DIY: Do or Delegate? The Brunch Party Edition

This week’s blog is a partnership with Meet.Marry.Move. offering tips and tricks for best hostess practices.  To read more about Jackie’s adventures, follow her at @meetmarrymove.

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If you live by the motto “If I want it done right, I’ll do it myself” but lead a fully packed life with little time to hot glue or Paper Mache, you have faced the eternal hostess question: to do, or to delegate?  First, compare your DIY to-do list with your time availability and realistic skillsets.  Whether it’s flowers, food, or custom paper decor, DIY projects are a personal way to make your event extra special. Tackle what you can, and partner with professionals you trust to help ensure your special event is as enjoyable to host, as will be for your guests to attend.

Last month I had the pleasure of co-hosting my dear friend Cathleen’s bridal “brunch”. Held at a private home in Connecticut, the affair was cozy and elegant in design and environment. Cathleen loves breakfast and champagne {and donuts} so brunch seemed like the obvious theme of choice.  For this party, I set up a fun and festive ‘Mimosa Bar’ offering an assortment of juice mixers, fruit garnishes and an endless supply of chilled champagne, which also served as the decorative focal point. Choosing various tones of the same color {ie. lavender, purple, dark purple} will give a project depth but still keep it cohesive {yes I know, nerd alert}.

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For a more formal brunch, it’s the simplest details that pack the biggest punch. At this “Love-ly Tea Party”, styled by Events in the City, they beautifully show how gluing a glittered heart to a colorful paper straw, or adding color coordinated ribbon to carafes, menus and a unique china pattern work to tie the theme together and makes the experience immersive.

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When in doubt, go local! Embracing the earth and respecting sustainability is a core value for Design Cuisine. Collections of local cheeses, seasonal fruits and vegetables from the farmers market is a fun and unexpected way to add color and organic life to a tablescape, {and who doesn’t love a truly edible arrangement!}.   These brunch entrees served as part of the White House Correspondence Dinner Weekend in April play with color, texture, and delighted guests seeking a taste of D.C.

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