Looking for new years day brunch ideas that go beyond a plate of toast? Think berry-covered pancakes, a colorful bagel board and little breakfast cups you can set out alongside the pastries.
There’s plenty to choose from here, whether you’re planning a sit-down meal or a help-yourself spread.
You can keep it simple or go all out. Pick a few dishes you love, then add a drink station or a little gold sparkle to the table.
Brunch ideas to start the year
colorful mimosa bar
We’re starting off strong with this pretty mimosa setup. I love the yellow, pink and deep red drinks lined up between all those flutes.
Bowls of strawberries, blueberries and raspberries give you plenty of garnish ideas.
Keep your fruit beside the glasses so guests can choose their own finishing touch. For an alcohol-free option, you could set out sparkling water too.
golden breakfast bake
If you’re looking for a savory dish to put in the middle of the table, this one is for you. The browned bread pieces, leafy greens and scattered bacon make this breakfast bake look so inviting.
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I’d serve it straight from the baking dish with a simple fruit platter alongside.
bagels and all the toppings
How gorgeous is this bagel board? The avocado fans and rows of cucumber are my favorite parts.
There’s also salmon, sliced egg, tomato and red onion tucked around the bagels.
Put your spread and capers in little bowls like these to keep them separate from the other toppings.
iced cinnamon rolls
Don’t want to go overboard with the sweet options? No problem!
These cinnamon rolls look lovely all on their own, with white icing following each dark swirl. I’d keep the close-together arrangement on a serving platter.
quiche with a green side
This is a lovely idea if you want to serve individual brunch plates. The golden quiche slice has bacon pieces scattered over the top, with leafy greens and a lemon wedge beside it.
Keep the salad to one side like this so that pretty wedge of quiche still gets its moment.
berry pancake stack
I am obsessed with this pancake stack. The berries piled on top and dark berry topping spilling over the edges make it look extra special.
You don’t have to build yours quite this tall. A shorter stack with strawberries, blueberries and blackberries would be just as pretty.
eggs in red sauce
Want something colorful for the savory side of brunch? This skillet has eggs nestled into a red sauce, with white crumbles and green herbs scattered across the top.
For a similar shakshuka-style dish, choose a trusted recipe you like. I’d add bread on the side for scooping.
avocado toast lineup
Who says every slice of avocado toast has to be the same? This board mixes things up with tomato, egg, salmon and even sliced strawberries.
I especially love the little herb-covered toast at the top. Pick a few topping combinations for your own board, or leave one plain like the slice at the bottom.
classic eggs benedict
Those golden yolks are hard to ignore! These eggs Benedict sit on toasted muffin halves with round slices of ham underneath and yellow sauce draped over the top.
A few chopped chives are all the extra decoration this plate needs. Save this one if you’d rather serve a plated main than build a big board.
butterflies and fruit flowers
How adorable are those watermelon butterflies? I love the flower-shaped kiwi slices lined up beside them, with blueberries and raspberries along the outside.
Try small food cutters if you want to give your own fruit platter a similar look. You can keep the rest simple with citrus slices and bunches of grapes.
apple-topped breakfast bake
This apple-topped bake may just be one of my favorite sweet ideas here. The overlapping slices and light dusting of powdered sugar look so pretty over the golden base.
For your own menu, an apple French toast bake would be a lovely way to borrow the idea. Choose a tested recipe rather than guessing the filling from the photo.
loaded bloody mary board
If you are looking for lots of garnish inspiration, then this one is for you. There’s so much to choose from, including celery, olives, pickles and shrimp hanging around the rims of glasses.
The photo has an Easter-style wreath in the background, but you can borrow the drink-board idea for January. Keep the small bowls and upright jars to organize your own spread.
gold sparkle and candles
I am in love with the gold details on this table. The scattered confetti, white candles and little lights make such a pretty combination.
This is an evening setting, but the white-and-gold idea would work beautifully for brunch. Try a smaller cluster of decorations down the center so there’s still room for your serving dishes.
biscuits and pale gravy
The biscuit fans are going to love this one! Golden biscuit pieces sit in pale gravy with browned sausage pieces and a scattering of pepper.
I’d pair a biscuits-and-gravy dish with one of the fruit ideas above rather than adding another big bread board.
little berry parfait cups
How cute are these individual cups? The pale base, crumbly brown layer and berries look so pretty through the clear sides.
Each one has a little green leaf on top too.
For a breakfast version, try yogurt and granola with strawberries and blueberries. Add a small spoon to each cup before setting them out.
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waffles with plenty of extras
This is actually one of my favorite boards on the list. The waffle pieces run right down the middle, with berries, banana slices and bowls of toppings filling the spaces around them.
You can follow the same arrangement without including every extra. I’d start with waffles, fruit and syrup, then add chocolate chips if you want something sweeter.
salmon and bread platter
This is another pretty way to serve salmon, but it’s a little different from the bagel board above. I love the mix of dark bread, swirled slices and small golden toasts around the edges.
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Keep the cucumber, lemon and red onion in separate groups like this. The little bowl of capers fits neatly beside the salmon.
golden shredded potato bake
Just look at that browned top! This thick slice has visible potato shreds and bacon pieces throughout, with a golden layer across the top.
If you want a similar dish for your menu, look for a tested cheesy hash brown casserole recipe. Cut it into smaller squares if you’re serving several other brunch dishes.
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mini egg cups
Don’t want to serve a full-size egg bake? These little egg cups are a cute alternative.
I love the browned sides and leafy green pieces showing through each one.
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Arrange yours in a single layer on a platter for serving rather than stacking them like the photo.
pastries and iced coffee
Last but definitely not least, we have this lovely breakfast spread by the window. The croissants and chocolate pastries sit on a board, with small breakfast jars and iced coffees lined up behind them.
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I love the handwritten labels beside the food. Try a paper table runner with the names of your own dishes for that same casual café look.
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And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Isabella