How to Host an Alfresco Potluck Brunch for 30

I love to entertain! Honestly, whether it’s an intimate gathering for six or a bash for thirty, the amount of effort feels almost the same to me (which, as you can imagine, drives Steve bonkers!). With some wonderful new families joining our lane, my dear neighbor Freddie and I decided it was high time for a proper, yet simple, welcome. We thought a potluck brunch would be perfect, as we could host it on our lovely patio areas before the summer sun gets too enthusiastic! To avoid a mountain of fruit salad (and ensure a delightful variety!), we whipped up a spreadsheet in google sheets where everyone could sign up for their favorite dish. That way, we’d have a little bit of everything and not too much of one thing! We sent out the inviatations via Paperless Post with a link to the spread sheet. Some were able to navigate it and some not, but it worked farely well. Don’t be intimidated by the number 30, you could follow the same program for a small gathering, Let’s dive in and chat about How to an Alfresco Potluck Brunch for 30.

Setting the Stage

Make sure your patio, and seating areas are sparkling clean and inviting (translation it is party time get rid of the cobwebs and Scouts footprints all over everything). You can see how our front courtyard is set up before the party my post 10 Ideas for Creating a Serene Courtyard Oasis here. Crucial for a brunch before it gets too hot, pop up your umbrellas or pull out your awnings. No one wants to sit in the sun and sweat!! Make sure you have plenty of place settings and napkins. Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Too much of the same is boring. Use your creativity. We seated six at the large table on the back patio, four at the tiny table outside my office, and four at the table overlooking the garden.

Prepare One Simple Appetizer

I normally wouldn’t serve any appetizers with brunch, but decided a little palate teaser would allow people to mingle and get to know each other a bit before the meal. If you were serving a smaller crowd this would not be necessary.

This Tomato Buratta Appetizer (recipe from my friend Michelle) is my go to for this time of year. The mix of the creamy buratta with fresh garden tomatoes is to die for. The recipe is from Half Baked Harvest here.

Drink Stations

We always set up a wine bar in our courtyard entryway so people see it when they walk in. We had nametags there, and my wonderful neighbor and cohort Freddie (who we affectionately call the “Mayor of Santa Ysabel Ranch”) greeted every single guest upon arrival, explaining the lay of the land and making everyone feel right at home. Since it was a brunch we had wine glasses and white wine (Of course, Steve, being Steve, just had to drag out a few reds too, and this being wine country a few people actually enjoyed them!).

We always set up the bar right at the entrance to the courtyard (I failed to take a picture). We had nametags here as well to make it easier to get to know the new folks. Freddie stationed herself here to greet everyone as they entered. You can see how we normally set up the bar in my post 5 Stylish Tips for Hosting a Casual Cocktail Party for 30 here.

We had a mimosa station set up with champagne flutes, champagne and orange juice so everyone could serve themselves ( yes I forgot to take a picture).This is from a former party. You could also add a bloody mary bar, or a coffee station with tea as well. We had bottles of water on every table so people could help themselves to water when needed.

Keep the Centerpieces Low and Natural

Keep your centerpieces low to encourage conversation. I grabbed a few ffresh flowers from Trader Joes and used fresh herbs, greens, and what I had available in my garden. I made one large centerpiece for the buffet table, two smaller ones, and a simple bottle tablescape for the smallest table. I made all of my centerpieces the day before.

This vessel is a box made of old fence boards (you have seen this used many times before here on the blog). It is filled with flowers from TJ’s and my own garden. You can find a similar box on Amazon here, or several on Etsy here.

I purchased these containers for Summerps baby shower and have used them multiple times since. I made two of these for the two larger tables in the courtyard. You can read that post Girl Baby Shower You Can Copy here.

A simple bottle tablescape is great for a small space and takes very few flowers. Save different sized bottles and create your own.

Music

A soft, upbeat playlist to set a cheerful mood ( our sonos is acting up currently so we had some issues with this) will put everyone at ease.

Practical Stuff

You can use throw away napkins, plates and cutlery if you want to keep it simple. We don’t mind washing a few dishes in lieu of the waste. When we moved to this house we purchased this inexpensive faux bois melamine tableware from Wayfair (thanks ro my designer friend Carla Aston ). We used this on the back pool patio area. I think we have service for 16. The set is so reasonable.

The Tables

We set up two tables of five in our front courtyard and one small table that seated three.

I don’t usually use a tablecloth on this table because it is pretty on it’s own.

I was gifted last year these pretty chargers and plates from Fete Home.

Shop Courtyard Dining Table

I covered a round portable table with this beautiful tablecloth gifted last year from Fete Home here, and surrounded it with five of my dining chairs from inside the house (covered in performance fabric and monogrammed by Trish from Cottage by Design)

Shop Courtyard Table

This is another fold up table that I covered with two Libeco throws and added the simple bottle tablescape. Don’t be afraid to repurpose what you have. These throws reside in our den in the winter. I have worn them as a shawl and a skirt and covered tables with them numerous times.

Shop Tiny Courtyard Table

This is our main pool patio dining table set for six. It can easily seat 8 by adding a couple of chairs from the smaller office patio table.

Shop Pool Patio Dining Table

This small table (my outdoor office table most of the time!) was added this year. It is just big enough for a cozy dinner for four. We use it often for cozy outdoor dinners. You can find the table here. The chairs were a great deal from Home Depot no longer available. Crate and Barrel has some with a similar look but nicer here.

Shop Office Courtyard Table

We brought this table and chairs from our Chualar home. It fit perfectly in this spot that overlooks the garden.

I have had these chargers for years as well as the flatware and goblets. I splurged on the napkins for my tablescape post How to Curate a Simple Outdoor Tablescape here.

Shop Outdoor Garden Table

The Spread

We tried to have a buffet mix of breakfast casseroles, eggs, fresh fruit salads, veggies, muffins, pastries, bagels, cream cheese and fixings, coffee cake, sausages, salads and vegetables. Steve and I prepared the appetizer, grilled sausages and grilled asparagus.

Enjoy the Party

Most importantly mingle and enjoy. Chat with everyone and introduce new folks to old friends. Don’t worry about every detail ( I am getting much better about this as I age). After all your hard work take a moment to enjoy the gathering, and give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done. Thanks to Freddie (who with a bad knee still did everything she could).

And there you have it! How to Host an Alfresco Potluck Brunch for 30 might sound intimidating, but with a little bit of planning, and friends and neighbors bringing fabulous food, it can be one of the most delightful ways to gather your favorite neighbors and friends. Sorry my post was so late today! It took forever!

You might also enjoy:

The Art of Relaxed, Stylish Entertaining: How I Host Without Overcomplicating It

Twelve Chic Outdoor Entertaining Tips for your Next Gathering

Grill Recipes When it is too Hot to Cook