How to Plan a New Year's Brunch

As the hustle and bustle of the holiday season comes to a close, a relaxing and low-key New Year's Day brunch is a perfect way to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another. Follow these steps to organize a casual party for friends and family.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Send invitations to your guests. Make sure to tell them that the brunch is casual. Start the brunch around 11 a.m. to give your guests ample time to recover from New Year's Eve festivities the night before.
2. Set the tables and the surrounding area with simple and uncluttered decorations, which can sooth friends and family members who may have partied a little excessively on New Year's Eve.
3. Play some jazz music softly in the background of the room to set the laid-back mood for the brunch.
4. Use plastic-serving dishes, plates, cups, and utensils, as well as paper napkins. Once your guests leave, you can simply throw all the dishware in the trash rather than spend your afternoon washing them.
5. Visit a grocery store and purchase good quality pre-made dishes wherever possible; this eliminates some of the cooking you need to do.
6. Offer one main dish, such as French toast or omelets, along with assorted breakfast foods that you've made or bought. Muffins, bagels and croissants are always popular choices.
7. Serve strong coffee, bloody marys and champagne for toasting the beginning of the New Year.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid playing loud or up-tempo music, as some of your guests may be nursing hangovers.

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