Nothing brings people together quite like a beautifully styled brunch, and no one knows that better than Catherine Moore of The Big Day (of). She is the founder and planner behind the now-iconic “Catherine’s Brunch,” an annual gathering she started two years ago that pokes fun at itself in the best way. The only rule for an invite? Your name has to be Catherine (any spelling counts). What began with thirteen guests has already grown to twenty-three, and it’s become a masterclass in how to throw a brunch that guests talk about long after the last mimosa is poured. We caught up with her to get the full scoop on how to style a brunch that feels fresh, thoughtful, and totally unforgettable.
What was the concept behind this brunch?
“This event is the Catherine’s Brunch, an annual gathering I founded two years ago. When we moved to our current town almost ten years ago, I found myself surrounded by new friends and acquaintances named Catherine (who all have different spellings of the name, of course). I eventually decided to host a brunch that poked fun at itself, simply celebrating a shared name and all of the ladies who share it.
This year we had twenty-three Catherines on the invite list, and I look forward to growing that list year over year. I absolutely love this event because it celebrates the art of gathering itself, by finding an excuse to do so. Don’t shy away from unexpected and creative reasons to bring people together!
This event has a built-in theme, but honestly, when it comes to hosting a brunch like this, you don’t necessarily need one. Start by defining a clear and cohesive vision that naturally connects to the purpose and environment of your event, and let it take shape from there. If you do want a theme, an easy way to choose one is to start with the season as inspiration. Outdoor garden parties, tea parties, and seasonal culinary-inspired themes are all great jumping-off points.”
What are some of your most important vendors for a smaller, brunch-like event?
“Catering and design vendors, such as a floral designer and a rental company.”
How do you prioritize guest experience for these smaller events?
“By rooting the event in hospitality and keeping guest experience top of mind. Create opportunities for guests to get to know one another if they don’t already, since events like these tend to have a smaller guest list, so you want to ensure a comfortable and welcoming space where your guests can feel relaxed and enjoy themselves. Personalize the details, like custom gift bags, favors, and unique place cards.”
What are some fun activations you include in these types of events?
“It depends on the type of brunch you’re hosting and how well the guests know one another. The Catherine’s Brunch welcomes new guests each year, so I like to have at least one or two activities to bring people together and help them get acquainted. We have a Polaroid guestbook every year, where the Catherines add a picture and a bit about themselves, along with games where guests vote on the best and worst Catherine nicknames, and even a trivia contest about famous Catherines.”
How do you choose a color palette that feels fresh without being predictable?
“Let the season inspire you rather than lock you in, and draw from the surrounding environment or venue where you’re hosting, along with your overall theme. If you’re hosting an annual event, be sure to change it up every year.”
What’s a design element you keep coming back to because it just works for brunch?
“Any time you’re inviting guests to sit and enjoy a meal together, make sure you have comfortable chairs and that they can easily converse over the table florals.”
What’s your approach to a signature drink or mocktail station for a daytime event?
“For a daytime event, you want to make sure to offer a variety of mocktails as well as cocktails, and to be thoughtful about which signature alcoholic drinks you feature. Creative mimosa, spritz, and bellini stations, along with Bloody Mary bars, are perfect for brunch events.”
What are the biggest weather considerations when planning an outdoor brunch?
“Always plan for the outdoor elements based on all seasonal weather possibilities where you’re hosting. That could mean providing shade to protect against heat and sun, or, if storms and showers are common where you live, having a rain plan that comfortably fits your guests should you need to pivot last minute.”
Is there a detail hosts often forget that makes a big difference?
“I do think hosts can sometimes forget to plan for the elements when the weather is generally nice, and that can make a big difference for guest comfort. For an outdoor event, consider the bugs in the area too, especially when planning your menu and where you place the tables. A swarm of bees over brunch can quickly derail a carefully planned event.
I also get a lot of questions about the best way to seat guests. Hosts sometimes worry that guests would prefer to choose their own seats, but I find that guests actually appreciate guidance, and I recommend assigning seating. That way they always know where to sit, and if a guest doesn’t know anyone at your event, it removes any awkwardness of trying to find a seat on their own.”
If someone wanted to recreate this brunch on a smaller budget at home, what are the two or three elements you’d tell them to prioritize?
“You can absolutely create a beautiful table on a budget by choosing a few key pieces that elevate the design, like a beautiful charger, fun printed or personalized napkins, and fresh flowers from a flower market or garden. And of course, your menu. Ordering directly from a caterer or local shop is a budget-friendly option compared to bringing a caterer in.”
What entertaining trends are you excited about for next year?
“I’m excited to see a shift toward more experience-forward, phone-free events, where guests and their hosts can enjoy simply being present.”
There’s something so special about gathering people around a table simply because you found a reason to, and that’s exactly what makes the Catherine’s Brunch so magnetic. Whether you’re planning your own can’t-miss brunch or just looking for fresh ways to make entertaining feel personal, there’s plenty to borrow here: comfortable seating, a well-stocked drink station, and thoughtful little details that make every guest feel like the guest of honor.
Ready for more brunch inspiration? Don’t miss A Spring Brunch Inspired By Natural Textures and Seasonal Florals.
