As for the brunch afterward--of course, it’s me, so I started out planning to do all
this cute décor, including digital scrap paper, tags for the drinks, and fabric
table runners. The little girl blowing a
dandelion on the invitation was my inspiration.
This is the ‘design
board’ I started with:
However I quickly came to my senses and reminded myself that I was trying to keep this party really low key and more importantly inexpensive. I really want to use some of these ideas in the future though. I love the idea of dandelions as a theme! Although I ditched most of the ideas above, I did make a few poms, use mason jars wrapped
with raffia and adorned with cute paper straws, and bright tablecloths. Let me tell you- it’s not as easy to find
aqua and coral as you might think! Fortunately
I found enough of it to get my color scheme across. These pictures aren't the greatest but hopefully you'll get the idea and just trust me that it was cuter in person. ;)
As for the food, I was a little nervous about it. It was only immediate family but other than Joe’s birthday, I've barely hosted anything without my mama’s help. I decided on a brunch mostly because I love breakfast food but also because it’s easy and inexpensive. I was careful to choose a menu that would allow me to do most of the prep the night before.
I’ll tell you my menu just in case you’re anything like me—the
menu is always the hardest part for me! I like finding recipes that others have
used and liked so here’s mine:
Appetizers:
Fruit- my MIL brought this.
Veggies/Ranch- keeping things simple!
Deviled Eggs- made the night before.
Monkey Bread (made by my sister-in-law).
Main:
Jimmy Dean Sausage Casserole- did all the chopping/prep the night before. This is actually a crock pot recipe and took a bit longer than I expected making it in the oven...
Paula Dean’s French Toast Casserole- made the night before
Hash brown casserole- all chopping/prep the night before
Ultimate Chicken Salad- I LOVE this chicken salad. I made this the night before.
Drinks:
Princess Punch (& water)- found the recipe for this punch on pinterest but I didn't pin it so I can't find it!
Dessert:
Ball Jar Cheesecake with raspberries, mint, and chocolate
chips- made the night before.
The brunch was
yummy and the weather was beautiful—allowing most of our family to hang out
outside. Our house is tiny and our
recent remodel left us with no ‘real’ dining area so entertaining when it’s
cold and rainy is nearly impossible. It
was gorgeous and in the 70s so most everyone ate outside and the kids stayed outside
almost the entire time.
My little princess slept through almost the entire event, which actually worked out well! Here she is afterward (along with a few other pictures). The day was a success and I believe that my little Nadia will walk with the Lord all the days of her life. Amen. ;)
