above: Jam-filled danishes with cream cheese frosting are an easy way to elevate your brunch menu, and you only need six ingredients and 15 minutes to assemble them.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIA DAGGS
I created a simple, elevated brunch to help you celebrate the Moms in your life. Starting with an easy menu of dishes that can be prepared in advance and a beautiful, unfussy table that can be set well ahead of time.
On the menu:
Citrus & Avocado Salad
Breakfast Pizza
Berry Jam Puff Pastry Hearts
Maple Sherry Breakfast Sausages
I grew up with a mom who is a gifted cook and loves to entertain. Some of my earliest childhood memories are of staying up late, hearing guests talking, music playing, and glasses clinking downstairs. Throughout my childhood she threw Super Bowl parties, epic birthday parties, holiday parties, lobster bakes, fur-laden vodka and caviar parties. Whatever the occasion, she always made it feel special and she taught me how to pull events together. I often think about her when I’m hosting a party and will call her to chat about the details.
She also supported my creativity in the kitchen and let me make messes without worrying about when they would be cleaned up. Now when I’m in the kitchen with my boys teaching them to cook, I have to remind myself to be patient and it’s not easy! And I think of her. I know that I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her encouragement and support, and I try to pass that on. A mother’s influence cannot be overstated.
to make and are always the most requested.
When putting this brunch together, I thought about my mom and what she would appreciate. I wanted a classic table design and chose a pink-and-white color palate. For the tablecloth I used a vintage linen and bought several bunches of pale pink and white flowers, arranging them in assorted vases. It made the process easy and the combination on the table looked really stunning. Even baby’s breath can look beautiful when arranged properly. Then I used my grandmother’s wedding china for additional pops of color, bright pink linen napkins, and traditional silver to round things out. Serving the food on white or pink platters also helped to keep things looking chic.
Being a mom can be lonely and stressful, and the pressure to get it all right is real. As my mother would say, “It’s not for the faint of heart”. But raising your kids in a community filled with supportive women makes all the difference. I’m grateful to be raising my family here.
Happy Mother’s Day!
