We often get asked by parents and others, “How does one brunch?” Thankfully, we have guest writer Tracie Johnson to give some guidance on planning your next (or first) brunch!

Whenever you're hosting friends for a baby or a wedding shower or even Sunday church gatherings, you can try out brunch. Although a combination of breakfast and lunch, the menu shouldn't be as complicated as you may think. You don't have to wake up in the wee hours and leave your kitchen in a mess just because it's brunch day. Here are some tips that will help you set up an "almost" perfect brunch.

Check The Time Factor

Before diving into what your guests will drink or eat, it’s best to first make sure they plan to show up. Select a day and time that is ideal for all. If multiple guests work from nine to five on weekdays, then a weekend brunch would be perfect. However, when you find that the guests have numerous schedules, find a day that allows the most to attend.

When it comes to timing, going the conventional way is a good idea. People often serve brunch at around 10AM, a time that's between breakfast and lunch hours. If you want to mingle with guests or let them chat beforehand, you can consider scheduling the brunch earlier.

Observe Brunch Etiquette

While there are no hard rules regarding brunch, there's an unspoken code you ought to have in mind. Firstly, send invitations to your guests early enough to give them enough time to add partying to their schedules, and sending the invites some weeks before the D-day would be perfect. Whether you send an email, written invite, or text, request an RSVP to know the number of people to expect. That will go a long way in preventing you from shopping for too many ingredients that end up as waste!

If you have brunch outdoors, you can go the extra mile and purchase products to keep your guests safe from the harsh weather. From sunscreen to insect repellant to odor sprays for pets, nothing should stop you and your guests from enjoying your day. While at it, check out natural organic products that will keep you safe.

Ponder About The Menu

When thinking about the food, also think about the silverware. You don't want to have guests over and no plates to serve the food. Put together all the utensils, dishes, coffee mugs, and cocktail glasses the night before and avoid the hustle of rushing up and down on brunch day.

Now comes the menu. What to serve? Brunch trends show the popular foods, alcohol, vegetable, dessert, and beverages. 

 You can play around with the menu, but here's what to keep in mind:

• Serve the brunch buffet style. When your guests serve themselves, it takes the pressure off of you to make sure each person gets what they need.

• Have a variety of foods so that there's something for everyone. Keep in mind guests with allergies. Ensure that there are plenty of food options to choose from, with a particular focus on dishes that do not have allergens.

• Throw in some healthy foods. That can include low-fat yogurt; you can spruce it up with nuts or dried fruits.

• Fresh fruit is imperative. You can place tropical or seasonal fruits in decorative bowls or on platters to attract visual interest.

• If you're planning to serve a lot of breakfast meat, it would be wise to cook it in the oven. That will avert splatters on the cooktops and counters.

• Don't forget the eggs. You cannot call it a brunch without eggs, but do not serve omelets! Serve dishes that you can prepare beforehand, for instance, frittatas, casseroles, and quiches.

For drinks:

• Serve multiple drink options.

• If there's alcohol, non-alcoholic beverages should be present as well.

• Ensure that there is a constant supply of hot tea or coffee during the meal. (Have handy thermal carafes.)

• Brunch cocktails are a good addition, including screwdrivers, greyhounds, and mimosas.

All in All: Have a Good Time

You shouldn't fail to enjoy the party just because you're the host. The point of a brunch is to have a good time with friends and family, even if it means assigning duties, whether coffee, cocktail, or otherwise. A happy host means a satisfied guest.

Tracie Johnson is a New Jersey native and an alum of Penn State University. She is passionate about writing, reading, and living a healthy lifestyle. She feels happiest when around a campfire surrounded by friends, family, and her Dachshund Rufus.