CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST ON A PLATTER FOR A SUNDAY BRUNCH

In mid -19th century Britain, a new term for breakfast was born. The continental breakfast refers to a type of breakfast common throughout “the continent” or mainland Europe. In countries like France and Italy, breakfast was traditionally kept light, especially in comparison to the famous “full” English breakfast of bacon, fried egg, sausage, mushrooms, toast, black beans, and the famous (or infamous for some) black pudding. Instead, mainland European breakfast was simple and delicate: fresh-cut fruit, no-fuss pastries, and a simple coffee spread with just the necessities.

Which type of breakfast do you prefer? Personally, I think it depends on the circumstance. Though I also occasionally enjoy a more hearty meal in the morning, I think that the continental breakfast has so much potential to be equally satisfying. For this meal, I arranged a beautiful breakfast spread onto one of my favorite platters. Paying tribute to the essential continental elements, I placed colorful and artfully cut fruit around irresistible chocolate croissants, slices of lemon cake, fruit jams, and sweet and savory breads. I kept my coffee display simple as well, modernizing the approach with just a touch of frothed milk.

With my usual touches of gold dinnerware and a simple but elegant tablescape, the continental breakfast finds its place in modern, glam decor. And I have to say, it looks absolutely delicious!