How to Brunch in the Burbs

For the weekend socialite with a view (and a budget).

My theory is that women’s infatuation with brunch started when the Sex and the City gals met at the same diner every episode to rehash the previous week’s sexcapades and failed engagements. Lucky for any girl who wanted to be the fifth wheel to that standing date, New York City restaurants took a hint from the fab four and have made chronic weekend brunching a thing—so much so that they now appeal to the alcoholics in all of us by offering unlimited mimosas or bloody Mary’s. With the exception of Boston (naturally), this trend has also spread to every major city and posh suburb.

But what’s a hungry girl to do outside of the concrete jungle when she’s on a budget (so $17 eggs over easy are out) and wants good food, gossip and one more excuse to wear five-inch heels between the hours of 9 am and noon?

Fashionable people unite. If you’re a passionate party planner like me, or even if you’re a master of takeout and finding a park bench, rally up your friends, set aside a few hours and head to the best view in town. It’s brunchin’ time. 

My friends and I were lucky enough to snag this picnic table right outside my parents' house last weekend where we were equal steps away from both a bathroom and the beach (for the purpose of this statement, these two locations are separate—the water is no longer warm).  

Having any type of event at home is great because being in control of your own environment allows you to add your own personal touches to both the décor and menu. The table was set with some mix and matched beach-inspired plates and lots of fresh flowers from my mom’s garden that I picked when the morning dew was out in full swing (I was soaked). It was also a BYOCM event (bring your own coffee mug). 

I made a breakfast pizza (inspired by The Smitten Kitchen) and my friends brought fruit salad, homemade granola with Greek yogurt and local honey, a fresh greens salad and most importantly, coffee. Keeping with the city theme, rosé and sauvignon blanc were also in attendance. 

I made sure to wear some stretchy legging-like pants and a flowy shirt since brunch usually involves seconds and eventually 17ths. I also dressed in fall colors, because hey, we just rolled out of Apple Month and I'm finally embracing the season.

 

Having the brunch in a public area with all homemade touches made the five star event practically free and completely unforgettable. Can’t wait for round two. 

Cheers to your next weekend brunch!

Pants: Joe's Jeans

Shirt: Lucky Brand

Boots: Nine West

Blazer: J. Crew