Diwali is around the corner, and while there are myriad social obligations to attend to, hosting a fun brunch is a good way to get into the swing of things.
Having friends over for brunch offers flexibility in many ways – in terms of the duration of the brunch (do you want to linger over drinks until sunset, or do you want to keep it short and sweet to fit into your busy schedule?), in terms of what to cook (you could make breakfast dishes, or if lunch is your strong suit, more lunch-appropriate food will also work) and even the timing is up to you (an early brunch or a later one).
There is something undeniably charming and laid back about a brunch. Unlike a dinner party, no one is tired from the day yet and energy levels are running high. With a couple of simple tricks, it is possible to turn it into an afternoon of fun and unwinding – yes, even if you are the host!
Food
Because the season tends to be an overdose of sweetmeats and heavy foods, a brunch that features dishes that taste delicious and leave you feeling light and ready to partake in more festivities is ideal. However, there are a couple of rules to keep in mind. For one, nothing says brunch quite like eggs, and luckily there are several easy and foolproof options to choose from whether it is a light and fluffy frittata or a spicyshakshuka. It also helps that these can be cooked on the stove, keeping your oven free for baked treats like a Dark Limon Black Tea Cake, or Koffie Cha Lush Cookies. If you’re feeling especially festive, Jasmine Pearls Madeleines are an excellent idea.
Drinks
Do not set out to make individual drinks – instead, choose options that can be made in large quantities. A mojito, infused with an interesting flavour such a Blood Orange tisane is an option that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. You’ll be killing two birds with a stone if you make drinks where the alcohol can be subbed out to accommodate the teetotalers in the group. And remember, no matter how full your guests are, a cup of tea or coffee rounds off a meal nicely.
Music
Nothing sets the mood for a party quite like music does. Make a playlist (or find one online) of upbeat music that is non-intrusive. Bossa nova or acoustic renditions of popular numbers are a safe bet. Whatever you do, never have the music so loud that your guests have to raise their voices to be heard.
Table setting
If there are more people than your table can comfortably accommodate, a buffet-style brunch with small clusters of seating around the room makes sense. However, there is something very cosy about having your guests sit around a table, elbow to elbow, however hodge-podge it may be. Using white plates and platters will help the food stand out better, and will also look sophisticated against a colourful table cloth or runner. Flowers on the table are a nice touch, but be sure the vase doesn’t block the view between guests sitting on opposite sides of the table! To go that extra mile, choose flowers for the table that reflect the flavours of the drink you’re serving. For example citrus flavour will accentuate the sweet strawberry flavour in a pitcher of Strawberry Lime cold brew tisane.
Most importantly, remember to have fun! A brunch is a chance to kick back and relax, basking in the company of your friends. Following the tips above will ensure that your Diwali brunch is a cracker of an afternoon.