This past weekend, our home was filled with joy and laughter as we hosted a special brunch to celebrate two significant milestones for our daughter: her 8th-grade graduation and her upcoming Confirmation. It was a wonderful opportunity to gather all of our beloved family members under one roof for a truly memorable occasion, filled with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and heartwarming camaraderie.

When the time came to plan this dual celebration, the first step was choosing a theme that felt fresh and meaningful. I had recently used crosses for our twins’ First Holy Communion, so I wanted something different this time around. While her school color, St. Patrick’s green, was an option, it didn’t quite resonate with the elegant feel I envisioned. After some contemplation, I decided to embrace a sophisticated palette of red, white, and black.

The choice of red was inspired by the beautiful gowns the girls would wear for their Confirmation ceremony, adding a touch of thematic significance. This decision was also a personal favorite, as my kitchen is painted a striking “arresting red,” making it the perfect backdrop for decorations that would seamlessly complement the existing aesthetic. A cohesive color scheme not only simplifies the decorating process but also creates a visually stunning and harmonious atmosphere for your guests.

Hosting twenty-four family members required careful planning for seating arrangements. To comfortably accommodate everyone, we set up three distinct tables, each designed to seat eight people. This approach allowed for intimate conversation at each table while still maintaining the overall festive ambiance of a large family gathering. Strategically placing tables throughout the main living areas ensured that the space felt open and inviting, preventing any crowding.

The red, white, and black theme was carried through every aspect of our table decor, creating a striking and cohesive look. We enjoyed mixing and matching various elements – from tablecloth linens to napkins and centerpieces – to add depth and visual interest to each setting. On one table, a crisp white tablecloth might serve as the base, complemented by vibrant red napkins and black accents. Another might feature a bold red cloth with white napkins, drawing the eye with its rich hue. The interplay of these three colors ensured that each table felt unique yet perfectly integrated into the overall design.

The white table, while initially appearing a little wider than anticipated, ultimately blended beautifully with the overall scheme, offering a bright contrast to the bolder colors. It served as a versatile canvas, allowing other decorative elements to truly pop. Balancing the different table sizes and shapes added a dynamic element to the room, preventing a monotonous arrangement and making the entire space feel more thoughtfully designed.

For an extra touch of elegance and fun, I meticulously folded all of the napkins using the classic “Bishop’s Hat Fold.” This intricate fold adds a sophisticated vertical element to each place setting, instantly elevating the table’s appearance. True to form, the folded napkins were an immediate hit with the kids, who enthusiastically tried them on as hats before settling down to eat, adding a delightful, playful moment to the start of our brunch.

Having done numerous fresh cut flower centerpieces recently, I was eager to explore a different creative direction for this celebration. My quest for inspiration led me to a local greenhouse, where I discovered beautiful porcelain pots in our chosen colors: red, white, and black. This find sparked the idea of creating monochromatic centerpieces – each pot holding flowers of the same color, creating a striking visual impact.

The result was truly captivating. We carefully selected and potted flowers to match each pot, making sure the hues were consistent. The white pots held delicate white blooms, while the red pots overflowed with vibrant red flowers. For the black pots, we found a truly unique and gorgeous variety of petunias called “Black Velvet.” Their deep, rich color added an unexpected touch of sophistication and modern flair to the tables. These living centerpieces brought freshness and an artistic touch that moved beyond traditional bouquets, serving as memorable focal points for each table.

No brunch is truly complete without a selection of festive morning beverages to kick off the celebration. For our adult guests, we offered a classic spread of Bloody Marys and Mimosas. The Bloody Mary bar was fully stocked with all the traditional fixings, allowing everyone to customize their drink just the way they like it – from spicy sauces and celery sticks to olives and pickled vegetables. It was a delightful interactive station that guests thoroughly enjoyed.

Our Mimosas were equally popular, made with chilled champagne and fresh orange juice. For the younger guests, and those preferring a non-alcoholic option, we thoughtfully prepared “virgin mimosas” using sparkling cider instead of champagne. Each mimosa glass, whether alcoholic or not, was elegantly garnished with fresh raspberries, adding a pop of color and a touch of sweetness. These refreshing drinks were the perfect complement to our brunch spread, adding an extra layer of festivity to the morning.

The true highlight of any great meal, especially a celebratory brunch, is undeniably the food! We curated a menu designed to delight every palate, offering a wonderful balance of savory and sweet dishes, comforting classics, and exciting new flavors. Our goal was to provide a lavish spread that felt both special and approachable for all our family members, from the youngest to the oldest.

The menu included:

• Brunch Enchiladas: A hearty and flavorful dish, these enchiladas offered a savory kick, perfect for those who enjoy a more substantial breakfast-lunch fusion. Made with ham, they were a delightful surprise. For the recipe, find it here.
• Bacon and Swiss Quiche: A classic brunch staple, our quiche was rich, creamy, and packed with the irresistible combination of crispy bacon and melted Swiss cheese. Its elegant appearance and comforting taste made it an instant favorite. The recipe for this delicious quiche is available on our Facebook page.
• Cracker Barrel’s Own Hash Brown Casserole: A universally loved side dish, this creamy, cheesy hash brown casserole provided a comforting and familiar taste that appealed to everyone. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly from the buffet!
• Bayou Brunch Casserole: Bringing a touch of Southern flair, this unique casserole featured spicy Italian sausage, offering a robust and zesty flavor profile that stood out from the traditional brunch fare.
• Baked Apple French Toast: For those with a sweet tooth, this warm and tender French toast, baked with sweet apples, was a comforting and indulgent choice. It’s a perfect dish for a leisurely brunch.
• Fresh Fruit Kabobs: To balance the richness of other dishes, we offered colorful and refreshing fruit kabobs. These were not only a healthy option but also visually appealing, adding vibrant hues to the table.
• Chocolate Covered Strawberries: A special request from our daughter, these decadent strawberries were a pure indulgence. Each berry was perfectly coated in rich dark chocolate, with some elegantly drizzled with white chocolate, making them a luxurious treat.
• Lemon Blueberry Crunch Bars: These zesty and sweet bars offered a delightful burst of flavor. The combination of bright lemon, juicy blueberries, and a crunchy topping made them an irresistible dessert. You can find the recipe here.
• Ice Cream Sticky Cinnamon Rolls: A creative twist on classic cinnamon rolls, these gooey, sweet treats were an absolute hit, offering a unique and comforting dessert or a sweet breakfast option. Get the recipe for Ice Cream Sticky Rolls here.
• Frosted Sugar Cookies: In addition to the cookie favors, we had a plate of classic frosted sugar cookies, always a welcome sight, especially for the younger guests.

To ensure every guest left with a sweet memory of the day, each place setting featured a delightful cookie favor for dessert. These exquisite cookies were handcrafted by my talented friend, Tari, who runs Sunshine Cookies from her home in Chandler, Arizona. Tari created beautiful white dove-shaped sugar cookies, each adorned with a shimmering glitter glaze that caught the light beautifully. The dove motif was a perfect symbol for the Confirmation, adding a meaningful touch to the favor.

Beyond their charming appearance, Tari packaged them with incredible attention to detail. Each cookie was individually wrapped, tied with elegant red and white ribbon, and finished with a delicate silver cross attached to the bag. As pretty as they were, they tasted even better – a testament to Tari’s baking skill. These custom favors were a wonderful way to express our gratitude to our family for sharing in Kenzie’s special day and served as a lovely keepsake. You can find Sunshine Cookies on Facebook to see more of her incredible work.

The entire celebration was a resounding success and a joy for everyone involved. We were truly blessed with beautiful weather that Sunday, allowing us to extend the festivities beyond the dining room. After brunch, our family happily transitioned to our spacious patio to continue enjoying the glorious sunshine and each other’s company. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day, filled with warmth, love, and cherished memories.

Congratulations, Kenzie! We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments and your faith journey. May God continue to bless you always, sweetheart.