But First, Brunch!

By Sebastien Centner

There are only so many precious Saturday nights free for entertaining and, let’s be honest, after a long week, hosting a full sit-down dinner can be a bit overwhelming. Occasionally, Sheila and I like to change it up by hosting a fabulous Saturday or Sunday buffet brunch. We’ll make it simple or elegant, depending on the mood and the crowd.

A couple of days ahead of time we plan the menu and take an inventory of platters, bowls, etc—everything required to display the food, including decorative items and glassware. I like to mix taller items such as cake stands with flat trays and crisp white baking dishes. In addition to traditional eggs, bacon and French toast, we serve fresh fruit, salmon (either baked or smoked), a hearty salad and veggie carpaccio so there are a lot of tasty options for guests with dietary restrictions. Cutlery roll-ups at the end of the buffet work best, as this leaves guests’ hands-free for serving. Elevate the event with a stunning dessert and add a “bubbly bar” with prosecco and fresh juices and you can’t go wrong.

Get our newsletter

Get monthly updates with unique HomeFront updates and stay up to date with tips and trends

The joy of play

Often framed as the territory of childhood, the magic of play doesn’t have to expire when adulthood comes around. At any age, play can foster new energy, new interests and new connections. Especially true in a world of deadlines, work

The art of letting go

There are places in the world that impress more than the eyes—they soften the shoulders, quiet the mind, and slow everything down to a kinder pace. Villa d’Este, resting gracefully on the shores of Lake Como, is one of those

Bella Cucina turns up the heat

A kitchen marriage In a harmonious blend of innovation and tradition, Florense, Brazil’s premier high-end furniture brand and Pininfarina, the legendary Italian design studio come together in the kitchen. arcokitchen.com Too many cooks may spoil the broth so stake your

Bella Cucina turns up the heat

Best of Italy Kitchen designs that bridge old and new worlds with innovation and timeless quality thanks to Renzo Rastelli. rastelli.com Too many cooks may spoil the broth so stake your claim and make sure the kitchen is your most

The Dylan

Housed in what was the city’s first stone theatre, designed in 1638 by Jacob van Campen, The Dylan Amsterdam is a 41-room canal district boutique hotel nestled along the Keizersgracht. Led by Amsterdam-based Studio Linse and Format Furniture, the Dylan’s

The fine art of “Grilling and Chilling”

There’s something timeless about the sound of a grill sizzling on a warm afternoon. The smell of the barbecue drifting through the air, stylishly-iced cold drinks and laughter bouncing across a patio spells summer. Whether, it’s a long weekend, a