Buffet party menu No. 4: Brunch of champions

When kids are small, dinner parties can become a (temporary) thing of the past. Why not take advantage of little early risers and throw a weekend breakfast buffet instead? Kids can come and go from the table and have fun with their friends, while parents (sort of) relax over coffee and pastries. When it’s all over, you’ve still got the rest of the day to play.

There are plenty of ideas for breakfast items, most of which require little more preparation other than placing on a serving platter. While we wouldn’t want to pressure you into cooking first thing on a weekend morning, few can resist a freshly baked muffin or cinnamon roll. Bake your own, or pick up a dozen from your favourite pastry shop.

Make-ahead tip: Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast and muffin batter can be prepped the night before and popped into the oven in the morning.

Here’s what you need:

Platter of bagels or croissants and toppings:

• smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers
• hummus
• peanut or soy butter
• jams
• butter

Baked goods

• Family Breakfast Slices
• Sinless Cinnamon Rolls
• Good Grain Basic Muffins or Triple-Hitter Muffins
• Breakfast Bread Pudding
• Cottage Cheese with Macerated Berries

SIDES

Keep it simple. The grocery store has lots of ready-to-go options if you prefer sleeping in to slicing fruit.

• Fresh fruit platter (watermelon, honeydew or cantaloupe, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, orange slices)
• Yogurt
• Baked Homemade Granola or kid-friendly Homemade Granola Coins

DRINKS

Lazy mornings call for simple drinks. Whizz up a blender of favourite smoothie ingredients, or opt for drink boxes for the kids and something hot and caffeinated for the grown-ups.

• Orange-Banana Smoothie
• Maple Hot Chocolate
• Coffee or tea

For more easy entertaining ideas, check out our collection of 5 buffet party menus.