Colorful South-of-the-Border Brunch

To make this midmorning meal a memorable event, opt for a south of the border theme, instead of the expected brunch staples. Set up your brunch feast on a buffet for easy serving and let guests sit wherever they please for a casual vibe. Take the Mexican-inspired theme to the next level with coordinated cocktails, decorations and activities.

Brightly colored decorations are a must at a fiesta. Accordion paper lanterns can be tied together along a ribbon as a festive party decoration — opt for the brightest, boldest colors you can find.

When serving buffet style, make things easy for guests by rolling the utensils up in a napkins and securing the bundle with a bright length of ribbon. A terra-cotta pot is the perfect size to hold your rolls.
Buffet Ideas:
Forget eggs Benedict and French toast — brunch doesn't always have to be expected fare. For this mad-for-Mexican menu, scrambled eggs get a kick from chorizo and manchego fricos. Pair them with a rich Jalapeno and Cheddar Cornmeal Spoonbread and gussied-up black beans (canned beans can be dressed with freshly chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt and chili powder). Pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole are perfect accompaniments to this Mexicali menu — don't forget the hot sauce! For dessert, serve Key Lime Margarita Pie. Add a simple southwestern touch by sprinkling cinnamon on coffee grounds before you brew your java.

Make setting the scene for your party simple, not stressful, by customizing store-bought decorations. Paper plates and napkins get a twist with zigzag edges and punched details, while honeycomb paper flowers can be tied to a length of ribbon to create a garland or taped to skewers to create faux flowers. When selecting table linens and serving dishes, opt for your brightest, most colorful pieces — with all the bold hues of a fiesta it won't even matter if they match.

Small terra-cotta pots can be used to serve condiments like salsa, guacamole and sour cream. Rinse them thoroughly beforehand and block the drainage hole by lining the bottom with plastic wrap. Decant the sauces just as you're about to serve, as the clay pots will suck all the moisture out of the dips.

Brunch doesn't require a full bar, but it's nice to have a few themed drink options. While some guests may be ready for a margarita in the morning, a Tequila Sunrise made with orange juice, tequila and grenadine is a more brunch-friendly option. When you set up your drink station, leave the orange juice unadulterated so guests can opt out of the booze if they prefer. A few Mexican beers will round out the drink menu. If you're expecting kids, hit up your local Latino market (or the international aisle at your grocery store) for south-of-the-border sodas or juices.

Set out the drink fixings and let guests mix their own cocktails. This will free you up for other hosting duties and guarantee that everyone gets their drinks made to their liking.