As a personal chef, I’ve cooked for everything from yoga bachelorette brunches to brunch cooking classes to brunch-themed baby showers. And I’ve learned one thing: Brunch isn’t just a meal, it’s a mood.

During the holidays, it becomes a chance to gather, indulge, and celebrate the season without the formality of dinner. For restaurant operators, it’s also a golden opportunity to tap into that festive spirit while filling seats during slower daytime hours.

Holiday Brunch = Midday Magic

Holiday brunch gives guests an excuse to toast with friends, squeeze in one more get-together, or take a break from shopping amid twinkling lights and cinnamon-scented air. The key is creating an experience that feels special but still approachable, something celebratory that fits neatly between errands or events.

And don’t overlook weekday potential. A “Weekday Holiday Brunch” package is an easy sell to nearby offices or nonprofits looking for a budget-friendly alternative to the traditional evening party. Offering festive daytime menus helps restaurants drive weekday revenue while giving guests a bright, social break from the winter hustle.

High Tea, Reimagined

High tea-style brunches are finding their moment this season as diners seek elevated yet easygoing ways to celebrate. The tiered stands, polished presentation, and bite-sized portions create an air of luxury without demanding an army on the hot line.

A successful high tea-inspired brunch blends elegance with efficiency. Curate three to five composed, seasonal bites that feel festive and thoughtful, such as:

• Mini croissant sandwiches with smoked salmon and herbed cream cheese
• Bite-sized quiche or frittata squares with local vegetables
• Sweet scones with cranberry-orange butter or spiced honey
• Petite portions of Shrimp & Grits served in decorative ramekins

Served on multi-tiered trays, these dainty dishes make guests feel pampered and turn even casual gatherings into photo-worthy experiences. The format works beautifully for showers, corporate lunches, and group reservations throughout the season and much of the prep can be done in advance.

Round out the menu with beverage pairings that sparkle: Champagne cocktails, mulled tea, or coffee creations that highlight local roasters. Market it as “Holiday High Tea” or “Bubbles & Bites Brunch” to instantly evoke festive sophistication and justify a slightly higher fixed price per person. The result is an elegant, efficient midday event that celebrates the season with style.

Specialty Brunch Events

The holidays are primetime for themed brunches and local collaborations that add extra sparkle to your calendar. Events built around a shared experience or activity bring in new audiences and turn guests into repeat visitors.

One of my favorites as a chef was a “Yoga Brunch” experience that I offered with a local instructor who wanted to expand her private class business. I provided the food, she led an in-home session, and together we created a calm, health-focused celebration during a hectic season. It filled a normally quiet morning and both of us gained new clients. If you have a space large enough to collaborate with a local fitness instructor, I highly recommend this concept.

Other festive ideas include:

• “Shop & Sip Saturdays” with local artisans and vendors during the holiday rush
• “Brunch & Build” workshops in collaboration with a nearby craft store where guests decorate ornaments or gingerbread houses between courses
• “Canvases & Carafes” events pairing painting lessons from a talented instructor with bottomless mimosas

These partnerships double your marketing reach and create limited-time buzz. They’re also ideal for filling slower hours while giving guests a reason to linger and celebrate with friends. A touch of holiday décor, some sparkling cocktails, and a themed playlist can transform an ordinary brunch into a seasonal experience worth sharing.

Build a Festive but Manageable Menu

A memorable holiday brunch doesn’t need to be over the top, but it does need a touch of magic. Focus on dishes that are easy to batch, plate beautifully, and hold well during service. Seasonal ingredients, rich flavors, and pops of color go a long way toward making dishes feel celebratory.

• Roma® Gluten-Free Four Cheese Tortelloni offers a premium, versatile option that accommodates dietary needs without extra prep. Pair with roasted butternut squash, brown butter, and crispy sage for a cozy winter entrée.
• Roma Heritage Lobster Ravioli adds instant luxury to a prix fixe or à la carte offering. Serve with a Champagne or lemon butter sauce and a sprinkle of chives for a festive, brunch-appropriate twist.
• Entice® hors d’oeuvres are elegant, ready-to-serve, and customizable, helping maintain consistency during high-volume service.

Adding a few premium pasta dishes alongside classic brunch staples, like Benedicts, waffles, or French toast, broadens appeal, increases check averages, and keeps operations efficient during the busiest time of year.

Holiday brunch is where culinary creativity meets the joy of the season. With thoughtful presentations, themed experiences, and limited-time offerings, you can turn ordinary midday service into a sparkling success story. From “Bubbles & Bites” to weekday office brunches, it’s about capturing the warmth, whimsy, and generosity of the holidays, giving guests one more reason to celebrate together.