If there’s one meal that deserves the over-the-top treatment, it’s brunch. While breakfast and lunch are mostly means to an end, brunch is a special occasion in itself. It’s not every day that you get all dressed up to eat delicious food and sip wine with your best pals before noon, so you might as well make the most of it. Anyone who’s big on hosting will tell you that the best way to liven up any gathering is with a theme, and brunch is no exception.
We’ve outlined some of our favorite themed brunch ideas below, complete with table decor inspiration, menu ideas, and wine pairings featuring our favorite wine brand, La Crema. If you’re looking for a way to elevate your next brunch, this is it. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday, showering a bride or mom-to-be, or simply planning a just-because gathering, these themed brunch ideas will make the occasion feel extra special.
1. Romantic Tea Party Brunch
Graphics by: Kirra Wallace
Bring on all the for this tea party-inspired brunch theme. Start by setting the table with lots of floral patterns and vases filled with fluffy blooms. For a fun riff on the theme, you could even use teapots and teacups as vessels for your floral arrangements. Intersperse tiered serving trays filled with dainty tea sandwiches, miniature tarts, and scones along the length of the table for a spread worthy of any royal. Don’t forget to serve an assortment of jams on the side and a sparkling wine to round out the menu. According to Emily Pickral, Master Sommelier, bubbly is a no-brainer to romanticize any situation, and a rosé would pair perfectly with the bite-size fare. You’ll want to chill the wine ahead of time, but if you’re short on time, wrap the bottles in a wet paper towel and stick them in the freezer, Pickral suggested. Your wine will be perfectly chilled in about 5-10 minutes.
2. Coastal Theme Brunch
Graphics by: Kirra Wallace
Live out your weekend in the Hamptons fantasy with a breezy, coastal-themed brunch. Set the table with a patterned tablecloth, rattan accessories, and blue accents that echo the color of the sea. For the menu, lean into light, coastal-inspired flavors like seafood and fresh citrus. You’ll feel like you’re dining on a beach with a spread of coastal fare like crispy crab cakes, shrimp quiche, lemon tartlets, and a crisp glass of rosé. To properly chill the wine, set the bottle in an ice bucket about 30 to 45 minutes before serving.
When selecting the perfect bottle for your brunch, stick with the theme and look for a wine that’s made from grapes grown in a coastal region. As Pickral explained, “what grows together goes together,” so a wine like the La Crema Monterey Rosé, which is made from grapes grown mere miles from the Pacific Ocean, would be a great pick.
3. Pajama Party Brunch
Graphics by: Kirra Wallace
Don’t worry about dressing up because showing up in your PJs is highly encouraged for this laid back brunch theme. Keep it casual by opting for a buffet spread instead of a plated meal. Set out an assortment of classic breakfast staples like pancakes and waffles, scrambled eggs, bacon, and yogurt parfaits so guests can build their own perfect breakfast. Then set up a self-serve wine bar so guests can easily help themselves to a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. Since both of these wines are very food-friendly, they’ll fit with a variety of breakfast foods, Pickral explained.
For the table decor, keep it minimal with a simple tablecloth and a few vases full of flowers—after all, low-key and relaxed is the vibe we’re going for here. You could even set up a low table and use floor pillows for seats to really play up the pajama party feel.
4. Rosé All Day Brunch
Graphics by: Kirra Wallace
Who doesn’t love a nice crisp glass of rosé? Inspired by the rose-colored wine we all know and love, this brunch theme revolves around all things pink. Make sure your table is outfitted accordingly with a pink runner or tablecloth and pink napkins at each setting. Line the table with vases full of pink and blush flowers, and ask guests to show up wearing their favorite shade.
You could even play up the color in your menu by incorporating dishes like smoked salmon tartines, strawberry-stuffed French toast, or a salad tossed with fresh figs or grapefruit. Classic brunch foods like deviled eggs and quiche Lorraine would also make great pairings for this type of wine. And since rosé is the star of the show here, make sure to have plenty of bottles on hand. Pickral recommended planning on one bottle for every three or four guests. Consider providing both a sparkling rosé and a still option so your guests can choose their favorite.
5. Farm-to-Table Brunch
Graphics by: Kirra Wallace
Take a farm-to-table approach to your next brunch with a menu and table inspired by nature. Craft the menu around items you picked up at your local farmers’ market, focusing on ingredients that are fresh and in season. Think a frittata made with farm-fresh eggs, tarts topped with seasonal fruits, and a salad tossed with locally grown veggies. And since your menu revolves around local fare, your wine should also mark a sense of place, Pickral said. “Choose a wine that reflects the area it’s grown in, like the Saralee’s Chardonnay from La Crema,” she suggested. The Saralee’s estate has a rich history of agriculture dating back to 1867, so it fits perfectly with a farm-to-table theme.
As for your table decor, ditch the flowers and instead decorate the table with pots of fresh herbs or arrange loose greenery down the middle. For your place settings, choose elements made from materials such as wood, linen, and rattan to achieve an organic, nature-inspired look.
6. Breakfast at Tiffany’s Brunch
Graphics by: Kirra Wallace
Take inspiration from the iconic movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s for a brunch that’s as elegant and classic as Audrey Hepburn herself. This theme works especially well if you’re throwing a bridal shower brunch (just another excuse for the bride to show off that sparkly ring!). For your table decor, keep it simple yet chic with a color scheme of white, silver, and Tiffany’s signature light blue. Set out a spread of breakfast pastries like croissants, sticky buns, and danishes (Holly Golightly’s breakfast of choice in the movie), alongside fresh fruit and chilled glasses of wine. For larger pastries, cut them into halves or quarters before serving so guests can take a smaller piece if desired. So as not to overpower your menu, Pickral suggested selecting a lighter-bodied white wine that still has good texture, which will seamlessly complement the light bites. “Try a dry Rosé, a fruit-forward Sauvignon Blanc, or a crisp California Chardonnay,” she said. Looking for more wine-selection inspo? Check out more of our favorites from La Crema and use code LCEVERYGIRL to score 15% off + free shipping when you buy four or more bottles! Can’t wait? Order on InstaCart now!
This post contains a sponsored inclusion of La Crema but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
