Morning Entertaining

Entertain with simplicity, ease and style at your next party - host breakfast!

The symbolism of the dawning of a new day can be reason enough to celebrate. Morning is a time of new beginnings and fresh starts. Party givers looking to depart from the usual may want to select the morning time to celebrate a birthday, someone's retirement or welcome a new baby.

Celebrity style maker, Colin Cowie says, "Breakfast is a wonderful way to entertain on weekends when you have the time to cook and enjoy leisure time around the house." Having friends or family over for breakfast in the early morning ensures you have the whole day to enjoy after the dishes are done.

Donna Leahy advises against recipes that are overly complex. The very nature of breakfast keeps things casual and from becoming fussy. The meal could be as simple as coffee and yogurt, fruit and granola parfaits or a continental breakfast of coffee, juice, pastries and jams. More substantial meals feature eggs and meat in addition.

Breakfast also lends itself to theme entertaining. A British or Irish breakfast has eggs, sausages, toast and tomatoes. Eastern European breakfast consists of cheeses, cold cuts, yogurt and muesli or other cereals. The Japanese have miso soup, grilled fish and pickled vegetables. Regional US preferences include lox and bagels in the Northeast, vegetable and egg white omelets on the West coast and biscuits and gravy in the South.

Consider the following for your menu:

Fruits - My personal favorite is to serve a fruit bowl with fruit of two contrasting colors. Cantaloupe with strawberries, for example. In season fruits served whole or halved are simple and delicious.
Cereals - Homemade granola is easy to make yet wows guests every time. Obviously, there are some great commercial brands available. Oatmeal or other hot cereal can be made ahead and kept warm in a low setting slow cooker or glass bowl atop a simmering pot of water.
Breads - We all have friends that insist on bringing something. Have them stop at their favorite bakery for items that would compliment the rest of your menu.
Spreads - Splurge on jams, honey and gourmet items such as Nutella or Dulce de Leche.
Eggs - Poached, boiled or baked eggs keep you from standing at the stove for your entire party.
Meats - Bacon can be baked or parma and serrano hams can be brought home from the deli.
Drinks - Coffee, tea, juice, smoothies, cocktails such as mimosas and bloody marys.

My last breakfast celebration was a birthday party with a Parisian Cafe theme. I served french roast coffee, watermelon juice and sparkling wine, platter of triple cream Brie and Red Grapes, bowl of Blueberries, Asparagus, Ham and Swiss Cheese quiches and Paula Deen's French Toast casserole with Maple Syrup. The dishes were simple enough that everything that served was homemade. Guests arrived at 9 and departed at 11.

Most of us have grab and go meals in the morning during the week. Trust me, morning entertaining with a hearty breakfast shared with loved ones is the way to.