Sarah Reese of Story By Design Events
Time with girlfriends is some of the most rewarding we can spend, generating healthy hormone boosts and a perfect storm of validation, nurturance and raucous cackles. For advice on how to put together a brunch worthy of your squadlings, here’s some expertise from Sarah Reese, the gathering guru behind Story By Design Events.
Theme
First things first, consider your guest list. What do your friends (or this particular group of friends) think is fun? What are they into and what gets them excited?
Reese suggests building your event around things that are currently trending in your life and relationships. If you’re loving the fruit and foliage of the season, create a cute shindig that screams summer fun. “Were you all obsessed with the royal wedding?” Reese asks. “Then grab those tea cups, biscuits and best hats, and raise a toast to your royal family!” If you like life low-key, bring a picnic to the park.
Schedule
With everyone’s schedule so often packed to the gills, you have to plan way ahead. “Start a group text or Facebook chat with guests a couple of months in advance and zero in on a date that most can make it,” Reese advises. “The truth of life is, some of those guests may not be able to come, but hey, that’s always a good excuse to plan the next one!”
You don’t have to do all the prep yourself. Even though Reese very relatably hates giving up control over her aesthetic vision, she recommends a joint effort.
For friends that agree planning a party is half the fun, how about a “pre-brunch” gathering where some guests come over and help DIY a few cute projects? “I mean, another reason to have a girls’ night,” Reese points out. “I’m in!”
Décor
Whether you have a trove of art paper and love the idea of making your own bunting and bouquets or desperately want cuteness to appear around you with zero effort, getting your event’s look on theme really makes it special. From place settings and signage to dishes and drinks, have fun creating a cohesive aesthetic.
Pinterest is always there to generate inspiration. To follow up on the summer theme, big tropical greens will go a long way. “A few of these down the table can make the perfect table runner,” says Reese. “Or grab some smaller ones and letter out your ladies’ names as place settings.”
Something as simple as a pineapple converted to a vase can up the floral arrangements considerably. “Dig out the center of a delicious pineapple, line it with plastic and add water for a bright floral centerpiece.” Bonus: Pineapple makes a scrumptious dessert!
Sustenance
Obviously, food is the star of the show, and the most fun and easy way to get your brunch stocked up is by potluck. Even if you’re bent on micromanaging the menu, your friends can still pitch in. Post a pre-set menu in your group message and let people choose what they’d like to bring along.
“For those of you—cough, me—who like to present your food in a specific way, style or dish,” Reese says, “just let guests know you’ll cover the serving ware, so they can bring their items in plastic or throwaway containers, which keeps your cute aesthetic on display.” Another fun way to collaborate is a pancake or waffle bar with guests each providing a topping.
“Any event seems that much more posh with a signature drink,” Reese says. Sticking with the pineapple summer theme, find a drink that highlights pineapple and dress it up with cute glasses and/or drink sticks. Another option for the creative: the mimosa bar taking showers and boozy breakfasts by storm. Even a small assortment of juices and fruits makes for fancy variations on a classic.
Budget
Reese is a big proponent of making your first stop the dollar store when foraging for the resources to make your brunch beautiful. Calling this repository of plates, glassware, craft supplies, vases, candle holders, etc. an “untapped gem for event décor,” Reese recommends getting your really must-have wow items like stemware, table runners or plate chargers from a favorite store and filling in the less important necessities from the dollar store to compromise on cost.
“Also, paper products have upped their game on cuteness,” Reese says. “Do a search for fun paper products that can add the cutest inexpensive touch!”
