Who: CV(D), me, and about 20 of our friends.
What: A baby shower
When: Saturday brunch
Why: Because I love her, duh.
The Thought Process: I was going for a staff breakfast vibe. CV(D)’s (former-wah!) and my place of employment is famous for hosting some indulgent morning meals for our coworkers, many of whom were with us that morning. I knew right away I had to have Nutella French Toast casserole on the menu; that’s CV(D)’s brunch fave. Cracker Barrel’s hash brown casserole is a crowd favorite, so that got added too. Brunch isn’t complete unless you have an egg dish, so I made one, and a friend brought one. Other friends rounded out the sides with fruit, bread, and of course parfait. We had to add a donut tree, because CV(D) ate about half of the one at The (Not So) New Girl’s shower.
The Menu:
Slow Cooker Nutella French Toast Casserole
Cracker Barrel’s Hash Brown Casserole
Parfation (yogurt, granola, and fruit)
Pumpkin bread, banana bread, muffins, and cinnamon rolls
Donut tree (cover a styrofoam cone in tinfoil, poke toothpicks in, and fill the toothpicks with donut holes)
Mimosa station
What Worked:
Who worked might be a better descriptor here, and who worked was AGOMYR. She came early, placed a salted caramel mocha in my hand, and we ran around the kitchen together for about an hour and a half to get everything in place in time. She didn’t even ask what needed doing, she just figured it out and did it, including, but not limited to, hanging bunting (that she hand-lettered), slicing treats, finishing the toothpick-ing of the donut tree, taking people’s coats, arranging gifts, taking most of the photos you see in this post, and staying far longer than necessary to clean. I don’t think I’ve ever had a party she wasn’t invited to, but she locked in all future invitations with this one.
But what worked was, um, everything? I can’t take a step back here and evaluate the success of a brunch at my house with so many of my favorite people (and foods). I loved watching everyone reunite, and of course, celebrate one of my best friends. It was a truly wonderful morning.
What Didn’t:
The donut tree! I don’t even understand. It was a star of The (Not So) New Girl’s shower, and wasn’t such a hit at CV(D)’s. I suspect not enough people picked at it at first, and then others didn’t want to disturb the beauty.
a glass of milk 
Mrs. CV(D), you are ROCKING that striped dress–LOVE IT! 🙂 Looks like a fun time–and you’re saving that dining room rug for me, right Glass-of-Milk?
dining room? yes, we don’t want it