When the holidays roll around, do you like to head out to a restaurant for a special meal with friends or family? Or, do you prefer to host people in your home? It all comes down to personal preference, but if this Easter has you trying to decide between brunch at home or heading to a restaurant, why not have friends to your place?

Easter brunch doesn’t need to be complicated. Take care of a few things ahead of time and use these tips and recipes to make it as stress-free as possible.

• Decide Between a Sit-Down Meal or Buffet: Start by deciding if you want a sit-down brunch or if a buffet will be more practical. If you’re having a large group of people, a buffet may be simpler. And, for a smaller group, sitting around the table may make things easier.  
• Keep It Simple: Nothing about brunch needs to be complicated. Keep your food simple! Cook what you love! 
• Prepare What You Can Ahead of Time: If you really want to reduce your stress on Easter Sunday, prepare what you can ahead of time. Casseroles, recipes that can go in a slow cooker, and dishes that you can pull straight from the refrigerator will give you plenty of time to spend with your guests.
• Let Guests Grab Their Own Drinks: If you need a little time to get things prepared as your friends and family arrive, set up a drink station where they can help themselves. Coffee, mimosas, bloody mary’s, and other easy drinks are excellent – and guests can prepare their chosen beverage to their personal tastes.
• Prepared Foods to the Rescue: Do you have a favorite bakery that makes the most amazing croissants? Or, a deli that has some salads that you just love? Then incorporate those things into your menu. You don’t personally have to make everything you serve at brunch – you just have to serve delicious food.
• Serve a Variety of Dishes: Be sure to have a variety of foods – sweet and savory – breakfast and lunch. This will ensure that you cover all of the great flavors that everyone comes to expect when they hear the word brunch. And here are some recipes that you might add to your menu:
  • Frittata: Rather than making eggs to order, try a frittata. There are lots of variations on this classic egg dish – so you might even make a couple of them.
  • Blueberry Coffee Cake: A coffee cake is perfect for Easter brunch. This one has blueberries and a crumb topping that will have your guests asking for the recipe.
  • French Toast Casserole: Kids and adults alike will love this French toast casserole. And the best part? You can assemble it the night before and put it in the oven on Easter morning.
  • Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham: Ham is practically a must for any Easter meal, and this glazed ham is delicious. Make a big one, so you have plenty of leftovers.
  • Quiche Lorraine: Quiche Lorraine is a French classic, and it’s easy to make! 
  • Spring Chicken Soup: A soup is a nice way to start brunch. Feel free to put this one in a slow cooker and let simmer.
  • Pimiento Cheese Deviled Eggs: Deviled eggs are often served for Easter, and these are made extra special with the addition of pimiento cheese.
  • Strawberry Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette: A spring salad is another excellent dish. This one with strawberries and a fresh vinaigrette can add some lightness to your menu.
  • Everything Bagel Casserole: Love the flavor of an Everything bagel? Then make this casserole! So much deliciousness packed into one pan!

If you’re thinking about hosting Easter brunch this year – go for it! These tips and recipes can make your life easier and your guests extremely happy.