I’ve been trying to focus less on loads of presents under the tree and more on service and magical family moments during the holidays. Today in partnership with Munchkin, we’re sharing the magical moment of Christmas morning brunch. Good news: it doesn’t have to require hours of work. In past years I’ve made homemade cinnamon rolls or another fancy dish, I’ll end up regretting the work involved (because, really I just want to crawl back in bed after opening presents). Here’s an easy way to make a magical Christmas brunch without the hassle…
Do you have a Christmas meal tradition? We never had a big dinner on Christmas day (that was reserved for Christmas Eve), but growing up my parents would always make a special brunch after opening presents. Cinnamon rolls, eggs, bacon, my grandmother’s homemade hot cocoa. Even after munching on candy all morning, we still looked forward to that magical mid-morning feast.
My kids now expect the same, but some years it feel like too much to think about on the busy days leading up to Christmas. After all the Santa work, I’m rarely in the mood to make homemade cinnamon rolls! The reality is that the kids don’t care (canned cinnamon rolls are fine for them!). Simple food presented in a festive way is the way to go. This is my new Christmas brunch motto!
Here’s the no-hassle game plan:
Decor. After presents are unwrapped grab a helper to collect a few Christmas trinkets and decor around the house: mini houses from the window ledge, candy canes from the tree, wreaths from the windows, clippings from the tree or a bush outside, candles from the mantle, bottlebrush trees from the entryway, etc.
Don’t think too much about it, just gather a few things, lay down the greenery first on top of your tablecloth, and then place small items around it.
For kid tableware, I’m a huge fan of Munchkin products. Beautifully designed and super functional. Our kitchen has been packed full of them since we had children. A few favorites we love are the Stay Put Suction Bowls (completely necessary for toddlers), Miracle Cups, and all the Snack Catchers.
Right now, I’m really into these new Munchkin Splash Divided Plates (image below) and Splash Toddler Bowls (image above). Deep walls, and the bottoms are slip-free (thank you, Munchkin!).
Quiche. Here’s a really easy way for festive but easy brunch food! Grab a quiche from your local market/grocery store. Pop it out of it’s case, warm it up in the oven while you’re setting the table and place it between a small wreath or other greenery on a cake plate. So fancy (but so easy!). You could easily do the same with other store bought pastries. We usually make some bacon and eggs too (again, really simple).
Hot Cocoa. A necessity on Christmas brunch, add a sprinkle of crushed candy canes (there are bound to be some under the tree) on top of the whipped cream. PS Find my grandma’s homemade hot cocoa recipe right here.
Lately, Dot has been insisting on sitting with us at the table, and not in her high chair (totally understandable!). I was so happy to find this Elevate Booster Seat from Munchkin that securely mounts to the front of a chair (image on the right). Also, it’s so sleek looking! And it’s so nice to be sitting all together for a special meal.
I love the simple and healthy spread, and the decor too! ❤️
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com