There are certain smells and locations that always trigger the sweetest hints of nostalgia. Hiking in Marin on the 4th of July just recently reminded me of weekends spent at my Uncle Owen’s growing up. Riding along the back roads in Chico, windows down, takes me back to the summer I met my guy–I remember thinking he was so silly singing at the top of his lungs. Donut shops always remind me of how my mom used to bribe us to go to church on Sunday’s, and the smell of coffee will forever remind me of early mornings waking up at my Nana and Papa’s. As a young girl I would smell the coffee and run down the hall because this meant Nana was up and waiting for us. Always sitting in her chair in a cozy robe.
It wasn’t until visiting my Nana again one summer in college when I really got hooked on the caffeinated beverage. She takes her cup of joe black but always keeps flavored creamers on hand for us when we’re visiting. I don’t discriminate when it comes the various flavors, but as a vanilla girl I’m usually quick to choose it and now there isn’t any other way I’d start my day than with a jolt of caffeine. I teamed up with Coffee-Mate and hosted an intimate brunch recently for a couple of close friends. Here’s what went into the prep.
I pulled out my great-grandma’s silver tea set and china again (my cousin’s bridal shower inspired me to make more use out of these sweet dishes!) to set up a coffee and tea bar. Start with the best coffee and offer a variety of flavored creamers to make creating your perfect cup of joe more fun. Tip: Put the creamers in pretty servers and add labels. I used the Coffee-Mate Classic Vanilla flavored creamer as it always brings me nostalgic memories. If you’re not a vanilla person, there’s also the Coffee-Mate Caramel Macchiato and Toll House® Chocolate Chip Cookie flavored creamers for a touch of throwback flavor.
After making sure everyone had their beverage of choice, I then offered a sweet pre-brunch bite while I took any egg and pancake orders.
Tip: Prep pancake mix before guests arrive. I added a couple tablespoons of Coffee-Mate Classic Vanilla creamer for a sweet twist on the classic recipe.
On setting the table–I’ve been obsessed with all things indigo since last fall and my wrap inspired the simple blue theme.
The Look | Rebecca Taylor Top (similar). Citizens of Humanity Boyfriend Jeans.
Thank you to Coffee-Mate for collaborating on this post!
Photography by Ashley Maxwell