The gifts have been ripped opened and you’ve said buh-bye to your Christmas Spotify station (until next year), but between now and New Years, you’ve still got a few days of celebrating to do. Since many of us have some time off work this week, it’s the perfect time to invite a few friends for a cozy brunch at your place, champagne cocktails required. Keep scrolling for loads of inspiration from the brunch we hosted with Target at our studio for our fave creative girls in Austin, plus all the sparkly products and low-key menu ideas to make it happen.
photos by Kate Turpin, flowers by Margot Blair, food and drinks by June’s, food styling by Mackenzie Smith
For the first time in years, it actually snowed in Austin the night before our party. We couldn’t believe it either. Everyone was buzzing with holiday excitement and our fireplace finally felt like it had a true purpose.
Shop: Metallic wreath, Tis The Season pillow, Faux fur lumbar pillow, Faux greenery garland
Carly from House of Margot Blair created a few gorgeous floral arrangements for the party. She said, “I wanted to do something wintery, while not being too cliche, so I went with a color palette that included the quintessential red balanced out with mauvy pinks and crisp white.” Her mix included:
- garden roses
- ranunculus
- anemones
- peonies
- orchids
- sweet peas
- astrantia
- winter greens
Shop: Faux greenery garland, Linen table runner
June’s All Day provided an insanely delicious brunch spread for the party. The stars of the show were these bialys (think bagels without the holes in the center) with all the accompaniments. Guests were able to top their onion and poppy bialys with wasabi tobiko cream cheese, pastrami smoked salmon, red onions, capers, sprouts, and watercress.
Shop: Marble and gold serving bowl, Nordic appetizer plates, Be Merry platter
For those of us with a little sweet tooth, the pastries from June’s did not disappoint! I couldn’t stop munching on these pumpkin buckwheat scones and iced French crullers. Get the recipe for June’s pumpkin seed and buckwheat scones here!
Shop: Mason jars, Marble cake stand, Wooden serving board
I’m obsessed with this velvet ensemble from Target’s brand A New Day. The soft velvet says “party” but feels as comfortable as wearing pajamas.
Shop: Camille’s top, Camille’s skirt, Marble and gold serving bowl
These yogurt and granola jars were a crowd favorite. Our friend (and amazing food stylist) Mackenzie helped us craft these perfectly stacked parfaits by layering yogurt, dates, granola, diced apples, and blueberries topped with citrus zest.
Shop: Mason jars, Marble cake stand, Carmen’s sweater
It isn’t brunch without mimosas! We set out a few bottles of champagne so guests could make their own combinations with classic orange juice and a spicy carrot and ginger juice from June’s.
Shop: Let’s Mistletoe banner, Bar table, Faux greenery garland, Hammered copper bowl, White bottlebrush tree, Gold rimmed pitcher, Wine decanter, Whiskey decanter, Champagne coupes, Juice glasses
Don’t you just want to curl up by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa?
Shop: Faux greenery garland, Metallic wreath, Tis The Season pillow, Faux fur lumbar pillow, Sugar Paper pink gift boxes, Sugar Paper white gift boxes
I invited several of my favorite creative gals around town to come over and see our newly renovated bungalow. It was so much fun getting to catch up with friends in the midst of the holiday craziness. Tip for ensuring a great turnout for your holiday party: throw an early afternoon brunch gathering and promise lots of great food!
Taking notes for next year’s Christmas brunch menu…
Shop: Marble and gold serving bowl, Nordic appetizer plates, Wooden serving board, Marble cake stand
Is it any surprise that this party equaled velvet fashion overload?! I had to snag a pic of Lauren, Jessi, Jenn, and me in our festive velvet outfits.
Shop: Camille’s top, Camille’s skirt, Jenn’s dress
Cristina‘s vintage-inspired outfit perfectly complemented her mimosa.
Carmen set up this hot cocoa bar cart for guests to create their perfect personalized cup. We had all the mix-in’s on display: peppermint sticks, mint chocolate pieces, toffee pieces, marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, and nutmeg.
These stir sticks we found at Target made hot cocoa easy. Guests could choose between milk chocolate and white chocolate, combine with hot milk, and add their mix-ins for a sweet and festive treat.
Shop: Jingle All The Way mug, Carmen’s sweater
We wrapped up gifts for all of our guests in these pretty gift boxes from Sugar Paper for Target and placed them under the tree. Every present had a custom gift tag attached, so at the end of the party everyone got to find their personal gift box under the tree to take home.
Shop: Sugar Paper for Target pink gift boxes, Sugar Paper white gift boxes, White ribbon, Pink ribbon, Gray ribbon, Gift tags, Animal ornaments, Sweater ornaments, Large metallic ornaments, Mini metallic ornaments
Our gift boxes were packed with a rose gold Project 62 cocktail shaker, a pretty bottle of Elderflower cocktail syrup, and a yummy Wondershop chocolate bar. This party was such a fun way to celebrate with friends, and we’re wishing you and your loved ones lots of love this holiday season!
Shop: Sugar Paper for Target gift box, Rose gold cocktail shaker, Wondershop chocolate bars, Elderflower cocktail syrup
