Birthday Brunch Ideas – 5 Tips On Creating A Party Table

My family all have summer birthdays; the youngest falls on the 4th of July. When they were younger, we scheduled the boys’ birthday parties early before everyone scattered for the summer. To ensure the youngest felt special on a day already bustling with fireworks and festivities, we celebrate with a special birthday brunch.

You know I love brunch, plus, creating a festive party table with maximum impact and minimal effort. After all, our goal was to make the birthday boy feel special within a tight decorating timeframe. Here are my five fool-proof tips for pulling together a party tablescape, regardless of the occasion.

Start With A Theme or Color Palette

Nothing derails party planning like not having a game plan. It doesn’t matter the size of your event or budget, the most important piece is having a theme. Even if it is as simple as the recipient’s favorite color, a theme will keep a cohesive feel across the board, and your ideas focused. You know how quickly one can fall into the Pinterest/IG rabbit hole of ideas.

This year’s party table was inspired by the delightful ‘Breakfast at the Diner’ collection from Cami Monet. I am obsessed with all of her watercolor art. First, I picked up the table runner, placemats, coasters, and guest check notepad. Then, I dug into my party stash and pulled the look together with a few other items.

Layer, Layer, Layer!

Have you ever looked at a table and it felt kinda blah? You couldn’t quite put your finger on it…probably because everything was flat on the table and there was no real dimension. If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times, having layers is key. It’s all about a variety of heights and textures.

Start with your base layer, like a table covering, and then build from there. Placemats and chargers, napkins and plates, and even the coasters under the glasses, all add visual interest with color and texture.

I do love using white dishes and serveware to tie everything together and keep things from being too busy since the watercolor collection is so pretty and I didn’t want them to compete.

Use the Rule of Threes

From photography to color schemes…the Rule of Threes works across every design medium. Grouping things in three/using an odd number of items is more visually appealing than even numbers. For example, this could be grouping three decor items, like the orange juice vase and cream and sugar holders, or our three serve ware items in a row.

Do you love the green coupe glasses? I am obsessed with these glasses, so imagine the thrill of discovering these dupes at TJ Maxx.

Sorry, my toast plates are no longer available but here’s a fun alternative. I also have these fried egg plates, another great option.

Create a Centerpiece/Focal Point

You’ve been doing it all along and didn’t even realize it. From the birthday cake to the vase of flowers, that thing you’ve put in the center of your table is your focal point. For our brunch table, it doesn’t get any easier than a platter of the guest of honor’s favorite baked goods. And don’t think your centerpiece has to be tall…my favorite Crate & Barrel platter is an impressive piece, no matter what is on it.

Leave Elbow Room

I know…you want to throw everything but the kitchen sink on your table. Trust me, it is the hardest thing to edit my table. I tried desperately to add more breakfast items like croissant napkins and fried egg plates. As Coco Chanel said, “ ‘Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.’” The same goes for your table. Be sure to leave elbow room so there is enough space to enjoy everything.

Sometimes, more is too much, even for a party table. I’ve been to events with so many things on the table, that I was in danger of knocking over candles and setting myself on fire, trying to reach a glass of water.

Is it even a birthday brunch without these bacon egg cups from Tasty? Read through the tips if you try it out, it will be worth it.

I hope you have been inspired to create some party fun with my five tips. If you are looking for a deeper dive into the eight elements of design, check out my Elements of Design posts.