Hosting a Farm-to-Table Brunch (Even If You're Not a Chef)

The idea of hosting a farm-to-table brunch may sound daunting if you aren't a professional chef or a fancy foodie, but it doesn't have to be. With a little bit of planning, passion for fresh, local ingredients, and an open mind, anyone can put together a delicious brunch; no culinary degree required! 

Here are some simple steps to planning and hosting your own brunch made with incredible local ingredients that you can find here at Horton. 

Start with the Farmers' Market

The heart of a farm-to-table meal is locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. A week or two before your brunch, visit your local farmers' market (Horton Farmers' Market is perfectly located in the heart of downtown St. Thomas) to get inspired, see what seasonal ingredients are available, and get information from the farmers who know their products best! Grab a morning coffee and take note of what is in season, and chat with the farmers and vendors to find out what will be freshest close to your brunch date. You can grab fresh produce, local cheeses, meats, dairy, breads, honey, and more! 

​Pro tip: Ask if you can pre-order items for pickup on the morning of your brunch to ensure availability (B&C Farms, La Houlette de vie and other vendors offer this fantastic service). 

Keep the Menu Simple and Ingredient-Driven

You don't need to whip up fancy soufflés or make complex hollandaise sauce from scratch to impress your guests and have delicious offerings. Choose some dishes that highlight the natural flavours of your seasonal ingredients (even better if they require minimal technique). Here are a few approachable and simple ideas to get you started:

• ​A local charcuterie board with sourdough breads, local jams, butter, honey, cheeses and meats
• Yogurt parfaits with granola, fresh berries, fruits and maple syrup or honey
• Vegetable platter (roasted with herbs or raw with some local dips, dealers choice)
• A frittata made with seasonal veggies and local cheese

Add in some delicious sweets and fresh pastries from local bakers and vendors, and have fun with it! Presentation is key - serving dishes family-style on pretty platters or smooth wooden boards can pull everything together. 

Serve a Signature Drink

A great brunch wouldn't be complete without a refreshing seasonal beverage, and it elevates the brunch experience by providing a personal touch. You don't need to be a mixologist - something as simple as a batch of local herbal iced tea or a spritzer with local herbs and syrup can take your brunch to the next level! Keep an eye out for local distilleries and producers as well; from ciders to liquers and more. 

Set the Scene Naturally

The farm-to-table mentality doesn't have to stop at sourcing your ingredients - extend it into your place setting and decor while keeping it simple and fun. Use a neutral tablecloth or picnic blanket, dust off some mason jars for drinks, and pickup a bouquet of locally grown flowers at the market to brighten the table. Brunch is meant to feel casual and cozy, warm and inviting, so skip the fussy settings and embrace a mix of platers and glassware. Outdoor seating (if the weather permits) is a lovely touch! Providing small labels or info as to where each ingredient came from locally can create great talking points, and can encourage friends and family to explore and shop locally and seasonally as well. 

Prepare Ahead and Enjoy the Moment

To avoid scrambling the morning of, do as much prep as possible the day before: wash and chop your fresh, local produce, set the table, and prep your ingredients for simple and easy cooking. Some dishes like charcuterie boards and platters can be put together the day before, so all you have to do is serve! On the day of, give yourself plenty of time to assemble, plate, and taste test. Have fun with your dishes and place setting, and when your guests arrive relax and enjoy your delicious fresh and local brunch - you've earned it! 
P.S. - your local vendors and farmers love to see photos of what you have made with their fresh ingredients! Tag them in your photos, and share your finished dishes and setup with them the next time you see them at the market. You feel proud when someone compliments your work, and they feel pride and accomplishment seeing their labours of love being enjoyed by you! 

You don't need to be a culinary pro to host a farm-to-table brunch that supports your local farmers and producers, and boosts the local economy. All it takes is fresh, local ingredients, a bit of organization, and a genuine love of sharing good food with friends and family. With a simple menu, welcoming ambiance, and thoughtful touches, your brunch will be every bit as memorable as one hosted by a seasoned chef. Remember that the best part of a farm-to-table brunch isn't perfection - it's connection!