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Entertaining / Erika's Home / Food & Drink / Recipes

EASY BRUNCH Setting + Menu

…a pretty table in less than 10…

This past weekend I had to pleasure of hosting a small brunch for six lovely ladies. It was the easiest entertaining I’ve ever done, to be honest! I took a few snapshots of my 10-minute table before everyone arrived, mainly because I was so surprised at how easy it was to put together…

Had on hand: my grandmother’s hand painted gold-rimmed China that I try to break out as often as possible! The gold flatware I scored in a One King’s Lane sale, the Jonathan Adler salt and pepper shakers were a Christmas gift, the amber champagne glasses I purchased at Pier 1 years ago, and the placemats I bought last year at Macy’s on clearance.

But the table would not be as pretty without a few budget buys from Target and my local supermarket. Even though I would normally set cloth napkins, I decided to throw these cute confetti paper napkins on the plates at the last minute for some festive color. And don’t ask me how I lucked out that my run-of-the-mill supermarket would have white hydrangea bunches and spider mums that very morning! With a couple of Acqua Panna bottles, I was good to go.

The menu was thrown together at the last minute and was a collaborative effort — so much so, I ended up only having to make one thing! Asparagus and Goat Cheese Frittata (so easy and yummy, I’m telling you!); Cranberry Wheat Germ Muffins (a friend brought these dynamos, swapping out the original blueberries); Sarabeth’s Strawberry Raspberry Preserves; Italian Sweet Creme (sounds fancy huh? It’s Coffee-Mate’s version and so good!)

[ GET YOURS ]
West Elm gold flatware set, $29
Kate Spade “Library Lane” navy & gold rimmed china, $119/5-pc setting
Acqua Panna spring water (at your local supermarket), $1.49
Mara Mi “let’s celebrate” napkins (Target in-store only), $3.99
Riedel “O” glasses (dishwasher safe!), $88.50 for 8
Jonathan Adler “Futura” salt and pepper shakers, $48

My takeaway from this experience?
It is extremely helpful to have entertaining pieces on hand that you can throw together = no stress!

Do you have any tips for easy entertaining?

Erika Brechtel

Erika's passion for guiding women to "Style Your Biz, Your Home, Your Self, Your Life" led her create 'The E List' (formerly the Small Shop blog) in 2010. Since, she's expanded globally into speaking, mentoring, course offerings, angel investing, and social entrepreneurship through the Élanoura Collective for women founders.

Reader Interactions

The Comments

  1. Lynzy says

    January 10, 2012 at 5:47 am

    Erika,
    I absolutely LOVE this blog. Just found it this morning and I am overwhelmed with inspiration!! :)

    xo Lynzy

  2. Sara Mueller says

    January 10, 2012 at 5:58 am

    love your table! I am definitely adding the gold flatware soon.

  3. Jessie says

    January 10, 2012 at 5:58 am

    I love the gold flatware! And those napkins are adorable.

  4. viv says

    January 10, 2012 at 5:59 am

    Wow, I LOVE the table setting AND the menu! I desperately need some pretty placemats so let me know if you have any suggestion :) I love your taste!
    fashiontruffles.blogspot.com

  5. Summer says

    January 10, 2012 at 6:09 am

    what an easy, breezy yet beautifully simple table. those are the best sometimes aren’t they? i think it is important to actually use things often reserved for special occasions. everyday is special to me. so why not dress up, use your grandmother’s china, and drink champagne! i should make that a poster and put it on pinterest…

  6. Ann says

    January 10, 2012 at 6:20 am

    Erica, what a beautiful party! I’m sure your friends were thrilled! I think I need the J A shakers!

  7. Katie*Belle says

    January 10, 2012 at 6:38 am

    This is absolutely gorgeous! I love the gold accents.

  8. Sarah says

    January 10, 2012 at 7:04 am

    Ten minutes?! That’s crazy impressive. Love that it’s chic and not overly fussy. And the menu, yum! Love the stemless wine glasses for water, I do the same.

  9. erin | houseofearnest says

    January 10, 2012 at 7:15 am

    looks beautiful! Such a simple, pretty brunch! I love the use of Acqua Panna, it’s super casual but chic! I hope the book conversation was good !

  10. Liz {Sequins and Stripes} says

    January 10, 2012 at 7:53 am

    Totally smitten with this table setting! So festive, glam, and understated at the same time. I love the gold, black, and white accented with the confetti napkins. Well done!

  11. Chelsea says

    January 10, 2012 at 8:12 am

    Just lovely. The confetti napkins and touches of gold are perfection! xo

  12. karlita Borrego says

    January 10, 2012 at 8:34 am

    Oh!! I loved it! it looks so impressive by the first look but then, analyzing every detail.. it is the simple and harmonious arrangement of beautiful elements… I loved it! and your grandma’s china is great!! lucky guests of yours!

  13. Sharon@house58blog.com says

    January 10, 2012 at 8:34 am

    Amazing style.

  14. Grace - Stripes & Sequins says

    January 10, 2012 at 8:58 am

    Wow – Erika, you are amazing! You make this look so easy, but it would take me forever!!

  15. Neda says

    January 10, 2012 at 9:18 am

    Your table looks fabulous! Brunch is my favorite time to host as well…breakfast foods are so much easier to put together and it makes it more about conversation and enjoying the start of a new day. My only “easy” tip would be to invest in a versatile three-tier server– I like to fill mine with beautiful pastries or a combination of cheeses, muffins and grapes/fruit– they make the table look really festive and give the setting an interesting mix of height. :) xx

  16. Lily says

    January 10, 2012 at 9:29 am

    That table is SO gorgeous. Loving all the gold details…my fav and I want the new west elm gold flatware SO badly…its such a great deal !

    xxLily
    goldandgray.com

  17. Jessica Rowe {The Aestate} says

    January 10, 2012 at 10:33 am

    That is so chic and simple! I love your styling

  18. Lara Matos says

    January 10, 2012 at 11:36 am

    What a perfect table – and love that you used so much of what you had on hand. In love with those salt and pepper shakers. They are absolutely adorable.

  19. Jeanne Chan says

    January 10, 2012 at 11:49 am

    Umm, hello, lady! This is soooo pretty. I might have to copy you exactly on setting up this table. How I wish I got invited to that brunch! :)

  20. Jordan - Queen of LA says

    January 10, 2012 at 12:20 pm

    your takeaway is dead-on – once you have the foundation you can throw any sort of party! i have dinner parties, brunches, you name it, and its so easy because i have beautiful (and some inexpensive!) serving pieces to make it LOOK fancy :)

    your party looks so fun and i seriously love those placemats!

  21. Carly {a simple affair} says

    January 10, 2012 at 12:22 pm

    This is simply stunning and that menu is to die for. Navy and gold is one of my favorite pairings at the moment so that china is being added to the list!

    xoxo

  22. Gaby [The Vault Files] says

    January 10, 2012 at 12:28 pm

    Love it! Love the pop of color of those napkins, look so pretty with the black, white and gold of the rest of the elements ;)

  23. Samantha Penner says

    January 10, 2012 at 1:26 pm

    Erika you are beyond talented. I am thoroughly impressed and inspired for my next dinner party!

    XO,

    Sam

  24. Mae says

    January 10, 2012 at 1:34 pm

    ok this is just a testament to how much of a style maven you truly are! amazing that you threw that table setting together…loving your grandmother’s china and the flatware! and the menu sounds delicious!
    xx

  25. Tamra says

    January 10, 2012 at 1:46 pm

    10 minute setup, you make it look so effortless! Gold flatware is on my wish list. Love the addition of the target confetti napkins. Great find!

  26. designstiles says

    January 10, 2012 at 2:05 pm

    That first photo is beautiful, as is your table setting. It’s personal, elegant with just enough color. I really like those spring water bottles. Goodness, is there anything you’re not good at? :)

  27. Things That Sparkle says

    January 10, 2012 at 3:00 pm

    It looks absolutely gorgeous! Fun and glamorous, but still easy and casual!

  28. Tamara, Bella Boho says

    January 10, 2012 at 3:07 pm

    Well shoot, my invite must have been lost in the mail ;) Lovely table and the menu…DELISH!

  29. Jackie {York Avenue} says

    January 10, 2012 at 3:08 pm

    That is the nicest table setting I have seen in a really long time! I absolutely love those placemats, and the confetti napkins add a perfect little touch of color and whimsy. I like the gold flatware too, I might need to get that. Menu sounds fantastic as well. What a fun brunch!

  30. designchic says

    January 10, 2012 at 3:31 pm

    Your table looks amazing…love the placemats and the flowers look perfect!! Thrilled to find and follow your blog ~

  31. Hilary Inspired says

    January 10, 2012 at 3:51 pm

    LOVE this post Erika! It’s incredibly helpful and inspiring and makes me believe that I too could be a stylish hostess! Or at least I can dream. ;-)

  32. Gabrielle | Savvy Home says

    January 10, 2012 at 6:07 pm

    Fab table! Love all your gorgeous picks!

  33. Emily | Recently says

    January 10, 2012 at 8:57 pm

    Supermarket flowers are the best thing ever, and your grandmother’s china is amazing! I also might have to steal that menu for future reference :).

  34. Brynn {chartreuse & a twist} says

    January 11, 2012 at 1:09 am

    fantastic job!!! you nailed that pretty table right on the head…effortless gorgeousness…tres chic :) & the menu sounds fantastic! psst! love those s&p shakers ;) XO brynn

  35. D says

    January 11, 2012 at 10:14 am

    LOVE those placemats! Total inspiration for my bathroom accent wall. I wish I could find gold foil wallpaper in that same pattern. What a great vibe for a ladies brunch!

  36. Bettina says

    January 11, 2012 at 12:24 pm

    Love the table setting so much I had to pin it!

  37. alicia says

    January 11, 2012 at 12:49 pm

    in love with your grandmother’s china!

  38. Julie says

    January 11, 2012 at 1:39 pm

    love it! fabulous job. the confetti napkins really added a fun and whimsical touch :)

  39. Rebecca - A Daily Something says

    January 12, 2012 at 8:05 am

    Girl, this is gorgeous! Love the pop of color in the confetti napkins….and the flowers are the perfect touch. Great photos! :)

  40. Eve says

    January 13, 2012 at 5:45 pm

    I am just really excited because I have the same placemats, which I purchased on sale at Macy’s last year! I love that they are reversible. Very nice table setting!

  41. Megan {Honey We're Home} says

    January 13, 2012 at 7:26 pm

    Gorgeous table Erika, I really adore your style! I so enjoy reading your posts- you have such a talent with how you put your photos together with your collages and fonts, and thanks for always including your sources. You keep your content fresh and your genuine personality really shines through. Have a great weekend:)

  42. Lauren says

    January 16, 2012 at 3:54 pm

    Wow, styling genius!!

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