With the second May bank holiday just around the corner, warmer, longer days are finally arriving. Now is the perfect moment to embrace a movement that’s sweeping through kitchens and across social feeds, the café-style at-home brunch.
With TikTok searches for ‘brunch recipes’ up by +450%, many are looking for inspiration for their next brunch party1.
Hosting a brunch is a wonderful way to connect with loved ones, encourage healthy eating, and enjoy the comforts of home, all while saving money compared to eating out. Whether your kitchen is compact or open-plan, with the right setup and expert advice, you can create a show-stopping brunch, all without the stress.
To help make it happen, kitchen expert at Wren Kitchens & Bedrooms, Debra Hutt, together with The Table Stylist, Lucy Pateman2, share their expert insights to help you host the ultimate brunch gathering, even in a small kitchen. From space-saving kitchen hacks to TikTok-worthy styling, they’ve covered it all.
1. Transform your kitchen island into a brunch hub
If you have a kitchen island, use it as your central gathering point. Debra notes, “Kitchen islands aren’t just for prep, they’re designed with entertainment in mind. With the right surface finishes and storage options, they can become a stylish buffet or drinks station.”
Lucy takes this idea even further: “Fill your sink with ice and use it as a functional ice bucket for help-yourself drinks. You can add some fresh flowers within the ice to style it up. Then arrange your dishes at varying heights using cake stands or risers, it creates visual interest and makes it easier for guests to help themselves.” This strategy not only enhances the flow of your brunch but also takes pressure off the host. A well-used island turns a kitchen into a dynamic social space.
2. Build a make-ahead brunch board that delivers
Brunch doesn’t always have to mean eggs benedict or avocado on toast. Lucy Pateman advocates for a relaxed yet elegant approach, with her go-to being a smoked salmon brunch board that can be prepared ahead and styled in minutes.
“My absolute go-to is a make-ahead brunch board starring smoked salmon, a true showstopper with minimal stress,” says Lucy. “Think silky smoked salmon artfully draped, accompanied by whipped lemon cream cheese, capers, red onion slivers, and dill, all nestled around warm sourdough slices. It’s chic, it’s fresh, and it always gets compliments.”
“This kind of dish fits perfectly with a summer mindset, light, fresh, and easy to portion. It’s also healthier and more affordable than dining out, allowing you to control ingredients while presenting something beautiful and indulgent”, she adds.
3. Style the table with brunch café settings
Forget formal dining, the café-style at-home brunch trend is all about a relaxed, refined aesthetic that mimics your favourite brunch spots. Lucy’s signature tablescaping blends effortless elegance with personal charm.
“To create that café-style vibe at home, I stick to three rules,” Lucy explains. “Opt for a natural colour scheme, terracotta, glass, and wood complement each other beautifully. Keep florals low, using seasonal blooms like ranunculus or tulips, having them too tall can block conversation. Add bespoke touches like handwritten menus or place cards, as this creates a sense of occasion.”
4. Make your brunch TikTok worthy
With more of us sharing our lives online, styling your brunch to be camera-ready is easier than ever with a few playful elements. Lucy recommends whimsical towers of fresh strawberries or lemons to draw the eye, layered table linens for texture, and a mix of candles and florals to create height and movement. “Whimsy always wins. Combining texture, height, and natural elements gives your table a rich, lived-in beauty that really shines on camera. You don’t need to go overboard, just be thoughtful and intentional.”, says Lucy
Debra also suggests curating your background: “Keep chopping boards, utensils, and clutter out of view to create a clean visual space. A row of colour-matched cups, a vintage teapot, or a stacked croissant plate makes even your kitchen corners feel intentional.”
“With a little planning and a creative mindset, any kitchen can become a stunning, sociable space for summer brunching,” Debra concludes. “Whether you’re working with a compact kitchen or a statement open-plan design, Wren offers the tools and inspiration to make hosting joyful and stress-free.”
For more kitchen styling inspiration or to explore bespoke design options, visit www.wrenkitchens.com.
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