How to Throw an Outdoor Brunch

An outdoor brunch is a great way to enjoy a pleasant morning with friends. Good food, sunshine, warm air and cheerful company are the perfect ingredients for a successful outdoor brunch. From choosing your brunch menu to decorating the tables, hosting a brunch is even more enjoyable than coming as a guest. Even the novice host will shine with a little planning and imagination. Whether there's a special event to celebrate or simply an excuse to get together with friends, a brunch is a very laid back way to host a gathering. Here's how to throw an outdoor brunch your guests will love.

Instructions

1. 

   Select your outdoor brunch location and set up tables and chairs or picnic tables with umbrellas. A good location has pleasant scenery, and is protected from direct sun and wind.

2. 

   Place a clean cloth and place settings on the tables. Even if you are serving the brunch buffet style, it's a good idea to set places to keep the wind from removing your table cloth.

3. Greet your guests as they arrive for the brunch. Guide them to the outdoor area prepared for the party, and offer them a mimosa (orange juice and champagne), coffee, juice or whatever other drinks are on your menu.

4. 

   Set out the brunch, covering warm dishes and using mosquito netting to keep insects off the food. Invite guests to serve themselves or begin passing the food around the tables.

5. Keep the conversation lively and pleasant. Be sure to introduce guests who may not know each other. Refill serving platters and drinks as needed throughout the morning or early afternoon.

Tips & Warnings

• Get creative with a theme menu for your brunch, like "Farm Fresh" with milk, bacon, sausage, eggs and home-style buckwheat pancakes and gravy biscuits made from local food sources.

• Avoid unpleasant odors and noise by setting your brunch away from the garbage, compost pile, cars or a busy street.