The Table
Make-ahead · Brunch
The Make-Ahead Brunch Table
A breakfast spread that keeps you out of the kitchen.
8 min readServes 8
Brunch should not make the host disappear. This one is structured around a baked egg dish, a bread basket, fruit, and a coffee station that lets people settle in slowly.
Prep every cold element the night before. In the morning, heat one savory dish and put the rest on the table before the first knock at the door.
The approach
Make the useful parts easy.
01
Choose a bake, not a skillet
A frittata or strata holds better than eggs made to order and gives you a clean counter.
02
Make coffee obvious
Put mugs, spoons, milk, and sugar together so no one has to ask.
03
Use two heights
A cake stand or board keeps bread and pastries from disappearing into the table.
04
Offer something bright
Citrus, berries, or a bitter green salad wakes up the rich things.
Timing
A little rhythm goes a long way.
- Night before
- Assemble the egg bake, segment citrus, and set out serving pieces.
- 75 minutes before
- Bake eggs and warm bread.
- 30 minutes before
- Set coffee station, fruit, butter, and condiments.
- When guests arrive
- Pour drinks first; let the food hold for ten minutes.