Simple Table Decorations for Brunch
The more simple the decorations the better. For an elegant touch, make use of solid and patterned napkins laid flat, folded, or pulled through handles in pitchers and chafing dishes. Just a few pieces of serving ware such as these metal platters and utensils open up all kinds of possibilities.

Set up the Brunch Buffet with serving dishes the day before. Add fresh flowers on the day of the meal
Citus works well for carving and when placed on snips of yard foliage makes a nice centerpiece. Try oranges, tangerines, lemons, and grapefuit. When kumquats are available in the fall they can serve as buds of the citrus ‘flowers’. In the fall, I’ll mix citrus flowers with other pieces of produce such as fresh whole artichokes, leaves of dark green and purple kale, mini pumpkins and other squash. Make the citrus decorations the day before to save time. Toothpicks come in handy for bright colored accents in the center.

Make citrus flowers with a paring knife using a zig-zag patern. Separate halves and stud with berries on toothpicks and place on greenery
Elevate platters using phone books or boxes covered with napkins to increase visual interest. These bases will give a sturdy lift and you can vary the height across the table.
Posted by susan breakiron-lowe on December 6, 2013 at 8:10 pm
These pics are wonderful. How elegant a table setting can be made by using simple everyday objects such as phone books. How inventive!
Posted by Chef Joy on December 6, 2013 at 8:19 pm
Thanks! Many things can serve as ‘lifters’ for the table. They are easily disguised by linen napkins or bunched up tablecloths.
Posted by susan breakiron-lowe on December 6, 2013 at 8:12 pm
I love the orange and berries and greenery. I need to learn how to do this!
Posted by Chef Joy on December 6, 2013 at 8:16 pm
Thank you for your comments, Susan! Those are cranberries on toothpicks. Cut the orange in a zig-zag pattern all the way around the middle and separate the 2 halves. Plug fresh cranberries in any pattern you like. This is also very pretty using lemons, blood orange, grapefruit and limes. They keep well for several days so I will make them in advance of the party to save time.