Flowers are awesome. I know a lot of people think they’re lame as gifts because they perish quickly, but I don’t care. They’re bright, beautiful, decorative, and they smell nice. Now that spring is in full bloom and earth day is around the corner, there’s no better time to throw a flower power party. But don’t settle for an average bash with Screwdriver cocktails and Champagne. Instead, throw your very own Tipsy Bouquet Brunch Party! Set a Sunday date at least a week in advance, invite a group of your friends, and prepare to intoxicate your guests (with your amazing party planning skills). Here’s how:
Set A Gloriously Pretty Table
There’s no need to go out and buy new dishes, but there are simple things you can do to make your guests feel like they’ve just stepped into rosy wonderland. First off, bust out some floral plates and cutlery (there are plenty of cheap paper options out there from everyday party supply stores like Party City). Decorate your table with small dishes of berries, and scatter rose petals to make your dining area look extra festive.
The Entree: Candied Violet Pancakes
Violets are lively, cute purple flowers that also happen to taste great when candied. They have a deep, rich taste sort of like blueberries, making them perfect for pancakes. Here’s how you make candied violets:
Buy a large bunch of common wild violets, not African violets. Make sure you buy flowers that haven’t been sprayed with a pesticide. It’s best to buy them in the produce section of the grocery store, or at a farmers market. When in doubt, ask whoever is selling the flowers if they’re safe to eat. You don’t want to take a chance and end up sick. Keep the flowers stemmed. Beat 2-3 egg whites in a small bowl until frothy, then dip each violet into the bowl. Next, dip the violets in sugar. Place the violets onto a wax paper-lined baking sheet, then snip off the stems. Use a toothpick to pry open the flowers, and make sure every bit of them is covered in sugar. Bake for 30-40 minutes in a 200° oven. When they’re done, remove, and wait for them to cool.
For the pancakes, we recommend taking a shortcut and buying a mix. Make a batch of them and coat with powdered sugar. When they’re done top with the candied violets (you can remove them with a spatula), and put on a large place in the center of your table.
The Drink: Rose Colored Glasses
This drink has a floral streak while still being classically agreeable. Rose simple syrup can be found in dozens of places online or in specialty food and cocktail stores. Urban Outfitters even sells it.
Ingredients: 1 oz Gin, 1 oz Grapefruit juice, 1/2 Tbsp Rose simple syrup, A bottle of Prosecco.
In a shaker filled with ice, combine all of the ingredients except the Prosecco. Shake and strain into a glass and top with Prosecco and edible rose petals. As always, make sure to check and see if the roses are safe to eat. You can make the drinks in advance and have them set out ready to go when your guests arrive, or take drink orders once they start to show up.
Be Prepared: Make Some “Safe” Foods
You’ve cooked a lovely floral feast, but you should make sure that you have a few safe foods for those picky friends of yours (we all have them). Ten minutes before your guests are due to arrive, make a plate of scrambled eggs and a stack of toast. This way, no one will be complaining.
Ask Each Of Your Guests To Bring Flowers
They don’t have to be fancy or expensive – in fact, they shouldn’t be – but ask each of your guests to bring a few flowers to set out on the table. Get an extra large vase and place all of the flowers in there for a truly spectacular, zany bouquet.
Remember, Have Fun With It!
A tipsy bouquet brunch party would really be a downer if you stuck hard and fast to a set of rules, so remember to relax, improvise, and get creative. Don’t worry about everything being exactly in place – with enough flowers, food, and boozy fizz, your party will be a hit.
Prop Styling and Photography by Becca Molberger
