Right, let’s dive straight in. At ‘Home Entertaining HQ’, we’re always searching for ways to make gatherings extra special. This week, I’m focusing on Seasonal Entertaining – and what better way to celebrate spring than with a delightful, floral-themed brunch? I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Kiera, a real whizz when it comes to throwing memorable events, and she spilled all her secrets. Prepare to be inspired!
“So Kiera,” I began, settling into my comfy chair, “where do you even start with a floral brunch? It sounds beautiful, but a tad intimidating!”
Kiera laughed. “Honestly, start simple! Think about colour palettes. I usually pick two or three main colours and stick to those for everything – the flowers, the tablecloth, even the food. For springtime, pastel pinks, yellows, and greens are always winners. Then, I choose a few edible flowers. Pansies and violas are easy to find, and they look gorgeous scattered on salads or used to decorate cakes.”
Edible Flowers: A Recipe for Success
She went on to explain that incorporating edible flowers is easier than it sounds. Some of her favourite recipes include:
- Floral-infused Salad: Mix baby spinach with berries, crumbled goat cheese, and a light vinaigrette. Sprinkle with edible flowers just before serving.
- Lavender Shortbread: Adding a teaspoon of culinary lavender to your shortbread recipe gives it a subtle floral aroma and taste. Decorate with dried lavender buds for extra flair.
- Elderflower Cordial Cake: A simple sponge cake infused with elderflower cordial is light and fragrant. Top with a cream cheese frosting and fresh berries.
“The key is to use flowers sparingly,” Kiera advised. “A little goes a long way! And always make sure they are specifically grown for consumption and are properly washed.”
Creating Blooming Centerpieces
Next, we talked centerpieces. Kiera’s a big fan of DIY. “I love using mismatched teacups and jugs as vases. It gives a really whimsical, vintage feel. You can buy affordable flowers from the supermarket and arrange them yourself – don’t be afraid to experiment! Grouping small arrangements together creates a bigger impact than one large one.”
Springtime Sips and Snacks
No brunch is complete without drinks! Kiera had some fantastic ideas:
- Elderflower Gin Fizz (Alcoholic): Gin, elderflower cordial, soda water, and a squeeze of lime. Garnish with a cucumber ribbon and edible flower.
- Strawberry & Rose Mocktail (Non-Alcoholic): Muddle fresh strawberries with rosewater. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a strawberry slice and rose petals.
- Classic Brunch Favourites: Alongside the floral-inspired treats, Kiera always includes classic brunch staples like scrambled eggs, smoked salmon bagels, and fresh fruit platters.
Games for All Ages
To keep everyone entertained, especially across different age ranges, Kiera suggests outdoor games. “Croquet and badminton are always a hit, especially if the weather is nice. For younger children, you could have a flower-themed scavenger hunt. Hide pictures of different flowers around the garden and have them find them. You can even have prizes for the winners!” For older relatives a gentle stroll around the garden could be arranged, even set up the space for some quiet reflection.
The Orangery Advantage
I couldn’t resist asking Kiera about the dream setting for such a brunch. “An orangery would be absolutely perfect! All that natural light and the connection to the garden… it would create such a bright and airy atmosphere. You could bring the outside in, literally surrounding your guests with flowers and greenery. Plus, you’d have a sheltered space in case the weather isn’t quite on your side!” An orangery provides a seamless indoor/outdoor experience, perfect for springtime entertaining. Even without an orangery, you could easily create a similar feel by decorating a sun-drenched dining room with plenty of plants.
So, there you have it – Kiera’s top tips for hosting a blooming marvelous springtime brunch. From edible flower recipes and DIY centerpieces to spring-inspired cocktails and garden games, she’s covered all the bases. Her key ingredients are creativity, simplicity, and a touch of floral magic. Remember it is all about creating lasting memories. So, get planning, get creative and make your memories for you, your family and your friends. With just a little bit of thought, you can easily make memories for all concerned.
