Brunch is the most versatile of all meals. As a middle ground between breakfast and lunch, there are very few rules dictating what you can and can’t eat. You might see anything from pancakes and bacon to smoked fish and quiche. It can be served anytime between 10am and 1pm, and you have the flexibility to do what you like.

If you are hosting a brunch in your home, you may feel empowered by all this freedom. But on the other hand, it might feel quite overwhelming. With all these options and choices at your disposal, it can be a struggle to settle on a menu.

Here are four tips to help you host a brunch party all your friends will remember.

Confirm your guest list

Knowing who is coming to your brunch will help you determine what food to serve and in what quantities. You may just have a couple of girlfriends coming round or it might be the extended family. Try to confirm numbers and it will make your life a lot easier. This way you can purchase the correct amount of food and not worry about waste or people going hungry. You should also make sure to check for any dietary requirements and allergies to keep everyone happy.

Make a special drink

Brunch is one of the few occasions where it is deemed acceptable to have a drink in the morning. It’s common for alcoholic beverages such as prosecco and champagne to be served, or cocktails like Bloody Marys and mimosas. You should have a special drink ready to welcome your guests and create a talking point for the meal. You could opt for one of these classic brunch staples, or come up with something a little more unusual. Here are some brunch cocktail ideas to give you inspiration.

Plan the menu

The food selection is the most important part of any brunch. Make sure there is a wide variety of options for people to choose from. It’s a good idea to have a theme that ties each of the dishes together. For example, it will be a little unusual to have sausages and bacon served alongside a summery goats cheese salad. You could look to different cuisines for inspiration, with a Spanish tapas-style brunch or a Tex Mex theme with breakfast burritos and huevos rancheros. There are so many possibilities, you just need to work out what will go down well with your guests.

Purchase the supplies

Now that you know exactly what you’re going to serve, it’s time to buy the supplies. You don’t want to spend a huge amount on your brunch, so try to use a less expensive supermarket or find deals to help you save money. For added convenience, you could even consider getting groceries delivered to your door. If you’re going to be making crab cakes, you can buy crab meat online, as well as all the other ingredients to save you a lot of time and effort.

If you follow these tips, you are guaranteed to throw a brunch party all your friends will remember. Good luck!