Birthday Brunch

The measure of good weather is a meal outdoors. While we’re at least a month away from being able to enjoy such an extravagance, I look forward to the return of greenery and setting a pretty table on our deck. I had set up this brunch table to celebrate my sister’s birthday last summer. I love the contrast of a full-length tablecloth, porcelain, crystal and silver with woven placemats and a simple breakfast spread. I don’t believe in using “outdoor safe” anything, just use your nice things (however breakable) and be a little bit careful. Another tablesetting “rule” I insist upon is no containers with labels at the table, with maybe the exception of a pretty jam jar. I used little porcelain dishes for some fruit preserves and butter.

I picked some garden roses first thing in the morning and arranged them in a rarely used gravy boat, and a strand of pearl garland is a nod to the June birthday girl. Our brunch menu was almond & chocolate croissants, eggs & lox, berries, apples & manchego cheese, sliced baguette, freshly-squeezed orange juice, coffee and rosé Champagne.