Right, let’s talk brunch! I’ve always loved the idea of a leisurely mid-morning gathering, but sometimes a simple avocado toast and coffee just doesn’t cut it. That’s why I’ve dived headfirst into the wonderful world of themed brunch parties. My aim? To create immersive experiences that leave guests feeling refreshed, delighted, and utterly charmed.
My initial inspiration came from wanting to move away from the usual sandwiches and cakes for Afternoon Tea and the bacon and Eggs for Brunch, instead using themes as an influence. It has opened my eyes to what is possible and broadened my understanding of what can be achieved with a bit of imagination.
Hollywood Glamour Brunch: A Star is Born!
First up, Hollywood Glamour! Think red carpets, sparkling decorations, and a touch of old-school elegance. For this, decorations are key. I draped shimmering fabric across the room, set up a ‘paparazzi’ backdrop with a roll of red carpet and printed out funny quotes on sticks for guests to use, and scattered star-shaped confetti everywhere.
Food-wise, think elegant canapés. Mini quiches, smoked salmon blinis, and bite-sized fruit skewers were a hit. For drinks, classic cocktails like Mimosas and Bellinis are a must. I even created a signature ‘Hollywood Fizz’ with prosecco, cranberry juice, and a splash of orange liqueur. For me, it is imperative that it looks the part so a good set of champagne glasses are essential to setting the scene.
Tropical Getaway Brunch: Escape to Paradise
Next on the list: a Tropical Getaway! This is all about vibrant colours, fruity flavours, and a relaxed, beachy vibe. I transformed my orangery (more on that later!) into a tropical paradise with lush greenery, colourful hibiscus flowers, and tiki torches (battery powered ones for safety, of course!).
For the menu, I embraced the flavours of the tropics. Think mango salsa with tortilla chips, pineapple skewers, and mini coconut pancakes. Drinks were fruity and refreshing, with plenty of pineapple juice, coconut cream, and rum (optional, of course!). A homemade tropical fruit punch was a crowd-pleaser, and I even set up a ‘build your own tropical cocktail’ station. My advice is to choose fruits that have a bold flavour and that can be prepped in advance. This will save you a lot of work.
Parisian-Inspired Brunch: Ooh La La!
Who doesn’t love a little Parisian chic? This brunch is all about understated elegance, delicate pastries, and a touch of romance. Decorate with Eiffel Tower figurines, pastel-coloured balloons, and strings of fairy lights. Think simple, elegant and calming.
Food is where this theme really shines. Croissants, pain au chocolat, macarons, and mini quiches lorraine are essential. For drinks, offer a selection of French teas, coffee, and maybe a little champagne. I also made individual pots of crème brûlée, which were a big hit. Another favourite of mine is a French inspired charcuterie board, there are some great French cheeses that can be used with some great French breads.
Garden Party Brunch: Blooming Lovely!
For a Garden Party brunch, the key is to embrace the beauty of nature. Decorate with flowers, plants, and fairy lights. If you have a garden, set up tables and chairs outside for a truly immersive experience. A bonus would be to set it up in your orangery!
The food should be light and refreshing. Think finger sandwiches, mini tarts, and salads. For drinks, offer a selection of herbal teas, lemonade, and maybe a little elderflower cordial. A Victoria Sponge cake is a classic garden party treat. I’ve found guests love to be involved so a great activity is to have a create your own flower arrangement where guests can show off their creative talents and have something to take home with them.
The Orangery Effect
Speaking of orangeries, if you’re lucky enough to have one, it’s the perfect space for hosting a brunch party, especially a garden or tropical themed one. The natural light and connection to the outdoors create a wonderfully airy and inviting atmosphere. You can easily transform your orangery into a themed haven with plants, decorations, and the right music.
Ultimately, the success of a themed brunch lies in the details. It’s about creating a mood, a feeling, an experience. Think about the atmosphere you want to create and then let that guide your choices for decorations, food, drinks, and activities. Whether it’s Hollywood glamour, tropical vibes, Parisian elegance, or a blooming garden, a well-planned theme can elevate your brunch from a simple meal to a memorable occasion.
