Mastering the Art of Effortless Impromptu Brunches

It’s Saturday morning, the sun is warm on the deck, and some friends call to say they’re “just swinging by.” Before you can panic about what to serve, take a deep breath—brunch doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special. In fact, some of the best spreads come together with what you already have on hand.

Brunch on the Aft Deck

One of my favorite go-tos for these last-minute gatherings is a toast board. Think of it as a brunch version of a charcuterie board: a colorful tray of toasted breads or bagels, surrounded by little toppings, spreads, and a few surprise extras. The beauty of a toast board is its flexibility—avocado, nut butters, cheeses, sliced veggies, or even leftover roasted chicken can all find a spot. Guests love the “build your own” feel, and you don’t have to stress over cooking one big centerpiece dish.

To make it feel indulgent, add two things that never fail: bacon and fruit. Serve your bacon both ways—crispy and savory for the purists, and candied or spiced for the adventurous. For the fruit, skip the bowl and make simple kebobs. Skewered berries, melon, or pineapple suddenly feel intentional and elegant, even if they were tossed together in minutes. Arrange it all on a big board or platter, and suddenly you’ve got a brunch that feels abundant, thoughtful, and fun.

And here’s the real secret: it’s not about being perfect—it’s about the moment. Gathering on the fly, laughing over mismatched mugs of coffee, and letting people pile their plates the way they like it. That’s what turns a Saturday morning into a memory.

If this style of easy-yet-inspired brunch makes you smile, I’ve tucked a lot more of these ideas (with recipes to back them up when you do have time to plan) into my brunch cookbook. It’s full of simple dishes made for small kitchens and big gatherings. Until then, remember: a loaf of bread, some bacon, and a rainbow of fruit can make you the host everyone loves to brunch with.

Click here to be directed to the cookbook!