How to Make a Christmas Morning Brunch

Once all of the Christmas gifts are opened, you're likely left with a hungry family. Make a Christmas morning brunch that all of Santa's little helpers will love.

Instructions

1. Plan your menu in advance. The holidays are a busy time and you'll need adequate time for shopping, planning and preparing the food. Some dishes can be made on Christmas morning, but some will require advance preparation.

2. Play up variety. You'll want to mix neutral, kid-friendly choices with more complex, tasty dishes that adults will love. Offer heavy and light choices, sweet and salty and other contrasting combinations.

3. Make fun beverage choices. Offer a hot cocoa bar where everyone can flavor their cocoa or top it with whipped cream, sprinkles or other festive toppings. Stick candy canes in cola or the hot cocoa to give a little boost to these everyday drinks.

4. Choose at least one egg-based entree. There are many breakfast casserole recipes out there; if you don't already have one, ask friends or family members for a favorite, or search online to find tasty choices.

5. Go crazy with rich comfort foods. Even healthy versions can be delicious. Popular options include baked French toast or French toast bread puddings, coffee cakes, hash brown casseroles, breads, struedels, stratas and more.

6. Remember your vitamins. A fresh fruit salad can be a bright, colorful and healthy addition to a calorie-laden brunch menu. For those who aren't big fans of brunch foods, a leafy green salad is another option to consider.

7. Don't forget dessert. Yogurt granola parfaits, gelatin salads and traditional desserts such as cakes and pies are always hits.