Elizabeth Poett of "The Ranch Table" Shares Her 5 Essential Tips for Hosting Brunch

Every time I’ve hosted a brunch it’s been stressful. I’m always running around at the last minute trying to find the perfect napkins or the right flowers. By the time I’ve completed my tasks, I’ve worked myself into such a tightly wound ball of anxiety that I’ve completely forgotten the whole thing is supposed to be fun. Sound familiar? What if I told you that hosting a beautiful brunch doesn’t have to set your credit card on fire or turn you into a fire-breathing dragon? It can be fun and easy, especially with these helpful and simple tips from Elizabeth Poett, author of The Ranch Table cookbook and host of the Magnolia Network show, Ranch to Table. 

Poett has hosted her fair share of brunches and dinner parties (on her 14,000-acre family-owned ranch!), so she knows a thing or two about preparing for them. In addition to classic advice like prepping ahead of time (including setting the table) and assigning tasks, here are five more inside tips from Poett on how to throw a fabulous brunch (and still have fun doing it).

Elizabeth Poett’s Top 5 Tips for a Beautiful Brunch

Creating a beautiful brunch begins with simplicity and focus on the guest. Many of Poett’s suggestions below are rooted in the intention of ensuring your attendees feel welcome and relaxed. When you achieve that goal, you can be sure everyone will have a good time.

1. Set a “drinks table.”

This is the spot for the coffee, tea, orange juice, and other beverages that you can direct your guests to once they arrive. Have plenty of glasses for filling as well as cocktail napkins, and anything your guests will need for customizing their drinks. This way they can serve themselves and mingle with other guests until you’re ready to serve the meal.

2. Use the weather to set your menu.

Poett looks to the weather when deciding her brunch menu. “The weather usually determines what people feel like eating,” she says. “On cold days I will be the first to head to the cinnamon rolls (I have a great recipe in the cookbook); on hot days I want to load up on the fruit salad and frittata (another recipe in the book).” Also, always try to connect with your guests before the brunch to see if there are any dietary needs. This way you can be prepared well in advance.

3. Create a place at the table.

“I am a lover of place cards. It takes away all the nerves for guests not knowing where to sit and is also a place where they can put their jacket or purse,” Poett says. You can use simple cards or Poett suggests using seed packets that guests can take home. “Or I have my kids practice their ‘best handwriting’ on traditional place cards,” she says. It’s good practice for them and adds a sweet, personal touch to the table. 

4. Have a plan for conversation.

If your party includes guests who might not know each other, Poett suggests having a plan for conversation starters. One thing she likes to do is add questions to the back of place cards or place them on the table. “It is a great way to get people to start a discussion without the pressure being on the host.” (Here’s a great set to get you started.)

5. Consider a thoughtful, inexpensive parting gift.

It’s not necessary to give your guests a gift upon departure, but it is a nice gesture of hospitality. Poett suggests small potted herb plants, which can do double-duty as decorations for the table. Then, when guests leave they can pick their own herb to take with them.

Finally, Poett’s ultimate tip: Always remember, it's not about being perfect, it's about being together with friends and loved ones.