you hosted is simply beautiful, wow. You just go all the way with out on all levels.
Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, Katherine. One thing we all have in common is we like to make our homes comfortable and attractive for our families! You are right …Chief will love a yard. He has been a City Dog his whole life.
Looks like you got canceled by Lynn today. Not a surprise for anyone who disagrees with a different viewpoint but inane for the comparison of the governance of two different states where anyone can clearly see the results of daily in the news. You will be relieved to be living where family values are important and our laws are upheld for the betterment of all. You certainly will be safer on the streets, able to live and converse with people with different opinions from all over! May your transition be smooth and rewarding and I can’t wait to see all your new posts.
Thanks, Leanne. I feel fortunate to have lived in many places with many different points of view.
Congrats on new beginnings! I hope to be able to see you as we’re in Naples mostly October-May. I know you’ll miss your home state. I’ve always thought you were so fortunate to have grown up there. Happy trails and best wishes for an easy transition and move (although you’re already pros at that!!)
How wonderful to give you a hug after all these years “Thayne.”
Good luck on your move. What a change in so many ways. West coast to East, not to
mention San Francisco to Florida! I’m sure it was somewhat difficult leaving
that incredible apartment with those views! Look forward to seeing your transition.
Thanks, Char…I will keep you posted.
What a lovely brunch! I love the addition of the fabulous radishes and the combination with the flowers! Just beautiful! But, I would expect nothing less! The perfect brunch menu!
Thanks, Cindy. Means a lot coming from YOU!
Congratulations!!!! I’d love to move to FL. Someday…. ❤️
We’d love to have you!
why do people who voted to destroy California always want to leave the hell they created
I love California. Every state has its problems. I was born here and so was my father. It’s hard to leave in spite of the problems.
How would you know how Mary Ann voted? Really a very unkind remark.
I will miss following you, but cannot follow anyone willingly moving to Florida (especially after living in SF). A state ruled by a toxic insane governor with laws of deliberate cruelty. Racist, anti-gay, anti-vac, anti-women, anti-history – what a disgusting state to choose.
Then I will miss you, Lynn. You must know that there are good, kind-hearted people everywhere.
I’m from Canada. I was wondering why Lynn would find such a move abhorrent? If you can, without hurting feelings, explain why someone would be so upset they would unfollow you. Politics, I expect. I think it a shame to dismiss a whole state for the thinking of some. There are wonderful people everywhere. I hope you enjoy your new home. Family and friends are everything!
Thanks, Joanna. I have a problem with being judgmental myself…I work to overcome it but I know it is hard for some people.
I’ve lived in a number of states: born and raised in Northern CA, college in the Southeast, lived in D.C. then Tidewater VA, then in SoCal, and now in the upper Midwest. Since adulthood, we have been in disagreement with our state’s politics most of the time! While I consider myself liberal, I don’t agree with many of Governor Newsom’s decisions. My current state was Dem when we moved here, and now it is absurdly alt-right. How can you criticize an individual for moving to a specific state, regardless of her politics?
Since you have witnessed a lot of opinions, Joan, you can understand.
You’re a regular ray of sunshine Lynn.
Hi Mary Ann, I don’t know why but reading that you are moving as opposed to having a second home in FL, makes me kind of sad. Knowing SF so well, I can’t imagine leaving The City and for such a different climate along with so many other differences. It will be fun to live vicariously and see how it unfolds.
The brunch looks yummy and inspires me to gather some gal pals to do same.
I know, me too Wren. But living in a city has its challenges…the parking for one. I have lived in Florida twice before (so I know about the climate). My husband grew up there and our son was born there. Both of them went to the University of Florida. We have amazing friends and family there.
I feel like living near the ocean will be good for the soul…and we will still travel! Paris in May. Thanks so much for your heartfelt comments.
Mary Ann, Congratulations on this move and best wishes for your new life in Florida! The state will be lucky to have you. With your positive outlook you will make this major change a happy experience for yourself and your loved ones. All the best!
Thanks so much, Ann!!
Hi. Did you send a post today about moving today? I accidentally deleted it and cannot find it again! Is it on your website? Is it possible to resend it to me? Thanks so much!
Just resent it to you, Marilyn. I put a lot of the personal stuff in the emails.
Welcome to Florida!
Thanks, Brenda!
Congratulations on retirement to you and Howard! May your move be full of happy surprises and many lovely conversations around your new brunch table.
It will be lovely to have you sharing your lovely new home as you make it yours.
love, Diney on Camano Island
Thanks for your positive outlook, Diney!!!
Wishing you the best on your new adventure. Know you will miss your children and other family members in California.
I sure will, Carmie. The good news is our son is being transferred there and I will be back to visit other family often. Plus, now we will have more guest rooms for them to visit us!
C’est lovely, Mary Ann! The smiles say it all, and what a wonderful gift a brunch like this becomes for your dear ones. The blue with the magenta? It just feels so French and festive. The watermelon radishes are EVERYTHING and oh la la, never met a quiche I didn’t love – yum! But I think my favorite thing may be those cabbage leaf plates. I need some in my life. Thank you for demystifying a gorgeous gathering, friend. On this grey day, my heart is full. xox
We were thinking of it having a French feel (Alexandra’s idea). Can’t wait to read your post, Michele.
Mary Ann, this is truly my kind of brunch!! From the delicious salad, quiche and Arnold Palmers to the lovely tablecloth, plates and colored glassware, I just love it all! It looks like a lovely time was had by all.
xo
It was just really nice to be together!!
Mary Ann,
Everything looks beautiful, including you, your daughter and cousins! The brunch menu is scrumptious and the salad is gorgeous!
I am not a mushroom fan but I think I will try this quiche the next time my sister is in town, she will love it.
Have a wonderful weekend.
I think you could add another vegetable or ham, Elizabeth!! Hope you have a wonderful weekend, too!