We’re guessing brunch with your friends hasn’t happened nearly enough during the past two years. But now, as we’re finally—ahem—more social, and the first days of spring are upon us, it’s the ideal time to invite your pals over for a leisurely weekend meal. And whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just the joy of spending time together, you never need a reason to make at-home brunch extra special. Plus, with fresh produce delivered daily, top-quality sparkling wine, and decadent baked goods from ALDI, throwing together a glam brunch can be easy to prep and easy on your wallet. Read on for five ways to elevate a brunch with friends that won't break the bank.
Break Out the Bubbly for a Boozy Beverage Bar
Nothing screams sophistication more than a bubbly cocktail. And of course, no drink is more closely associated with elegant brunches than the mimosa. While its fab factor is high, a mimosa is incredibly easy to prepare: It’s simply a mix of one part sparkling wine (like Belletti Prosecco) to one part orange juice, such as Nature’s Nectar Orange Juice. An excellent way to break the ice at a brunch is to set up a bubbly cocktail station: Place bottles of prosecco (and sparkling water like PurAqua Belle Vie for a mocktail option) on ice, and choose a few unique types of juice, like Specially Selected 100% Black Cherry Juice, so friends can mix and match their own fruity, bubbly cocktail. For the final touch, set out sliced fruit or berries like oranges, watermelon, raspberries, or blueberries for topping each drink. For a simpler option, you can opt for premixed mimosas plus the assorted fruit garnishes for an added pop of color.
Set Up A DIY Yogurt Parfait Station
If a liquid menu isn’t going to cut it, set up a do-it-yourself yogurt parfait bar. Start by scooping different yogurt flavors (we love Specially Selected Greek Yogurt varieties) into oversized bowls. Then, set up smaller bowls with everyone’s favorite mix-ins, including granola; berries, especially blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries; Baker’s Corner Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels; and Baker's Corner Coconut Flakes. For an extra dose of sweetness, pour honey and jam, like Simply Nature Organic Preserves into glass jars and serve with tiny spoons.
Create A Photo-Worthy Treat Board
We’ve all seen the photos on Pinterest or Instagram of elaborately styled brunch presentations. While they may look delicious, let’s be honest: No one has time to make all of those from scratch. Luckily, ALDI stocks an enormous selection of breakfast sweets and treats that are as tasty as they are beautiful. Creating a dessert board worthy of social media is pretty simple, as long as you follow a few guidelines. Start with a large cutting board or decorative platter, then add your largest items first (we’re talking baked goods like L'oven Fresh Apple Strudel Bread). Once those are spread across the board, add more goodies like sliced Specially Selected Maple French Toast Bagels, and then wedge in minis like Bake Shop’s Blueberry Mini Muffins and Specially Selected Mini Cream Puffs. Finish off the board with a sprinkling of berries (raspberries and strawberries add a nice pop of color), and maybe even a few shakes of powdered sugar.
Play a Game of Will It Waffle
The waffle iron may be brunch’s biggest unsung hero. If your friends aren’t familiar with its versatility, brunch is an excellent time to introduce them to the variety of flavors—sweet and savory—that can be “waffled.” Put out an array of both sweet and savory waffle additions like chocolate chips and berries for sweet applications, Happy Farms Mild Cheddar Shredded Cheese for savory. Then prep Aunt Maple’s Protein Pancake and Waffle Mix and leave it out in a pitcher, just like a restaurant buffet! An unofficial prize goes to the guest with the most innovative waffle creation.
Get Blending with Mix-and-Match Smoothies
This brunch spread is certainly BYOB—as in, bring your own blender. For this glam take on a smoothie station, start by decanting a few Simply Nature Organic Assorted juices and milks (regular and dairy-free) into glass pitchers on a long table. Then, provide your pals with an assortment of mix-ins divided by type: nut and seed butters; chopped-up frozen fruit like pineapple, banana, and strawberries; sweeteners like Specially Selected 100% Pure Maple Syrup and Simply Nature Organic Wildflower Honey; and, of course, plenty of ice. Set up your blender (or blenders) at the end of the table and let ‘em rip. As a finishing touch, have mason jars and colorful paper straws ready for your delicious, fruity beverages.
