The Pikey | Los Angeles, CA

As the old saying goes, the only constant in life is change. Even things that seem to stay the same don’t really; with time they erode into dust-covered semblances of what they once were. In restless Los Angeles, the rate of change feels somehow faster, the streets morphing as quickly as a time-lapse video of a forest floor in spring. Here, where the oldest landmarks barely surpass 200 years of age, our sense of history is somewhat skewed. Perhaps that explains, then, the uproar that ensued when a dive bar called Ye Coach & Horses shuttered in 2010 after a 73-year run. Its regulars were devastated, creating a passionate Facebook campaign to save the dark, somewhat sticky former hangout of British expats like Richard Burton and Alfred Hitchcock. And, if legend is to be believed, where Quentin Tarantino and Tim Roth scribbled rich, provocative dialogue for Pulp Fiction on to bar napkins. But, like the fallen acorn on the forest floor, Ye Coach & Horses fell victim to the mighty force of change, and - in true Los Angeles style - was born again as a brighter, shinier version of itself.  

Entrance to The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

The bar at The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

In 2012, Ye Coach & Horses’ doors opened again, this time as “The Pikey.” Just as nostalgic as many of the bar’s regulars were, new owners Jared Meisler and and Sean MacPherson (Il Covo, Roger Room, Bar Lubitsch), took great care in restoring the space and retaining its charming English pub feel. In many ways, The Pikey is strikingly familiar: cozy red booths line bric-a-brac covered walls, a curving wooden bar offers a place to perch and enjoy a pint, a Union Jack presides over the festivities. Meanwhile, quite a few inarguable improvements have been made: a kitchen that was once the next-door Curry Palace is now the workspace of a Michelin-starred chef, a former storage space is now decorated with portraits of Maharajas and offers a place for both dancing and sports-viewing, and of course, those old sticky carpets have been replaced with crisp, clean tile floors.

The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

Patio Seating at The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

Hallway to the Maharaja Room at The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

The Maharaja Room at The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

As we learned on a recent trip abroad, English charm is also subject to the force of change: the food that gave England its once poor culinary reputation has been replaced over time with inventive, worldly, farm-to-table style fare - enough to make Jamie Oliver proud. So it’s only fitting that Meisler and MacPherson chose to hire Ralph Johnson, former Chef de Cuisine at The Spotted Pig - April Bloomfield’s legendary restaurant that, among other things, is credited with popularizing Britain’s gastropub phenomenon in the United States. Hailing from East Dulwich, London, Johnson creates food that proves that the British classics don’t need to be reimagined to be delicious, especially when prepared properly and with high-quality ingredients. His menu features quintessential British favorites from Shepherd’s Pie to Welsh Rarebit, all offered with a tall bottle of tangy HB Sauce on the side. If that’s not enough to make a British expat homesick, there’s even a proper Sunday roast each week, served with stuffing, Yorkshire pudding, and gravy - Hitchcock and Burton would surely be proud. 

A booth at The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

The bar at The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

 Brunch was born in 19th Century England after all, so it’s only appropriate that The Pikey would offer a British spin on L.A.’s favorite meal. While there’s something a little peculiar about walking through a heavy curtain and into a dark bar on your way to your morning meal, once you head to the right, you’ll find that the former-Curry Palace side of the restaurant offers plenty of light by which to sip your mimosa. Or, if you’re willing to accept a bit of noise from Sunset Boulevard, there’s a charming, flower-lined patio out front. On our recent visit, we found a perch in the restaurant side, just under a skylight, with a good view of Chef Johnson’s gleaming white-tiled open kitchen. 

Open Kitchen at The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

Skylight Cocktail Menu at The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

Aperol Spritz at The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

When brunching at a pub, a cocktail is a must, so we chose from the menu hanging in the skylight just above our heads. The Aperol Spritz was exactly what you’d hope it to be: bright, fizzy, and citrusy with just a hint of bitterness, in the prettiest pink-to-orange gradient. [Side note: can we please nominate this drink as the new Mimosa? It’s light enough that drinking it before noon still feels pleasant, but it’s got some serious depth of flavor - plus, it looks so much more glamorous.]

Aperol Spritz at The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

Crumpet with Honeycomb & Clotted Cream at The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

Biscuit with Maple Butter at The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

Crumpet with Honeycomb & Clotted Cream at The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

To begin, we’d wholeheartedly recommend a house-made pastry. For those missing the U.K., the Crumpet with Honeycomb and Clotted Cream is a must, if for no other reason than the dollop of absolutely luscious homemade clotted cream on top (why is clotted cream not a thing in the U.S.?). The pillowy crumpet comes to the table warm enough to soften the honey and cream on top, and the gently salted dough becomes a perfect sponge for all that sweet, creamy topping. If crumpets aren’t your thing, you can’t go wrong with the Homemade Biscuits with Maple Butter. While biscuits and butter feel more typical of an American brunch, The Pikey’s version is not to be overlooked: these are surprisingly crisp on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside, and are served with a hearty helping of creamy, salty-meets-sweet whipped butter. 

Biscuit with Maple Butter at The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

Biscuit with Maple Butter at The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

Full English Breakfast at The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

British Expats will appreciate the impressively authentic Full English: an absolutely gorgeous mess of fried eggs, sausage, bacon, beans, roasted tomato, and mushroom, served atop a thick slice of toast. The perfect bite has just a bit of everything - firm beans in a gently spiced tomato sauce, juicy sausage packed with fragrant fennel, perfectly crisp and salty bacon, tender roasted vegetables, runny egg yolk, and a bit of sweet, soft bread. Sure, there’s no black pudding, but we have a hard time imagining an Angeleno going for black pudding, anyway. 

Full English Breakfast at The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

Full English Breakfast at The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

Full English Breakfast and Fish & Chips at The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

Fish & Chips at The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

We couldn’t walk out of The Pikey without sampling the Fish & Chips, perhaps the most wonderful of British innovations (after the invention of brunch, of course). This version lives up to the best of what we tasted in London - the thick breading was light and not at all greasy, and the fish inside was flaky, tender, and moist. On the side is a deliciously simple tartar sauce and a heap of wonderfully crispy thrice-cooked chips (rumored to be Heston Blumenthal’s recipe). We even loved the lightly dressed spears of romaine propped somewhat perplexingly on top - a bite of cool, crisp lettuce is somehow exactly what this indulgent plate of fried food needs. 

Fish & Chips at The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

Sure, the bar stool that Hitchcock once perched on is probably in a dumpster somewhere, and the napkin that played canvas for a bit about a Royale with Cheese is surely gone, but there’s still a palpable sense of history at The Pikey - enough to satisfy even the most nostalgic of Angelenos. Change may be unstoppable, but perhaps we can meet it somewhere in the middle with a cold pint of beer and a heaping plate of chips, under the storied ceilings of The Pikey.

The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

The Pikey, Los Angeles, CA

The Pikey
7617 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90046

AR Cucina | Culver City, CA

While we may not know her personally, we feel a little bit like Akasha Richmond is an old, dear friend of ours. Throughout our years in Culver City, she’s always been there, in a beautiful brick building on the corner of Washington and Watseka, ready to serve up breakfast, lunch, afternoon coffee, or dinner. Her food is both delicious and healthful, with plenty of options no matter what your current dietary restriction might be. Akasha is a mainstay in the ever-changing landscape of the Culver City restaurant scene - even if the place you were planning to try suddenly closed, or if that other place that your coworkers were talking about has a line out the door, Akasha is there for you, and her food’s probably better than that place with the line, anyway. 

So when your old friend Akasha opens up a new eatery just a stone’s throw from the original, there’s cause for celebration. Such was the case when Sambar, Akasha’s upscale take on Indian food, opened up shop. With fun, funky cocktails, wildly flavorful sauces, and a pillowy turmeric naan that could knock your socks off, the celebration was real. But in just over a year, Sambar caught the dreaded Culver City restaurant flu and disappeared. Fortunately, the morning period was brief, because just as soon as Sambar disappeared, AR Cucina materialized, swapping masala for margharita. At first glance, not much had changed (it underwent a very minor makeover in which some of its quirky Indian decor was swapped out for a more rustic, Italian look), and the restaurant’s biggest draws remained in tact - a spacious covered outdoor patio for an al fresco happy hour, a massive bar with creative cocktails, and a tempting menu with options for just about everyone. 

AR Cucina pays tribute to Akasha’s extensive time spent traveling throughout Italy, where she studied the craft of Italian cooking and food production. The tenets of classic Italian cooking pair perfectly with Akasha’s cooking philosophy - as with her namesake restaurant, offerings at AR Cucina change seasonally and are made with the highest quality ingredients possible, either sourced locally or thoughtfully imported. Another carry-over from Akasha is a wealth of options for those following a specific diet, including plenty of vegetable-forward meatless dishes, a couple of vegan cheeses, and gluten-free pastas and pastries. To tie it all together, AR Cucina offers a lively cocktail program headed up by beverage director Clare Ward, which most notably features six different takes on a Negroni and a rotating menu of fun, seasonal tipples. 

In classic Akasha Richmond style, AR Cucina breaks the rules and has its own version of Italy-meets-California cuisine, a blend illustrated perfectly by the brunch menu. To start, pastries, bruchettas, and salads highlighting California staples like avocados, beets, and figs. Next, a section for classic American breakfast lovers: "piatta all' uovo," or "big plates with eggs." Then, sandwiches, pastas, and pizza, for the brunchers who really just want a big Italian lunch. There's dessert, too, of course, but we'll get to that later. 

We began our brunch with a cocktail, because with names like "Sophia Loren," "Italian Stallion," and "Francesca Verde," we were too charmed to resist. We opted for the "Sorrento Spritz," a rose-colored beauty with aperitivo, limoncello, strawberry-basil shrub, rosé, and seltzer. This was bright, flavorful, and refreshing - a great way to ease into a slow summer morning. 

Even with two dairy-allergic brunch dates, we found that there were plenty of options for everyone. For a starter, we sampled the Bruschetta, which is essentially AR Cucina's Italian version of toast: slices of toasted ciabatta topped with strawberry-rosemary jam and almond ricotta. It's a crunchy, tangy, shareable riff on Sqirl's famed ricotta toast, and it also happens to be dairy-free. Just like the varieties that are so popular next door at Akasha, the strawberry-rosemary jam is tart and packed with flavor, and it pairs perfectly with the creamy almond ricotta. 

For brunch purists, there is the Two Eggs and Toast, served with either chicken sausage or bacon. We opted for the house-made chicken sausage, juicy, hand-molded patties that had just a bit of a kick. For something with a bit more color, the Polenta Cake & Short Rib Ragu is sure to please - with triangles of soft, creamy polenta, a heap of crisp, colorful salad, and perfect runny eggs atop a rich short rib ragu, this dish manages to maintain balance between light and heavy. 

When comfort food is in order, the Porchetta Hash is the way to go. Tender fingerling potatoes absorb the juicy flavors of succulent, herb-roasted pork, are topped with two runny fried eggs, and are served alongside a few slices of rustic toast. That last bit is crucial, really - the rich, decadent combination is begging to be sopped up with some crisp-yet-absorbent bread. 

Finally, the Brunch Pizza offers a chance to satisfy your need for both breakfast and lunch, whether viewed through its half-breakfast, half-lunch components or simply its double-meal-worthy size. It looks a bit like a work of art, with pizza dough for a canvas, dotted with hunks of house-made sausage and a creamy baked egg, painted with vibrant tomato sauce and melted cheese, accented with wilted spring onions and curly arugula. The crust's edges are crisp and kissed with char, and the egg's yolk is creamy and smooth. It's certainly enough to share, but no one would judge you if you chose not to. 

If brunch-dessert is your thing, you will not be disappointed - Akasha's popular homemade ice creams and cookies are available here, alongside more formal desserts like tiramisu or olive oil cake. We sampled the delicious seasonal peach crostata, with two flavors of ice cream on the side (because the lactose-intolerant deserve some dessert, too). The crostata is simple, buttery, and not too sweet - just what you'd hope a good summer peach tart would be. Sea salt caramel gelato provided a creamy, almost savory accompaniment to the crostata, while the dark chocolate sorbetto offered a rich, darker opposition. 

Between the delightful cocktails, a perfect outdoor perch, and spot-on flavors throughout the meal, our old friend Akasha did not let us down with her take on Italian brunch. Here's hoping that AR Cucina will remain in our regular Culver City rotation for many years to come. 

AR Cucina
9531 Culver Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232

Otium | Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles is a city of art lovers. There are museums galore, galleries to suit any taste, murals around every corner, and exhibits so popular that lines form down the block on a regular basis. One such wildly popular attraction is The Broad, a giant perforated marshmallow of a museum in Downtown Los Angeles that houses works from some of modern art’s most notable figures. A visit requires advance tickets, a schlep through traffic, and some predictably expensive parking. It is fortunate then, that located just beside the glowing white behemoth is the pretty little wood-and-glass cube that is home to Otium, where the artistic experience extends beyond the visual and into the pleasures of the palate. 

Inside, Chef Timothy Hollingsworth has created a gallery of his own. Every surface and detail of the restaurant has been carefully curated; handcrafted pottery and custom furniture is displayed alongside large-scale art installations. Food preparation is on display for all to see, as chefs roll out sheets of fresh pasta just inches from seated diners and a mid-meal leisurely stroll past the wood-fired ovens in the open kitchen is encouraged. As Hollingsworth discusses in a video series created by Life & Thyme, Otium is at its heart a collaborative effort - each element has been lovingly made by an artisan, each inspired by the passions of their fellow makers, all adding up to a singularly unique experience. 

Served atop hand-thrown ceramic plates and bowls, Hollingsworth’s food is as much an artistic statement as any piece in the museum next door. On paper, each dish is a simple list of ingredients; in person, an inventive assemblage worthy of a canvas. The level of artistry displayed is most commonly found in fine dining establishments, yet Otium offers it in an approachable, relaxed manner appropriate for a casual family dinner or a quick lunch after perusing the galleries nearby. 

Brunch is a perfect time to experience Otium’s offerings, when mid-morning light floods the airy space and the outdoor patio overlooks views of families gathering in the grassy park out front. Refreshing summer cocktails are offered in abundance, and a menu full of small, shareable dishes encourages a slow, relaxed dining experience. 

Maid cocktail at Otium, Downtown Los Angeles, CA

We started our recent brunch with a simple cocktail called a Maid, in which vibrant green cucumber and mint mingle with vodka and simple syrup to create a bright, refreshing sip. Served with a block of crystal-clear ice and a sprig of fresh mint, it was beautiful in its simplicity. We also sampled some lattes made with almond milk - in to-go cups, so we could sip them slowly and take them with us - a delicious option for those looking for a bit of caffeine with their brunch. 

Avocado Salad at Otium, Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Our group of three shared four dishes, the first of which was a salad with avocado, beets, wild rice, amaranth, grapefruit, radishes, and miso. The clever preparation of the ingredients - grapefruit char-grilled, rice crisped, sauce pooled underneath - transformed a simple salad into something unexpected. 

Next was the Mole: blue corn tortillas and fried eggs smothered in a rich chocolatey sauce, drizzled with crema, and sprinkled with cotija and cilantro. With an ingredient for every color of the rainbow and its array of sauces arranged with painterly flair, this dish felt the most like it deserved to be framed and hung on the wall. Its flavors lived up to its beauty, as well - the richness of the mole, the runny egg, and the avocado played nicely against the spice, tang, and crunch offered by the dish’s colorful toppings. 

Mole at Otium, Downtown Los Angeles, CA

We couldn’t resist the Hoe Cake (both its name and description charmed us immediately), a crunchy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside cornmeal cake that hovered somewhere between sweet and savory. On top, it was festooned with generously dressed kale, thin slices of bright red peppers, and crispy fried nuggets of chicken. This dish’s unexpected texture combinations proved satisfying and fun, and its flavors were paired expertly.  

Hoe Cake at Otium, Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Crispy Potatoes at Otium, Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Last but certainly not least, we opted for a side of crispy potatoes with lemon salt, Aleppo pepper, and crème fraîche. When visiting an art gallery, it’s important to remember that it is not always the largest painting in the room that is the most impressive - sometimes it’s the tiny little portrait tucked in the corner that will leave you awestruck. These potatoes are that portrait. Hiding so humbly at the bottom of the menu, you might pass them by without a second thought - but that would be a grave mistake. These are perfectly prepared, crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and seasoned with aplomb. On the side, a velvety dipping sauce, whipped to creamy perfection with a generous amount of spice. They’re heaven in a side dish. 

Providing sustenance for both the eyes and for the belly, Otium is the perfect ode to a city that is nearly as obsessed with its art as it is with its food. 

Otium
222 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Momed | Beverly Hills, CA

Los Angeles is undeniably a cultural melting pot; a place that welcomes people from all over the world with open arms, asking one small gesture in return - that they share their culinary traditions with the hordes of hungry Angelenos. As a result, the city is bursting with eateries serving up delicious food from just about every culture imaginable, each placed haphazardly beside the next. On a short walk down Venice Boulevard in Culver City, you will pass a Himalayan restaurant, a taco stand, an Indian grocery, a Brazilian barbecue, and a Filipino deli (not to mention a whole slew of Thai take-out joints). And with all this incredible variety in a city that takes its breakfast and brunch very seriously, you'd think we'd be eating brunch around the world just about every weekend - but unfortunately, finding such a thing is few and far between. Luckily, if a mini-trip to the Mediterranean is what you're in the mood for, Momed's got you covered. 

Inside at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Desserts at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Offering a modern take on foods from the Levant region, Momed is perhaps best known for its amazing duck shawarma, a dish that has been praised by food critics and Yelpers alike. But on weekends, the beautiful, minimal restaurant with locations in Beverly Hills and Atwater Village serves up its delicious Mediterranean fare with a brunchy twist. On the menu you'll find dishes ranging from the traditional (Turkish pide flatbreads) to the creative (Hangover Meatballs) - not to mention some delicious cocktails. 

Med Breeze Cocktail at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Brunch Mezze at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Momo Chips at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Momed Plate with Eggplant Ikra, Avocado Hummus, and Muhammara at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

On a recent lazy Saturday, we took advantage of the beautiful L.A. weather and set up camp on the cozy outdoor patio at Momed's Beverly Hills location (which is thankfully just far enough South to be safe from the busloads of tourists). We started with cocktails - a blood orange mimosa and a "Med Breeze," made with elderflower, prosecco, and lemon - and a generous spread of mezze to start. First, the Momed Plate, with avocado hummus, muhammara, and eggplant ikra, all delicious and acceptable for my dairy-allergic husband. With the spreads came a basket full of pita bread, piping hot and fresh from the oven. Then, the Momo Chips: thick-cut slices of potato lightly fried and served with garlic aioli. These are a must-try, and are also delicious when paired with the dips. (Pro tip: be sure to check Yelp if you come by - when we visited, the Momo Chips were free with a simple check-in.) 

Momed Plate and Momo Chips at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Momed Plate at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Fig and Arugula Pide and Short Rib Fricassée at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

For main dishes, our table sampled two large plates and a pide. The Short Rib Fricassée was a hearty bowl of goodness, with braised short rib, roasted fingerling potatoes, smoked cheddar, arugula, sunny side up eggs, and toasted ciabatta. It was delicious and incredibly satisfying, though certainly on the rich side - it's not for the faint of heart. 

Short Rib Fricassée at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Short Rib Fricassée at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Hangover Meatballs at Short Rib Fricassée at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Because we couldn't resist, we also went for the Hangover Meatballs - Greek-style lamb meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce with poached eggs, micro greens, and chopped dates. This was another hearty, stick-to-your ribs sort of dish, that would leave even those with the healthiest of appetites satisfied. We loved the unexpected addition of chopped dates - that little hint of sweetness complimented the savory flavors perfectly. 

Hangover Meatballs at at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Fig and Arugula Pide, at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Finally, we ordered a pide - a Turkish flatbread that is one of my favorite breakfast treats. It's like a football-shaped pizza, but with a slightly fluffier dough, spread with a variety of fillings. We opted for the fig and arugula pide, which was spread generously with akawi cheese and caramelized onions, and was sprinkled with dukkah and balsamic vinegar. While we enjoyed the salty and sweet flavor combination, it was the bread itself that was the star of the show - it's made fresh in-house, is crispy on the edges, soft on the inside, and oh-so-delicious. 

Fig and Arugula Pide at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Los Angeles' brunch scene is dominated by American classics - which, while delicious, can become repetitive over time (just how many slices of avocado toast can one Angeleno really enjoy?). So, on days when a plain ol' stack of pancakes just won't fit the bill, it's refreshing to find spots like Momed that are mixing things up and offering tastes of other regions. We can't wait to come back to try that Duck Shawarma, and a few pieces of baklava, too. 

Appreciating the graphic design at at Momed, Beverly Hills - Brunchographers

Outside Momed, Beverly HIlls, CA - Brunchographers

Momed
233 S Beverly Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90212

A Yuletide Brunch with Friends: Drinks & Décor

With just a little over a week away until Christmas, it feels like magic is in the air! Lines at the post office are out the door and around the block. Neighbor's doorsteps are stacked high with Amazon packages. A once drab, familiar street now glows bright with thousands of tiny twinkle lights, and the She & Him holiday album is playing in pretty much every store you go in to. 

Cranberry Mimosa

A guest helps light the candles

Festive holiday table setting for our Yuletide Brunch!

This year, we learned that holiday decorating doesn't have to be expensive to be pretty. In fact, for our recent Yuletide Brunch, we did most of our decorating using office supplies, found and pre-owned objects, and a few key pieces from the Dollar Store (yeah, you heard me!) - and the end result was just as impactful as if we had spent hundreds at a high end store! 

Cocktails and new friends at our Yuletide Brunch

Rosemary wreath place settings 

We wanted our decorating scheme to reflect the overall theme of the brunch - simplicity. We chose a few straightforward, handmade tasks to take on, and got crafty with how we used some inexpensive, festive storebought additions. For our color palette, we kept it bright: mostly white in the form of paper snowflakes, twinkle lights, and taper candles, with hints of the most classic holiday colors, green and red. 

To begin, we started with a base layer of existing Christmas decorations: a tree decked out in white lights and a mish-mash of ornaments amassed over many years, a faux pine garland and knit stockings above the fireplace, and a set of white-and-silver snowflake pillows and a throw blanket from Target. 

Paper snowflakes hanging in the windows

Next, we added the most time-intensive of our decorating endeavours: the paper snowflakes. For a few weeks before the party, we kept a stack of printer paper and a pair of scissors nearby so we could craft a snowflake or two whenever a free moment appeared. The first ones looked a lot like the ones you may remember making as a kid - skinny lines of not-quite-round holes intersecting each other with a scalloped edge and a lot of white space. But after some practice, the snowflakes became more and more intricate and interesting. They are actually a lot of fun to make, and can leave you feeling like a Picasso when unfolding each tiny masterpiece.

Guests relax with a Cranberry Mimosa

Paper snowflakes in the windows

To attach the snowflakes to the windows, we employed some scotch tape and fishing line, and very simply strung them in rows of four. It would be even lovelier to make double the amount, and create more of a blanket of snowflakes, like this beautiful tutorial we saw. Goals for next time! 

Candles and greenery

Festive table setting for our Yuletide Brunch

Finally, we added some inexpensive finishing touches. For napkins, we repurposed white and red placemats we picked up in the bargain section at Target. As a charming place setting, Johnna created little Christmas wreaths out of rosemary sprigs tied into a loop with twine. 

Little wreaths made from rosemary and twine 

Lighting the candles 

Festive table setting for our Yuletide Brunch

To add a natural, rustic feel, we picked up some cut greenery and pinecones and laid them down the middle of the table. We had a mix of different types of pine, holly, and greens with red berries for a pop of color. To add a some height and a warm glow, we mix-and-matched candle holders from the dollar store and our local craft store, and arranged them throughout the greenery. The end result was a bright, festive, and welcoming space that was perfect for celebrating the season! 

Festive table setting for our Yuletide Brunch

Also helpful for celebrating the season? A nice brunch cocktail. We wanted to go with something lively, fresh, and bright, with a holiday twist - a Cranberry Mimosa was the perfect solution!

Adding the Prosecco to the Cranberry Mimosa

This vibrant, fizzy tipple is layered with orange juice, real cranberry juice (not the sweetened "cocktail" stuff), and prosecco, and is garnished with sliced oranges, pomegranate seeds, and whole cranberries. How festive and beautiful is that? We especially loved how gorgeous it looked before we stirred it to combine - almost like a sunset!

Pitcher of Cranberry Mimosas

For a little extra "something," we made some pretty snowflake ice cubes using a molded tray, and added pomegranate seeds and a touch of cranberry juice to the water before freezing. This kept our drinks cool and added a bit more visual interest in the wide champagne coupe glasses. 

Snowflake Ice Cubes with Pomegranate Seeds

Pouring the Cranberry Mimosa

The measurements for this drink are flexible, so you can adjust it to your own taste. We used approximately 1 part orange juice, 1 part cranberry juice, and 2 parts prosecco. Garnish with as much fruit as you like, and stir gently before serving. 

Pouring the Cranberry Mimosa

Cranberry Mimosa

We hope these suggestions offer some inspiration for your next holiday event! We learned that even just a little bit of holiday cheer can go a long way, and you don't have to spend big bucks to bring a some holiday magic into your home. And, simple can be beautiful! 

Drippy wax on our candlesticks as we savor some delicious brunch!

Happy Holidays, Brunchers! We wish you a wonderful holiday season, full of friends, family, and lots of delicious food!