4 Tips for Planning the Ultimate Girls’ Brunch

Brunch with your besties is one of the best parts of the weekend. Fighting long waits at the local breakfast spot and overpaying on mimosas, however, is less exciting. That’s why it’s better to host this get-together yourself. With the help of a few Organic Valley® recipes and the tips below, you won’t have to spend the whole time making eggs to order. We should warn you, though: Once you slay brunch this hard, you’ll be asked to host it every time.1. Set the Vibe With Cute DecorDecorations can help your usual hangout spot reflect a special occasion. For brunch, fill your space with fresh flowers, balloons, and framed photos of you and your girls (which can double as thoughtful favors). Add votive candles and bud vases to the table, then set out personalized place cards (hand paint each one or order them online)—this way no one is jockeying around the table for a seat.2. Set up a DIY Drink StationNo brunch is complete without coffee and mimosas, so make sure your guests have easy access to both. Have plenty of ice, espresso or cold-brew concentrate, Organic Valley® Protein Plus™ Ultra-Filtered Milk, maple syrup, and cinnamon on hand to make Maple ‘Proffee’ Shaken Espressos, a morning pick-me-up that adds a little extra protein to the start of your day. Chill a variety of juices (like orange, mango, and pomegranate) along with champagne for DIY mimosas. Stock the self-serve bar with mugs, decorative straws, champagne flutes, and cute cocktail napkins so you’re not constantly being asked for the basics.Courtesy of Organic ValleyMaple ‘Proffee’ Shaken Espressos3. Prepare a Flavor-Packed SpreadBreakfast at home doesn’t need to be boring, especially when you’re using flavorful ingredients.Start with Spicy Cheddar Omelets—made with jalapeños and Organic Valley® Shredded Spicy Cheddar Cheese for a little kick—served with avocado and organic sour cream. Instead of typical yogurt bowls, opt for filling High-Protein Whipped Cottage Cheese Bowls with Organic Valley® Lowfat Cottage Cheese and either Organic Valley® Reduced Fat 2% Grassmilk® or Protein Plus™ Ultra-Filtered Milk topped with banana, granola, and a drizzle of peanut butter.Round out the vibrant spread with a Blueberry Lemon Clafoutis, which can be made with the Organic Valley® products already in your fridge including three Organic Valley® Free Range Eggs and Unsalted Butter. This light, custardy dessert is as tasty as it is pretty, making it the perfect centerpiece for your table.Courtesy of Organic ValleyBlueberry Lemon Clafoutis4. Get a Little CraftyThe best part of hosting at home is there’s no need to rush out after the meal is finished. Make dessert a group project, like decorating Fruit Pizza Cookies. Tackle the prep work beforehand so you can enjoy the activity with your friends: bake the dough, make the frosting, and chop up the fresh fruit. Then everyone can personalize their own cookie after brunch. Don’t forget extra toppings (think edible flowers, sprinkles, powdered sugar, and mint leaves). If cookie decorating isn’t the vibe, you can consider arranging mini bouquets, making beaded bag charms, or painting herb planters. Or keep a growing list of ideas for what’s sure to become a brand-new weekend tradition.Stock Your Fridge for Brunch With Organic Valley®Unsalted Butter, 2 SticksSmall Curd Low Fat Cottage Cheese, 16 ozExtra Large Brown Eggs, Free Range, DozenProtein Plus Ultra-Filtered Reduced Fat 2% Milk, 48 ozSpicy Cheddar Cheese, Shredded, Flavor Favorites, 6 ozGrassmilk 2% Milk, 59 oz