Planning Christmas Breakfast

[Gingerbug]

What are some things that you do to make sure that Christmas breakfast is easy and a celebration too?
Here are some things I have tried in the past.

1. Crockpot breakfast or breakfast casserole prepared ahead of time and pop it in the oven

2. Set table the night before...yes on Christmas Eve...LOL

3. Plan a simple but delightful menu with items not normally served in our house...fresh fruit parfaits, monkeybread, special juice blends, flavored coffees or hot chocolates

4. Assign tasks

5. Pre=prep as much as possible

6. Use tried and true recipes

I know there's more...I'll be back later if I think of other tips...in the meantime...list your favorite ones!!

[Gingerbug]

Here's a great place to check out some good Christmas Breakfast recipes...the Breakfast Recipes Archive (http://magicalholidayhome.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=44&start=0)thread at Magical Holiday Home...

[girlyfied]

Thanks, Gingerbug! These are great ideas.

[Gingerbug]

Here's a blog I stumbled on with a couple good recipes:

MyChristmasKitchen (http://mychristmaskitchen.blogspot.com/2007/06/ideas-for-christmas-breakfast.html)

[Gingerbug]

And if you want a LATE breakfast....HERE (http://www.breakfast-and-brunch-recipes.com/brunch-party.html) are some tips for planning a brunch.

[Snowbelle27]

Love your tip Ginger for Christmas breakfast. Up to now breakfast on Christmas day has always been a bit of a nonentity. I'm trying to sort out luch and the children want tops putting together or helping with things so I always feel rushed. I love the idea of a pre-prepared breakfast casserole that can be warmed in the oven. you've given me something to thinks about for this year. Thanks for the tips.

[Gingerbug]

You're welcome. The reason Christmas Breakfast evolved at our house was because we always went to our parents for dinner on Christmas Day and as our own kids got a bit older we wanted to have a special "at home" celebration on Christmas Day too!

[Gingerbug]

Here are a few ideas to make breakfast special:

1. Write a little "personal" note to each person that will be present at breakfast...mention something from the year that stands out in your mind as a postive trait, memory, something to be proud of etc...Roll the note and tie it with a ribbon...place a note on each breakfast plate...just make sure they sit where you placed the note...so maybe make place cards too!!

Example: Kelsey I am so proud of your kind heartedness, you are always willing to help people and take their feelings into account. It was so sweet of you to take the flowers to Cassie when she was feeling discouraged. Thanks for being so thoughtful. Merry Christmas Kelsey! May the wonderful spirit of the season be with you all through the coming year!

2. Make some placemats using cardstock or large doilies...print pictures of that person and add them to the placemat...cover with clear contact paper to protect the placemat. These are great conversation starters and memory joggers of past holidays!

3. Place a small card with a "clue" next to each plate. The clue should lead them to another place in the house where another clue awaits..and so on...maybe four to five of them...ending with a little gift...if you eat BEFORE presents then it will be their first gift of the day or if you eat AFTER it will be their last gift!!

4. Place a small card with a clue next to each plate. The clue should tell a story or memory of someone in the family...the family member does not have to be present...people take turns reading their cards and everyone guesses which family member it is!!

[Lfisch]

My mother always does Christmas brunch. It is more of a breakfast than anything as we need to be there by 10am.
She serves
Brunch strata - which is a casserole of eggs, bacon/sausage (she makes 2 - 1 of each)
Cold shrimp
Cheese platter
Fruit Platter
Nachos and salsa
Extra strips of bacon and sausage for on the side
We also have mimosas....I know - early in the day to have a drink - but at least there is OJ in it.
Afterwards we open gifts and then my brother and sister and I all head off in different directions for the rest of the day.