New Year’s Day just might be the most underrated holiday—what could be better than kicking off the new year by sharing a meal with a few of your closest friends? To start 2017 on the right foot, I’m hosting a casual but festive brunch that features a michelada bar that lets guests get in on the action, and an easy breezy menu—so I can kick back and enjoy New Year’s Eve too.
On the Menu
- The ultimate build-your-own breakfast sandwich buffet
- Black-eyed pea “Texas caviar” salad (for good luck in the new year!)
- Bruléed grapefruit
Set the Scene
After a night (and, frankly, an entire holiday season) that’s all about overindulgence, nothing feels more refreshing on January 1 than a party space that’s clean and simple. Mix and match neutral colors and textures like white, gray, wood and linen to create a scene that’ll make your guests feel instantly at ease. And forget all about creating an elaborate centerpiece—with this party concept, the food takes center stage.
Make Mine a Michelada
In Texas, we get a lot of party inspiration from our neighbors south of the border, and this get-together was no different. Rather than predictable mimosas or bloody Marys, we opted for micheladas for our cocktail du jour. The bubbles are zippy and refreshing, the lime is tangy and the salty flavor means you won’t mind combining this cerveza preparada with a savory meal.
Stir, Sip, Repeat
There are dozens of variations on the classic michelada recipe, but no matter which you prefer, one ingredient is universal: ice-cold beer. Ours is going to serve as the star of a build-your-own michelada bar by chilling bottles of Miller High Life in a large champagne bucket. Other must-have fixins? Tomato juice, Clamato, hot sauce, pickled vegetables, celery, olives, limes and salt and pepper.
If You Build It
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love a good breakfast sandwich—bacon, eggs and avocado form the perfect flavor combo (not to mention they’re the perfect pick-me-up if you stayed out a little too late the night before). I love to elevate the casual classic by setting out gourmet ingredients and letting guests build their own sandwiches. Not only does it let everyone pick and choose their favorite toppings, it makes things super easy on the host!
Hole in One
I love using bagels as the bread portion of my build-your-own sandwich bar. Everyone loves them, and there are lots of gluten-free versions on the market for your guests who opt for a GF diet. Pick them up on the morning of the party from a spot that you know makes them fresh daily, and toast them just before serving. I split bagels and place them cut side up on a sheet pan under the broiler for about a minute—you just want them lightly golden brown.
Top It Like It’s Hot
The toppings are what really make the build-your-own breakfast sandwich bar feel party-worthy. Here are the accompaniments that I suggest setting out with the bagels:
- Sliced avocado
- Fried eggs
- Bacon
- Grated cheddar
- Arugula
- Sliced heirloom tomatoes
- Fresh herbs
- Lime wedges
- Hot sauce
-
Coarse sea salt
Presentation Is Key
A simple menu is elevated for a party with chic serving pieces in a mix of materials. I am using wood, marble and white for a modern-organic vibe, and added some height variety by displaying the bagels on a galvanized metal cake stand. Arrange the toppings on the sandwich bar so that all the eye-catching ingredients take center stage, and a simple wood bowl highlights the colorful veggies throughout the black-eyed pea salad. One of the great things about the menu is that it can hang out on the table for a while and be enjoyed at room temp, so feel free to arrange everything and set it out just before guests arrive.
Sweet Tart
For a sweet addition to the menu that won’t break anyone’s New Year’s resolutions, I am serving bright and zesty bruléed grapefruit. To make it, just cut a grapefruit in half, then place each half cut side up on a foil-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle each half with a tablespoon of brown sugar, then broil for 5 minutes until edges are golden brown. Serve with spoons and lots of napkins!
Best Year Ever
Before guests go their separate ways, don’t forget to take a moment to share stories from the past year or wishes for the new one. I love doing this by simply going around the table and letting guests take turns—not only does this encourage everyone to reflect, but it also sparks all sorts of inspiring (and hilarious!) conversation.
