Easy Summer Party - An Easy Summer Brunch Menu

One of the most enjoyable things about summertime is the unscheduled weekend time. All of the weekend activities that keep us running during the rest of the year seem to take a break during the lazy days of summer. It's the perfect time to kick back and host an easy summer brunch.

One of my first priorities for the perfect recipes for this menu is that they needed to be easy to prepare. I want to relax while brunching as much as I'd like my guests to relax.

In fact, some of the ideal recipes would have steps that could be prepared hours in advance, or even the day before. And, ideally, a summer brunch should use as many seasonal ingredients as you can squeeze into the menu.

Setting the Stage

Use table linens that have a bright floral design to mimic the beauty of the season.

Place colorful, ceramic bowls of fresh summer fruit on your table as both decorations and another easy menu offering for your guests. Choose what's most in-season at your local farm stand, but possibilities include peaches, nectarines, cherries, strawberries, and blueberries.

Make a simple statement by setting a single flower in a small glass vase at each place.

Provide your guests with crossword puzzles, sudoku puzzles, and morning newspapers to suit the quiet, relaxing mood of brunch.

The Menu

Asparagus Omelet - Home Cooking Guide Peggy Trowbridge Fillopone tells us how to make these simple, seasonal omelets for our brunch guests. You can have everything prepped in advance, and merely cook them at the last minute before serving.

If you have a couple of frying pans, you can cook two at once and get them done in half the time.

Baked Yogurt Fruit Dip - Stephanie Gallagher, Guide to Kids Cooking, shares this recipe that takes very little effort before popping it into the oven. Serve this as a sweet, but healthy treat to accompany your brunch.

The Best Blueberry Muffins - These wonderful muffins can be prepared hours before your brunch. Just be sure to pop them into your oven for a few minutes before serving. How else will the butter melt on them otherwise?

Oven Baked Bacon - Once I discovered you could prepare bacon in the oven, there was no turning back. No spatters on the stove and neat, professional looking slices - there's no better way. Culinary Arts Guide Danilo Alfaro tells us how to make perfect bacon.

Tequila Sunrise - I think it's time to bring back this classic cocktail that looks pretty, tastes great, and fits right into a brunch with its orange juice base. Colleen Graham, Guide to Cocktails, tells you how to create this great classic.

Serve an assortment of other brunch beverages including juices, coffee and tea.