Party in Five: Southern Comfort Father's Day Brunch

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We here at Cooking Channel love a good party. But throwing a memorable event requires more than just gathering some food and drink. We show you how with just five main “ingredients” (including recipes, big-impact decorating ideas and easy DIY elements) you can throw a party that feels like it has a cohesive theme — minimal work required.

Though our dads deserve a big bash to honor their thankless sacrifices, Father’s Day is often underserved with a simple, lackluster barbecue. This year, attempt to repay Dad with a Southern-inspired comfort food brunch that features his favorite flavors and something different than the steak-and-burgers, beer-and-sports routine. (Why should brunch — a hearty, any-time-of-day meal — be saved for the moms only?) A buffet setup keeps this party concept laid-back, while a neutral palette proves that the manliest of men can be celebrated with themed decor.

To host your own Father’s Day brunch, you’ll need five essential ingredients:

• family photos, new and old
• Bloody Marys
• printable Father’s Day cards ( download the template here)
• potted succulents
• Virginia ham biscuits

Click here to see the full brunch spread and get tips for hosting your own Father's Day brunch:

Photo by: She-N-He.com ©She-N-He.com

She-N-He.com, She-N-He.com

Spotlight On: The Menu

Create a fuss-free menu of Dad-friendly dishes and arrange them on the buffet so guests can help themselves (and go back for seconds!). Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese is a decadent classic that can be prepared and served all in one dish. Serve it alongside grab-n-go Virginia ham biscuits to complete the hearty and comforting meal. For an adults-only drink, nothing says “brunch” like a tall pitcher of Bloody Marys, prepared in advance for easier service. Arrange salt-rimmed glasses on the buffet garnished with all the fixins: cornichons, cocktail onions, olives and limes.

Last but not least, set out the only dessert course that'll do at a Southern-inspired meal. This Bourbon Banana Pudding recipe is a sophisticated spin on the classic with its smoky undertones and spiced gingersnaps in lieu of wafers. Serve individually in Mason jars and alongside a make-your-own-coffee station.

Get tips for setting up this party's decorated buffet and more Father's Day brunch ideas.

(See more parties and events from the Party in Five series here.)

Camille Styles is the founder and editor of lifestyle blog camillestyles.com, where she shares creative enterta ining ideas for parties and everyday life. She also owns Camille Styles Events, a design and planning firm that transforms ordinary events into extraordinary experiences.

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