by Robin Tidwell

Created on: June 09, 2008   Last Updated: June 14, 2008

Organizing a Fathers' Day brunch can be as simple or as complicated as one likes. There are many variables to consider, such as time, place, and who to invite, just as when hosting any other type of get-together or occasion.

Some families invite other relatives, or friends, and of course these invitations must be extended somewhat in advance, perhaps a couple of weeks or more. Some even skip most or part of the planning stages and make reservations at a restaurant or host an impromptu barbeque in the afternoon.

Brunch is typically held between breakfast and lunch hours. One should usually, for any party, inform guests of specific start and end times; this makes planning and preparation much easier on the host. For example, a common time for brunch would be from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

This being a "Fathers' Day" brunch, one would presumably invite fathers and grandfathers, and their accompanying family members, and perhaps close friends - especially those who have no one else with whom to celebrate the day. The size of one's guest list should correspond somewhat with the number and variety of dishes offered, so a fairly accurate headcount is important.

When hosting any party, timing is crucial; one should be able to mingle with the guests as well as coordinate serving the food, so any prep work that can be done ahead of time and dishes that do not go directly from oven to table should definitely be included. Experienced hosts understand, too, that one should not prepare dishes that are beyond their skill level or too many that are "new" to the cook - the odds can be high for significant errors and a subsequent lack of edible food!

The house should be cleaned the week prior to the brunch; the shopping, too should be accomplished by then except for the purchase of fresh ingredients, such as vegetables and fruits. Last-minute cleaning touch-ups can be done immediately before the guests' arrival, and shopping the day before. A planning list, or several lists, is crucial to keep the host organized and on schedule.

Decorations can be any type of festive arrangements: flowers, fruit, banners, cards, posters - kids are especially helpful with these kinds of things and, as this is a party to honor fathers, the kids should be involved as much as possible. Turn the decorating over to them!

The menu should be varied and plentiful; offer a variety of food to your guests and, depending on the space limitations of the home, plan on foods that require no cutting and are easily eaten

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