Hosting (Page 4)

Although the good times of sitting on patios for Sunday brunch are limited these days, that shouldn’t stop you from hosting the ultimate fall brunch at home! Every season is brunch season, right?! Brunch seems to be an activity everyone looks forward to. Whether it’s sippin’ on the bottomless mimosas or bloody mary’s in addition to the amazing food, it’s a great opportunity to bring people and families together. That’s why Tacoma Boys has put together this guide for how to host the perfect fall brunch! 

Fall Brunch Beverages

There are many different fall brunch beverages that help make a good brunch lineup. Cocktails, mocktails, coffee, and juices are some of the most popular choices when it comes to brunch. Lucky for you, Tacoma Boys has everything you need to fulfill all of your fall brunch beverage needs!

Mimosas

Mimosas are arguably one of the most popular brunch beverages, and putting a fall spin on the classic orange juice/champagne combo will take your fall brunch to the next level. Head to the juice section of your local Tacoma Boys and choose a fall flavor that suits your taste. Tacoma Boys recommends any of the following R.W. Knudsen juices:

• Apple Ginger
• 100% Apple
• Pear

After choosing your juice, it’s time to pick out the bubbles. Tacoma Boys carries a large selection of sparkling wines and champagne. Some of the current favorites include:

• Riojana Argentina Sparkling Wine 
• Tarantas Cava Brut
• Vega Medien Cava Brut
• Tarantas Sparkling White Wine
• Saracco Moscato D’Asti

If you’re looking to take the fall theme up a notch, throw in a cinnamon stick, fresh apple slices, and fresh cranberries to garnish your mimosa when serving. To make these mimosas family-friendly, simply top the juice with non alcoholic sparkling apple cider instead of champagne. If you’re not a mimosa fan, check out these fall-inspired beverages for more ideas!

Coffee

If you’re hosting your fall brunch before noon, you most likely will need to have some sort of caffeine option depending on your guests! Tacoma Boys suggests keeping the coffee simple and offering 2-3 fall-inspired creamer and sweetener options if desired. If you’re looking for iced coffee options, Califia Cold Brew Concentrate is highly recommended. You can read more here about our coffee selections, but some of the current favorites include:

• Ranch Roast 
• Cutters Point 
• Poverty Bay Coffee Co.
• Umbria 
• Raven’s Brew 

Fall Creamer Options

• Nutpods Peppermint Mocha – dairy-free
• Califia Pecan Caramel Creamer – dairy-free
• Organic Valley Eggnog
• Smith Brothers Plain Half & Half

Fall Sweetener Options

• Runamok Maple Cinnamon Vanilla Infused Maple Syrup
• Coombs Family Farms Organic Maple Syrup
• Wholesome Organic Dark Brown Sugar
• Wholesome Organic Pure Cane Sugar

The Best Brunch Food for Hosting

There are numerous options when it comes to brunch foods. However, when you’re hosting it’s best to keep it simple so you can enjoy the brunch yourself and not have to worry about being in the kitchen the entire time. Choose an egg dish, protein, and something sweet. This way you are able to have a range of foods while keeping it simple!

Egg Dishes

Being that eggs are one of the most common brunch foods, it only makes sense to have some sort of egg dish in the lineup. Head on over to the refrigerator section where the eggs are and choose between options like Stiebrs Farms Organic Free Range Brown Eggs or Vital Farms Pasture-Raised Eggs. If you want to keep it extra simple we recommend scrambling the eggs with some Green Valley Lactose-Free Grass-Fed Butter and a little sea salt. Other egg dish options include:

• Apple, Sweet Potato, and Sausage Breakfast Casserole by Raising Generation Nourished
• Eggs Benedict Breakfast Bake by Foodtastic Mom
• Fluffy & Delicious Scrambled Eggs by Savory Experiments

Protein Options

Everyone loves a good side of bacon or breakfast sausage! Check out the deli section at your local Tacoma Boys and choose between the thick-cut bacon options: Hickory Smoked, Applewood Smoked, and Cherrywood Smoked. You can also find Jolly Posh Foods Back Bacon and Tender Belly Uncured Breakfast Sausage in the freezer section. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, there are many meat-free options you can find in the freezer section as well!

Sweet Options

Offering a sweet food option at brunch is a must. Whether that’s pancakes, french toast, or cinnamon rolls, there are many different ways to offer something sweet when hosting brunch at home. From quick box mixes to frozen waffles, to homemade recipes, Tacoma Boys has your sweet brunch needs covered.

Quick Mixes

• Stonewall Kitchen Traditional Crepe Mix
• Birch Benders Pumpkin Spice Pancake Mix – gluten free
• Annie’s Pancake & Waffle Mix
• Pamela’s Pancake & Baking Mix – gluten free

Freezer Section

• Van’s Gluten Free Original Waffles
• Katz Gluten Free French Toast
• Kodiak Cakes Protein Packed Power Waffles

Fall Sweet Brunch Ideas

• Pumpkin French Toast Casserole by Just So Tasty
• Apple Pie Crepes by Tidy Mom
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes by Sally’s Baking Addiction

Hosting Brunch with Tacoma Boys

Whether you’re hosting brunch for a small group or just for your family at home, Tacoma Boys has all the food and drink you need to create the perfect fall brunch. Hosting doesn’t have to be a big glamorous event! Keep it simple so you’re able to spend quality time with loved ones! Pop on over to your local Tacoma Boys and take a stroll through the store to find all of your fall brunch needs. If you need guidance on any choices, don’t hesitate to ask one of the Tacoma Boys helpers for advice and direction! 

Happy brunching! 

Are you team Thanksgiving sides or team turkey? Many would argue that the turkey is the star of the show when it comes to the holiday’s famous menu, but Thanksgiving sides are most definitely in the running. If you’re planning on hosting this year for a small group or immediate family, getting your Thanksgiving sides lined up beforehand is of the utmost importance! Luckily, your local Tacoma Boys has everything you need to get yourself set up to make the ultimate Thanksgiving sides this year.

Classic Thanksgiving Sides

Over the years, Thanksgiving sides have evolved immensely. Each year people get more creative and go above and beyond to impress guests. This year Tacoma Boys is focusing on the classic Thanksgiving sides that please no matter what! From potatoes to cranberry sauce, you’re sure to be stuffed.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are arguably the most important side for Thanksgiving. They are a soft buttery vessel for rich and creamy turkey gravy and pair perfectly with a bite of stuffing. Tacoma Boys has every potato you can think of to make your perfect Thanksgiving mashed potatoes!

Yukon Gold Buttery Rich Potatoes

Yukon Gold potatoes have a slight yellow flesh and yellow-white skin. When cooked, they are slightly sweet and incredibly creamy; making them an amazing candidate for mashed potatoes.

• The Best Homemade Mashed Potatoes by Belly Full

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are the most common potato found in kitchens all around. They’re incredibly versatile due to their mild flavor profile and commonly have a white interior with brown skin.

• Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes by The Salty Marshmallow

Red Potatoes

Red potatoes are typically small or medium in size and have red skin and white flesh. When cooked, red potatoes have a smooth and creamy texture which is perfect for mashed potatoes.

• Red Skin Mashed Potatoes by Cooking for My Soul

If making homemade potatoes is not on your agenda, check out Edward & Sons Organic Mashed Potatoes at your local Tacoma Boys. They come in a box, are ready to eat within five minutes, and are available in homestyle or roasted garlic flavor!

Stuffing

Stuffing – you either love it or you don’t. Regardless, it seems to be a side that is always on the table at Thanksgiving no matter what. There are countless recipes for homemade stuffing, but grabbing a premade box is just as good! You can find boxed stuffing in Tacoma Boys’ bread section.

Favorites for this year are:

• Olivia’s Cornbread Dressing
• Aleia’s Plain Gluten Free Stuffing
• Aleia’s Savory Gluten Free Stuffing

If you’re making yours homemade, grab a loaf of Boulart Baguettes to take your recipe up a notch!

Stuffing Options

• Cranberry Stuffing by Will Cook for Smiles
• Easy Stuffing Recipe by Spend With Pennies

Green Bean Casserole

What is it about casserole that is so warm and comforting?! Green bean casserole is no exception which is why this classic is a Thanksgiving favorite! At Tacoma Boys, you can find Pacific Foods Organic Cream of Mushroom Condensed Soup and Health Valley Cream of Mushroom Soup to use as the base of the casserole. Using canned green beans works well, however, using fresh green beans will take your casserole up a notch or two!

• Homemade Green Bean Casserole by Modern Honey
• The Best Green Bean Casserole with Bacon & Cheese by Fantabulosity
• Vegan & Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole by The Foodie Eats

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce adds just the right amount of sweetness to your Thanksgiving plate without it being too overpowering. Making cranberry sauce from scratch may seem daunting, but it can be a fairly simple process. Opting for homemade versus canned will impress any guests at your table this year! Grab a bag of Ocean Spray’s Organic Cranberries in the freezer section of Tacoma Boys to whip up your own.

• Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce by Cooking Classy
• 3 Ingredient Cranberry Sauce by The Pinning Mama
• Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce by Modern Honey

Prepping for Thanksgiving

When you’re hosting for a big holiday like Thanksgiving, the prepping aspect can be a bit overwhelming. Where should you start when it comes to Thanksgiving sides, turkey, or even the pies?! Fortunately, there are a multitude of ways you can prep beforehand to make the day-of process easier on yourself. When prepping for Thanksgiving sides, it’s important to delegate tasks or even ask others to bring certain dishes. Afterall, you want to be able to enjoy the day, too! You can read Tacoma Boys Thanksgiving Preparation and Success for more ideas on how you can maximize the success of your own Thanksgiving day.

Thanksgiving Food with Tacoma Boys

Although Thanksgiving sides play a crucial role in this holiday, choosing the turkey, dessert, and beverages play a role in planning all of the Thanksgiving food. If you can’t decide on a pie or what beverage to serve, you can check out Tacoma Boys’ Guide to Thanksgiving Pies and What Creates an Amazing Thanksgiving for added tips and tricks!

Hop on into your local Tacoma Boys to gather all of your ingredients for your favorite Thanksgiving sides. A quick tip from the pros: don’t wait until the last minute to stock up on all your Thanksgiving food essentials! If you’re in need of any assistance, the Tacoma Boys’ team is available to guide you through your Thanksgiving shopping!