Upon graduating from college and announcing my move to Los Angeles, my mom had one piece of advice for me when it came to entertaining. “Entertain at home as often as you can. When we were young, we all did potluck dinners at each other’s houses and they’re some of my favorite memories to date.” I only wish I’d taken that to heart back then, when I was going into debt with bars and clubs and (ugh) parking in LA.

But better late than never, right? Lately, there’s been a huge surge in my social calendar of entertaining at home at friends’ houses – in backyards, at pool parties, porch parties and more. It’s truly a gift to me because when I’ve been asked what I like to do for fun, I always say that I forego the clubs and love doing dinners, happy hours and game nights at friends’ homes. It’s cheaper, warmer, cozier and just plain more fun.

This past Sunday, my former roomie (2002-2004), Vanessa hosted an impromptu ladies’ brunch at her beautiful mid-century home in Long Beach. Her husband was out of town and she just thought that a girls day was in order! And boy was it!

The best part? She taught me that a brunch doesn’t have to be extravagant or over-the-top to be a success.

It can be simple, stylish and sophisticated with one focal dish and a few side dishes.

I brought the Bellini fixins’, thanks to Powell and Mahoney Bellini Cocktail Mixer. (More on that recipe tomorrow)

Vanessa cooked a delicious egg casserole – and may I say that it was cooked perrrrfectly – and it was her first time making the recipe, to boot! As for the sides, she did like I do and combined homemade items with store or bakery bought items, which lends itself to ease and grace.

The pièce de résistance? CRONUTS. Yes, I ate 2. Don’t judge.

It was a day of laughter and libations, new friends and old friends and good old fashioned eating and entertaining in one of my best friend’s backyards.

More of that please, 2015.

Dawn Do? To keep your leftover champagne all bubbly, place a teaspoon in the bottle. In my experience, my champagne has stayed deliciously bubbly for between 2-5 days.Yes, really. It doesn’t matter the metal of the spoon, although I have had the best luck with silver or stainless shell. p.s. People say this is a myth, but all I know is it works.

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: How do you brunch all “Easy Like Sunday Morning?”