Springtime and brunch are synonymous. Brunch is a popular option for Easter, Mother’s Day, baby and bridal showers or as a way to wrap up a girls’ weekend. If you are like me, you are up for brunch any time of the year, not just for special occasions. The best part about brunch, other than the food of course, is that the timing of brunch allows you to schedule a midday event that won’t conflict with other obligations.

Brunch essentially opens another time slot in your busy schedule for socializing. Imagine how much fun it would be to start a brunch club that met once a month so you could catch up with friends and try new recipes. Not sure how to do it? Check out some of these ideas we came up with.

Start by gathering your group. Will your brunch include your soccer moms, former workmates or college friends? Be sure everyone that participates is willing to host. Choose how often you will meet, what day of the week works best and if the event will be potluck or host supplied. Pick a few themes to start with or let the hostess come up with her own. Here are a few to get you started:

Charcuterie Board Brunch – Everyone brings a charcuterie board to share. There are dozens of ideas beyond the usual cheese, sausages and crackers. Try a breakfast board with mini waffles and a variety of toppings. Other board ideas include a fruit board, veggie board, dessert board, cracker and spread board, nacho board or a soup, yogurt or smoothie shooter board. 

Pretty in Pink – Another fun idea is a color theme and pink is an easy one. There are dozens of pink foods and cocktails that you can create for this brunch. In addition, you can color foods by adding beets, strawberries or a little red food coloring. Fun pink drinks include cosmopolitan martinis or a glass of Rose. This pink theme would be perfect for after a Relay for Life event supporting Breast Cancer Awareness.

Bite Sized and Board Games – This brunch theme would include one (or two) bite items like deviled eggs, wonton cups, mini meatballs, toothpick kabobs, mini pinwheels, sweet pepper poppers, mini bruschetta and cucumber bites. Pass out shot glass sized flights of wine, cocktails or flavored coffees. Fill your plates and set up your favorite board games like The Chameleon, Telestrations or Hedbanz.

Ponytails and Pajama Brunch – Sometimes after a long week, you don’t have the energy to get dressed up and make a dish to bring to a party. For this brunch theme, throw on comfy pajamas, put your hair in a ponytail and bring a store bought brunch item. Easy ideas include croissants, salads, bagels and cream cheese and ready made deli trays like cold cuts or veggies and dip.

Muffins and Mimosas – There are so many things you can make in a muffin tin, so get creative with this brunch theme. In addition to fruit flavored muffins, our muffin tin favorites are eggs, mini meatloaf, cornbread, pizza bombs, oatmeal cups, taco cups and mini lasagnas just to name a few. Don’t forget about cupcakes for dessert. Offer flights of mimosas made with different juices like orange, grapefruit, mango, pomegranate, peach, cranberry or pineapple.

Childhood Feast Brunch – We all have childhood favorites that we would rather not admit to enjoying. In this eclectic brunch theme, you can share them guilt-free with your friends. Guests can bring their favorite sugary cereal, tater tot casseroles, sloppy joes, grilled cheese, egg salad, fluffernutter sandwiches, puppy chow or Jell-O. Offer guests a milkshake bar with fun add ins like M&Ms and Oreo cookies.

Ten More Brunch Themes

1. Bagel Bar – Experiment with different flavored bagels and cream cheese

2. Toast it! – Include all the popular toasts - avocado, French, cinnamon, peanut butter, and champagne.

3. International Brunch – Everyone brings a dish from another country.

4. Scrumptious Salads Brunch – Hot or cold, green or pasta. Any salads are welcome.

5. Tea Party Brunch – Offer finger sandwiches and a variety of teas. 

6. Campout Brunch – Dine around the fire with all your favorite foil meals.

7. Potato Bar – Baked potatoes (russet or sweet) and all the toppings. 

8. Taco Bar – Wraps or rice make great vehicles for all your taco favorites.

9. ABC Brunch – Bring something with a specific letter or your first initial.

10. Pasta Bar – Great creative with different noodles, sauces and cheese toppings.