How To Throw The Perfect Brunch – An Instagram Story


The other day I attended a lovely brunch hosted by the uber talented Mary, blogger at Sportanista. If you follow me on instagram @zahra_sandberg, you may have seen some of these pictures, but not all of them – I promise you! After attending this party, I feel I seriously need to up my hosting skills. If you are like me and want to get some tips on how to host your next brunch, read some of the ways Mary made this party the ultimate #bloggerbrunch! 



1. First off, nothing is more thoughtful than a creative and adorable paper invitation (mailed several weeks in advance).  This invite is by this Etsy company. Coordinating hashtag optional, though I’d recommend it, but that’s just the blogger in me talking.







2. Create a serene and beautiful atmosphere. Lot’s of hydrangeas, hanging paper decorations, and plenty of seating. I personally love the table set up, with the alternating chair heights. It’s the little things that make a big impact.






3. Mimosa table with all of the accoutrements for the perfect drink.  Try serving drinks with some  polka-dotted straws, and edible flowers – I swear they make the drinks taste better!



4. After snacking on appetizers of brie, apples, and scones, start off brunch with a proper greek yogurt, fresh berries, and granola parfait. Personalized napkin holders with seating assignments are also a sweet touch.





5. Dish out healthy options (in addition to an indulgent French Toast) like this to-die-for avocado/egg/herb/cheesy deliciousness. Find the recipe here.


6. Have fun! Chit chat, take selfies, like this attempt at a recreation of Ellen’s famous Oscar pic!



7. Have a goody bag! Or something cool for guests to take home. These awesome super soft burnout tees were a gift from the bloggers behind Because I Shop Too Much, Kaitlyn and Lisa of the blogs Sitersmarie and Stilettos and Diaper Bags.

Bloggers: L-R after me, Jess and JillMaryJohannaJess


(L-R) Jess of The Golden Girl Blog, moi, Lisa of Stilettos and Diaper Bags, and Kaitlyn of Sisters Marie.



The hostess with the mostess 

8. And finally, wear a killer outfit. I loved Mary’s look so much, I went out and bought her shoes immediately. Imitation is the highest form of flattery, isn’t it? Stay tuned for an outfit post wearing them…

Guests and their blogs:

Kaitlyn –  Sitersmarie 
Lisa – Stilettos and Diaper Bags
Jess and Jill- Jess and Jill
Mary – Sportsanista
Johanna –101 Things I Love
Jess – The Golden Girl Blog

A big thanks to Mary for having such a great party and inviting me to join the fun! Hope you enjoyed the recap. If you have any entertaining tips, please share!

Xx,

Z



Follow Me! @zahra_sandberg

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Last week we took a quick trip to escape the snow for some sunshine in Key Largo, Florida☀️ We spent every moment possible outside, Tom and Adam got their Scuba Diver PADI certification (yay!) while Sophia and I spent our days either swimming or drawing marine life and landscapes. This was my first trip after my sister passed last November, and even though I look so happy here, there were so many moments I felt the grief and sadness, as if it happened just yesterday. I am still figuring out how I want to show up in this space, as I have changed so much as a person since the loss. I just don’t feel called to post some of the things I shared before. Maybe that will change someday, or maybe it will just naturally evolve into something new. I think I will take this year to just process it all. (Even the idea of taking an entire year to think through something is a huge shift for my usually hyperactive type A personality) My focus at the moment is just living in the moment with my family and friends, spending time doing things that make me happy and healthy. I hope to share some of that journey here with you ~ thanks for following along ❤️
I had planned to shoot this outfit in collaboration with @lenacoutureofficial right before my dear sister passed away. Saba, the designer, was more than understanding if I didn’t want to anymore - but after thinking on it for a while I decided I wanted to - in my sister’s honor 💗 She was always my biggest hype woman. When i would feel like I’m not good enough or that I should quit (which was often) she would tell me I was unique and great and to keep it up. When I think of my sister, beauty and love is all that she embodied in her being. She expressed that on the outside also - as she loved to wear everything glam, bright & colorful, and full of bling. Hair done, nails done, everything did - that was Nusrat. For this shoot I took the time to get glam after a long hiatus - and makeup and hair took so long because I think I forgot how to do it, but afterwards I was surprised how I felt transformed. When I wore this gorgeous outfit that I know was designed with such love and incredible attention to detail by @lenacoutureofficial, I felt all of that beauty - like a walking piece of art, and very much at peace. Thank you so much to @divmophoto for capturing the feeling so well 💕
Ski weekend with my favorites ❄️❄️ So proud of Sophia for skiing on her own for the first time!
There are some trees with seeds that only grow after a fire. Their seeds are completely sealed with a resin that have to be physically melted off by a great fire in order to propagate. So to do we as humans, gain wisdom only after great pain and suffering.*
A month ago (and one day) I lost my sister and best friend to cancer. I am still completely gutted and broken. But, I’m also so so grateful to have had felt the love that now brings me so much heartbreak. ❤️ I am so inspired by her - and I will forever live my life to honor her memory. Miss you sis ❤️
Classic outfit combo: oversized blazer + denim 🖤fendi mules @shoeslutz
Just a mom who loves mums 🌸 🪴
Cozy for a coffee date ☕️
French. Toast. Egg. Bake. Save this recipe for a weekend or holiday brunch - it’s SO good and fool-proof! I’m not even a sweet person and I love it. The pecans are a non-negotiable IMO - I get honey bourbon vanilla pecans for this and it is just heavenly. Enjoy!