Brunch buffet ideas - more 'breakfast' than 'lunch'

[RockingMyFiftiesNot]

I'm planning a late morning buffet for c.14 people. More breakfast than lunch.
It'll be relatively informal. We won't all be sat at a table (although people could eat at a table if they wished), so should be finger food or eaten with a fork/spoon.

I was thinking of doing:
Bacon and/or sausage butties
Portobello and mozzarella butty for the one vegetarian. , the rest all meat eaters
Spanish omelette / tortilla

Fruit platter

Pastry platter (croissants, muffins, maybe Danish pastries?)

Selection of fruit juices, tea, coffee, with Prosecco to make Buck's Fizz if people want it.

I did consider making kedgeree but I think people will arrive at different times so hard to keep warm/fresh.
I also considered salmon and cream cheese bagels, not sure if needed with the bacon/sausage butties.

I'll cook the sausages & bacon in the oven and stagger cooking times.

Want to minimise my work when guests are there but happy to spend as much time as needed ahead of time.

Occasion is a part of a series of celebrations for a significant birthday celebration for one of the group. We've all agreed on a breakfast for complicated reasons you don't need to know about!
We've been asked not to do a birthday cake as there are several lined up at other events.

I'd appreciate your thoughts on the above. I'd like it to be special but down to earth. Is there enough variety? What am I missing?

Would welcome ideas for decorating the buffet table - don't want it to be too 'birthdayish' or OTT - maybe just a couple of vases of flowers?

Thank you.

A really nice fruit salad?

Nice crusty bread and some cheeses like a continental breakfast?

It sounds lovely.

Yoghurt and berries?
I think halloumi (baked or fried) would be nicer than mozzarella in a butty
Cheese selection is a good idea

Thank you. Good idea re the fruit salad, a bit more attractive than the fruit platter I was thinking about. With yoghurt to serve or maybe a Bircher muesli?

Crusty bread and cheeses are right up my street - although not sure about more bread given the butties? Or maybe I scrap the bacon and sausages and go continental with cold meats.
I just thought the butties would be easier to eat. Everyone will be able to find a seat somewhere but I wouldn't mind betting the blokes will end up standing in the kitchen as usual!

🥑

How about pigs in blankets rather than butties? Can prep them well in advance and will keep warm in the oven.

How about cheese board and sandwich selection? We used to have these at some work meetings and they were fab!

Cheseboard with carrot and celery sticks, oat crackers, grapes and chutney.
Sandwiches with everything. Gammon, salmon, egg mayo, salad, mix of different fillings

That's definitely a good option thank you

After a couple of suggestions, I think I will do a cheeseboard with crackers etc . Good for filling anyone up who is still hungry and provides another option for the vegetarian guest. Plus I love cheese!!

If I was coming I would love a mountain of crispy streaky bacon. Nothing better!

For the fruit part, you could do short skewers. Easier to handle as part of a buffet, as you can just pick up one and eat without cutlery or extra bowls.

Never ever shove aside butties for a breakfast.id say they are a must if there s no full breakfast. Do remember the ramekins of brown and red sauce though.bowl of res fruits yoghurt and granola,cornflakes.
Fruit skewers with melon strawberry and kiwi rtf but remember which go brown.If you get some foam you can cut it in the shape of the sigbirthday number and stick the skewers in it.looks amazing.
Use bowls instead of plates.
Orange and Apple juice
Plate of waffles and maple syrup.
The usual pastries.

In the past I've done sausages, eggs, country potatoes (potato, onion, peppers, Cajun spice mix), mushrooms then home made bagels with cranberry orange, homemade bread and a cheese &m eat platter

Just realised I missed that one - yes, halloumi with the mushrooms a great shout thank you

Please check all the cheeses are vegetarian. If there's no green V on the packaging don't use them!

Thanks but this vegetarian friend eats all cheese. They just don't eat meat. Better safe than sorry though so thanks for pointing it out.

That's great, just so many people not aware that not all cheese is vegetarian!

@alrightfella I agree and you were absolutely right to point it out.

Do remember the ramekins of brown and red sauce t

Absolutely essential!

On pastries and fruit: when I used to be responsible for organising stand-up brunches for the office a local sandwich shop used to do a lovely platter of cut up pieces of fruit, baklava, and cut-up Danish pastries (cut into 3-4 pieces).

The finger sizes were very popular, as after sandwiches etc you might fancy something sweet but not a whole pastry, smaller pieces mean you can have a bit of each!

Thanks @Westfacing - that's a really good idea re cutting sweet things into bite-sized. I was going to make some muffins but could do a tray bake instead, cut into small squares

Hash browns are also great pickup foods.

Though I think we all need one of these.
www.etsy.com/uk/listing/894096155/grazing-table-template?gbraid=0AAAAADutTMdmFw7DE0QNrmwnUdVb9Pk66&gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_uk_en_gb_c-home_and_living-kitchen_and_dining-other&utm_custom1=_k_EAIaIQobChMIhP-8d2I-gIVg4xRCh3dQwNuEAQYByABEgLplvD_BwE_k&utm_content=go_12576471730_119127781666_507694512416_pla-303628101259_m__894096155engb_102858184&utm_custom2=12576471730&gbraid=0AAAAADutTMdmFw7DE0QNrmwnUdVb9Pk66&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhP-_8d2I-gIVg4xRCh3dQwNuEAQYByABEgLplvD_BwE

Your food selection sounds spot on to me, and is definitely something I’d enjoy. The only other thing I’d possibly add is some yogurt and honey type thing.

In terms of table decorations, you’re right to keep it simple - people will be too interested in the lovely food to care about them!

What time do you want me there? 😉

Eggs? Pancakes?

Thank you and I agree re 'yoghurt honey type thing'!