Brunch question - need opinions

[cocoa'smom]

We're having a baby shower brunch in a couple of weeks and I'm trying to come up with the best time to have it. Would 12:30 be too late (couldn't go earlier than 12). There will be couples invited - Here's where we are with the menu so far:

Mimosas & bloody marys (priorities ;)
egg casseroles (someone else is making these)
maybe hash brown casseroles of some sort
mini-bagels with smoked salmon
fruit tarts for dessert.

Do you think this is too breakfasty for a 12:30 brunch? What else should we have to supplement? I was thinking about a fruit salad, but wasn't sure since we're having fruit tarts for dessert. Any suggestions? I'm searching back threads to see what others have done at their brunches, but woul welcome feedback about the time and menu. Thanks!

[avariell]

I think it is a little breakfast-y for that time of day- but I am an early bird when it comes to waking up and eating :) I am sure there are lots of people who go out for brunch/breakfast at noon or later.

My first thought after reading your menu is you need a mocktail or something for the pregnant girl! I imagine depending on your attitude, it would be kind of depressing to watch your friends sip on fun cocktails while you drank orange juice. Could you maybe offer something special but non-alcoholic? Like freshly made lemonade with frozen berries or something.

I think you need a vegetable side - maybe simple crudite?

[sneezles]

As someone who can, and often does, eat breakfast at any time, I think your menu sounds great. Maybe a spinach salad to add a veggie...one with berries, toasted almonds and bleu cheese.

[Canice]

I don't think I'd be wild about egg casserole and hashed browns in the afternoon, but I'd be happy with the bagel and salmon and, as sneezles suggested, spinach salad. I should admit, though, that I've never really "gotten" brunch. I think most people would expect the foods you're planning on serving.

[Kristilyn1]

I think while it sounds delicious, I think it's way too breakfasty for a shower at that hour. Assuming people aren't going to roll out of bed and arrive, I'm guessing most people would be expecting a luncheon.

Kristi

[Wendi]

I also think it's too breakfasty for that hour (you probably won't even serve until 1:00)...

I usually bake a side (or 2) of salmon and serve it at room temp with a mustard sauce, blanched asparagus with a squeeze of lemon (they taste great with the same mustard sauce), fruit, and crusty bread or bagels.

This menu has worked for me many times and always enjoyed.

Wendi

[cocoa'smom]

Hmmm...I'm thinking you all are right. It may be too breakfasty for some. Maybe I'll move to a honeybaked ham, chicken salad, rolls, green salad, etc.

[knunes]

I like the idea of a compromise. If you are still calling it brunch, but having it at 12:30, I would like the idea of the egg casseroles AND the honey baked ham, plus the spinach salad, with the mini bagels and smoked salmon.
Love the fruit tarts for dessert if you aren't having a shower cake. If you are having a cake, I'd probably go with fruit kabobs or fruit salad right along with all the other stuff.

[cocoa'smom]

Ok - we're narrowing it down. We're having:

Mimosas
Baked Brie appetizer (someone else bringing)
Egg Casseroles (not sure what kind - someone else making)
Honeybaked Ham & little rolls
Fruit Tarts for dessert

We need some other things to go with it. I think it screams for fruit salad, but since we're having fruit tarts, that might be too much fruit. Any suggestions on a couple of other things to go with the eggs & ham? Thanks!

And there'll be about 30+ people.

[Gracie]

I think you need vegetables. Roasted asparagus or mixed roasted veggies would be good along with the spinach salad sneezles suggested.

We like scalloped potatoes with ham but they might be too heavy with the egg casserole.

Also, what about some chocolate finger foods to accompany the fruit tarts? Maybe brownies but cut much smaller than you normally would (1-inch squares) so people could have just a bite.

[francophila]

i'm picturing a tomato dish ~~ the kind where you split them in half (or take a good slice off the top), place cut side up, cover with herbed breadcrumbs and a bit of garlic, dot with oil, and bake or broil ~~ they're great at room temperature. plus, botanically, tomatoes are fruit. :D