You’ve heard the phrase—“But first, mimosas”—plenty of times before a party gets started. And you already know any brunch that involves a little bubbly mixed with tangy juice and fresh fruit is already a surefire success. But why not take it to the next level with a full mimosa bar spread? We have laid out 20 gorgeous ideas that are a cinch to execute, and we have everything covered down to the menu and the tiniest decor details. So this year, when planning your next spring brunch for an upcoming bridal shower, Easter, or just because you miss your besties, why not wow them with an Instagram-worthy display?
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1
Select a Bar Cart
Toast from the Host
If you don’t already have a bar cart and want to save table space for the food, select one that will go with your overall brunch vibes. Whether you want a more of a nature-inspired look or mostly modern, there's a bar cart out there that'll do the trick. And, of course, make sure it’s something you’ll want to use in your home when brunch hours are over.
Not feeling a bar cart? Use a spare table to really spread out your mimosa-making station. Add a white table cloth and vase full of flowers for a chic touch. If you want to go all out, add a glittery sign that lets folks know where the mimosa bar is at.
Every perfectly curated mimosa bar needs stunning glassware guests can fill up. Champagne flutes or coupes are solid choices, but you can always go with anything from tumblers to the nice glass set in your cabinet you've been dying to break out.
Use a chalkboard, poster paper, or canvas to craft a pretty mimosa bar directions board. Here's what to put on it: 1) Pour the bubbly, 2) Splash with juice, and 3) Garnish with fruit. Easy!
When setting up your tablescape, stagger your foods by different heights. Visually it will aid your guests to see all the delicious offerings at your mimosa bar. Start with tiered trays and a few clear risers that you can drape with fabric to create different levels on your table.
OJ isn't the only juice that makes for a great mimosa. Offer pineapple, guava, orange mango, and cranberry juice options. That way, after everyone has their classic orange juice-based mimosa, they can mix it up. Bonus: Include a variety of fruits, too, like blackberries, strawberries, peaches, and raspberries.
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7
Create a Color Scheme
Maritere C. Rice
You don't have to limit your color palette to just party favors. Incorporate a rainbow theme with your drinks and fruits and display them from dark to light to create an appealing mimosa table everyone will want to sip and take a picture of for the gram.
If you mailed out RSVPs for your brunch and want a personal touch, order custom cocktail stirrers for your guests. If this idea is right up your alley, order now because this custom design will take about two weeks for delivery. But this type of party favor is worth the wait.
A fun and easy way to make a grand statement at any party is with balloons. When you set up your mimosa table, choose three or more colors of balloons and hang them above your mimosa table. Pro tip: save time and energy with an electric air pump to quickly blow up your balloons.
You don't have to run out and buy all new decor for your mimosa bar work with what you have at home. You can re-purpose an empty carafe or drinking pitcher as a vase for the event by using it as a container for fresh-cut flowers.
These are way more dramatic than your basic ice bucket. Pick flowers straight from your garden or head to the local florist to find your favorite bloom mix.
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12
Make Some Labels
Courtesy of Ruffled
These labels help ID the juice blends and garnishes and are attached with colorful twine, clothespins, or decorative ribbon.
There's nothing a few rose petals can't make better. Fresh flowers, on and off your bar cart or buffet table, add a romantic touch to any brunch. This heart display is seriously Insta-worthy.
Colorful tassel garlands have taken over Pinterest, and for good reason. They can dress up any blank wall, mantel, or drink cart in a minute. This display is rounded out with a chalkboard sign, glass jars, patterned ramekins, and matching napkins. The fresh strawberries and blackberries will sweeten each guest's custom mimosa blend.
No matter where you actually are, you can feel like you're in the tropics with this mimosa bar theme. Decorate with palm leaves, add "aloha" drink markers, and set up bowls with fresh cut pineapple, mango, and strawberry.
Ditch the big bottles of champagne for personal mini ones. This way, people won’t have to wait in line for long and can craft their drink at their table instead. Plus, you can attach cute paper straws to them and labels if the brunch is for a wedding, baby shower, or any other celebration.
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18
Make the Perfect Mimosa
Courtesy of The Spruce
Once you have your spread setup, it's time for the most important part: the drinks. This mimosa is made with a 1:1 ratio of champagne and orange juice. Jazz it up with fruit slices or a splash of triple sec (if you're feeling extra fancy).
What happens when you combine mimosas and sangria? A fruit-filled dream. Instead of mixing it up glass by glass, keep the mimosas in a giant mason jar and let guests top off their glasses as the day goes on.
Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
Sienna is a Deputy Editor at Hearst, where she oversees the commerce team's coverage of wellness, home, tech, fashion, parenting, and more. She lives in California with her husband and two littles.
Angela Belt is the contributing Assistant Shopping Editor at House Beautiful. She's also an interior designer and is the host of her own podcast, The Mood Board. When it comes to design, she's an esteemed expert with some of her work also appearing in HGTV, Better Homes & Gardens, The Washington Post, and more.