Brunchin’ & Bubbly: A Guide to Hosting with Black-Owned Brands
Craving some quality time with your besties, a glass of something sparkly, and the opportunity to flex those hosting skills? Look no further—this brunch spread will set you apart as the host with the most, while spotlighting some amazing Black-owned brands. From sips to sweets and everything in between, let’s get into it.
Pop, Fizz, Clink: A Bubbly Start
Move over, standard mimosas, because we’ve got something peachy! Impress your guests right from the start by stirring Teaspressa’s Peach Bellini Luxe Mixer Cubes into a chilled flute of B.Stuyvesant Blanc de Blanc. The moment your friends see that fancy champagne cocktail fizz to life, they’ll know they’re in for a memorable brunch.
Pro tip: Keep a few extra cubes on hand because these peachy wonders are guaranteed to be a hit and everyone will want a refresher.
Main Menu: Savory & Sweet
We all know brunch is best when the table’s loaded with a balance of flavors. These three menu stars will have your guests polishing off every crumb:
- Baked Ham & Cheese Croissants
- Warm, flaky croissants, filled with savory ham and gooey cheese.
- Consider adding a side of Little Black Box Baked Good Berry Bourbon Vanilla Jam or another of their bold flavor combos to bring sweet-meets-savory brilliance.
- Gourmet French Toast
- Use thick-cut brioche or challah bread. Bonus points if you can find a local Black-owned bakery in your area.
- Whisk up eggs, milk (or a milk alternative), cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla. Soak the bread thoroughly, then sizzle each slice to golden perfection.
- Drizzle with Michele’s Gourmet Honey Crème Syrup real maple syrup or try a dollop of homemade fruit compote.
- Fresh Fruit Salad
- Keep it simple yet colorful: mix juicy berries, melon, pineapple, grapes—whatever’s in season.
- A squeeze of fresh lime or a handful of chopped mint will brighten the flavors.
- For added crunch, top with slivered almonds or granola from a Black-owned granola brand like Flatbush Granola Company, or Oh Mazing Granola.
Savory Bites: Salmon Croquettes à la “Jubilee”
Don’t forget those drool-worthy salmon croquettes from Toni Tipton-Martin’s “Jubilee.” These golden, crispy bites are perfect for brunch—light enough to keep the party going, but substantial enough to keep hunger at bay.
- The Recipe: Follow the instructions straight from “Jubilee.”
- Secret Weapon: The recipe calls for oil, and we’re recommending either EXAU or Emblem Olive Oil, both Black-owned labels. High-quality olive oil makes all the difference in taste and texture.
Serve your croquettes with a spicy remoulade or a tangy sauce. The crostini crowd will be envious.
Sweet Treats: Dessert Dreams
Because no brunch is complete without a little sugar rush…
1. Allen’s Pie & Cookie Society
Not in the mood to bake from scratch? No worries—we’ve got you covered. For a classic soul food twist, Allen’s Pie offers everything from down-home sweet potato pies to fruit-filled favorites. Meanwhile, Cookie Society has cookies so thick and luscious, you might hear angels singing when you bite into them.
2. The Uber Host Moves
If you want to go the extra mile:
- Crush Sweets (Las Vegas): Custom cookies for that wow factor. Think of any theme or design, and they’ll make it happen—perfect if you want to show off your hosting prowess or highlight a special occasion.
- Maya’s Cookies (Vegan!): Need a plant-based option? Maya’s cookies are vegan-friendly and outrageously delicious. Even your non-vegan guests will be swiping extras.
Extra Brunch Perks
1. Coffee/Tea Corner
- Blk & Bold Specialty Beverages: Round out the party with a caffeine fix. Their freshly roasted coffee beans and teas not only taste incredible but also support community initiatives—talk about sipping for a cause!
- Red Bay Coffee: If you want to keep the local-roaster vibes strong, Red Bay offers beautiful blends and single-origin coffees that will keep your guests bright-eyed and buzzing with excitement.
2. Table Décor
- Effie’s Paper: If you’re looking for whimsical paper goods and chic accessories to jazz up your brunch, Effie’s Paper has everything from eye-catching napkins to notebooks. Adding some fun prints and patterns to the table will make your brunch Insta-perfect.
Setting the Mood
A successful brunch isn’t just about good eats—it’s also about the vibes. Turn on a playlist that celebrates R&B and soul (throw in some classic Stevie Wonder or new-school H.E.R. jams), add a few fresh blooms, and watch the energy soar. Don’t forget to snap a few photos of your spread—when it’s this gorgeous (and tasty), you’ll want proof.
Cheers to You, Host Extraordinaire!
Now you’re prepped and ready to host the ultimate brunch featuring standout sips, savory salmon croquettes, baked ham & cheese croissants, gourmet French toast, and sweet delights—all while supporting incredible Black-owned businesses. Your friends will talk about your epic peach bellini toasts and custom cookies for weeks. So, go forth, gather your squad, and make a toast to good food, good company, and the joy of discovering delicious Black-owned brands. If you are looking for a little more inspiration, check out Ivory and Noire (photo credit: Ivory & Noire) for tablescape inspiration!
Brunch on, you fabulous host—you’ve got this!