It’s time to celebrate Mom! And hosting a brunch or mini-brunch at home is just the way to do it. But let’s be honest, moms (like you!) deserve some kind of celebration every weekend. Our mild, springtime weather in Santa Barbara wine country makes brunching and celebrating outdoors a regular thing, for moms and everyone in the family.
A casual brunch party is fun; it’s versatile; it’s delightful. It’s also stress-free if you keep the gathering small, and the food easy. Read on for our trips to host an easy brunch at home
Find Your Brunch Happy Place
The first thing to do is determine the number of attendees so you can pick a great location at your home. Keeping the attendee number small means you can find any cozy, adorable spot inside or outside your house for a late morning or early afternoon get-together.
The bar in the kitchen is a great place for a casual brunch, or try sitting at a casual dining or kitchen table. These are relaxed spaces for your guests, and you won’t be far from the stove and the fridge. Outdoor spaces are plentiful at The Meadows and The Groves at Rice Ranch, from your front porch to your back patio, at a backyard table, or in a little nook or lounge area. There are also larger outdoor spaces with sweeping views you can book at The Summit Club when you need more space.
Make it Pretty
In whichever space you choose, make sure to spruce it up a bit. Fresh flowers and plants make a gorgeous setting, as do pretty linens and dishes. You can go through your house and yard to find pretty glassware, plants, collectibles, candles, pillows or artwork to move to the kitchen or outdoors for the occasion. Consider using some pretty vases or jars as a focal point, each with a few flowers, or a towering plate of fresh fruit. You can find a pretty ice tub to chill the drinks, make the wines a featured centerpiece, or keep things simple and just use the view as a focal point.
Bring on the Deliciousness
The easiest brunch food is something you can make ahead of time, and that you can serve buffet style. Your guests can select what they’d like to eat, and you don’t have to jump up and wait for people. Just relax with your guests and have a great conversation.
Some staple brunch dishes that are super easy:
- Charcuterie or cheese plate
- Fresh fruit platter
- Make-ahead egg dish
- Baked goods, and don’t forget the cupcakes (or donuts!)
Don’t spend hours in the kitchen! Check out these make-ahead brunch recipes, or consider buying your staple dishes pre-made. Near Rice Ranch in Orcutt, we have two outstanding bakeries: Orcutt Bakery and Cups & Crumbs. Many local grocers have specialty cheese and meat sections, and there are so many delicious frozen brunch treats available as well.
Springtime Wines
We are a bit spoiled, with The Meadows and The Groves at Rice Ranch being in the middle of the Santa Maria Valley American Viticulture Area (AVA) in Santa Barbara wine country. The famed Bien Nacido Vineyard is just 10 miles from our homes, as is renowned sparkling wine (and Pinot Noir) producer Riverbench Vineyard & Winery. The gorgeous modern Presqu’ile Winery, also known for Pinot Noir and various sparkling wines, is only 4 miles away. So it’s easy to grab some latest releases, pretty pink roses, and local Sparkling Wines, made in the Champagne style.
It’s fun to have local or new wines your guests haven’t tried or set them out with fruit juices for a do-it-yourself mimosa bar. Another fun thing is to create a cupcake or donut pairing with the wines you’re serving. Just put glasses out along with everything, and get ready for fun.
Our new homes at The Meadows and The Groves are perfect for casual brunch and springtime gatherings. The modern, open floorplans make entertaining a cinch, along with indoor/outdoor living access from the kitchen to the backyard.
