A practical Sunday brunch checklist

A Sunday brunch runs smoothly when guest numbers, dietary requirements, food preparation, and table setup are settled in the right order. Start with invitations and registrations, then confirm the final headcount before checking the menu and shopping list. On the day before, chill drinks, wash linens, and prepare anything that holds well. On the morning itself, set up the buffet, finish the hot dishes, and leave time to label allergens and test the music and lighting.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Send invitations
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Determine the final number of guests
Check diet menu
Check the shopping list
Do the shopping
2 people
Chill drinks
Wash table linens
Check tableware
Clean the room
2 people
Clean the toilet
Arrange fresh flowers
Set up tables
2 people
Set up chairs
2 people
Lay table linen
2 people
Set out tableware
2 people
Set up buffet tables
2 people
Prepare bread and toppings
2 people
Prepare salads
2 people
Prepare eggs and hot dishes
2 people
Wash and cut fruit
Set out coffee and tea
Place allergen labels
Test music and lighting

Event

Welcome guests
2 people
Open the brunch buffet
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Restock the buffet
2 people
Refill drinks
Collect used dishes
2 people
Serve dessert and fruit
2 people
See off guests
2 people

Aftercare

Clear away food and drinks
2 people
Collect waste
2 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clean the kitchen
2 people
Clean the room
2 people
Put furniture back
2 people
Store leftover food
Empty and dry coolers
Return materials

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 24
Buffet tablesqty 2
Tableclothsqty 6

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 30
Breakfast platesqty 30
Coffee cupsqty 30
Glassesqty 36
Wine glassesqty 24
Knivesqty 30
Forksqty 30
Spoonsqty 30
Teaspoonsqty 30

Kitchen

Serving utensilsqty 12
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving plattersqty 6
Bread basketsqty 3
Butterfly netsqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Coolersqty 3
Hot traysqty 4
Pitchersqty 6
Milk and sugar potsqty 6

Decorations

Flower vasesqty 4
Table décorqty 6

Lighting

Mood lightingqty 4

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set a registration deadline at least 7 days before brunch. Use the final guest count to check seating, tableware, coffee cups, and serving portions rather than estimating from the invitation list.
Collect dietary requirements with the RSVP and review them before shopping. Keep allergen labels beside each relevant dish, especially when bread toppings, salads, eggs, and hot dishes share the buffet.
Do the main shopping 1–2 days ahead, then chill drinks overnight. Leave bread, fruit, and other items that lose quality for the morning when possible.
Allow at least 90 minutes before guests arrive for tables, chairs, linens, tableware, buffet tables, coffee, and tea. Put serving platters and utensils at the buffet before food is brought out.
Prepare cold food and table details first, then finish eggs and other hot dishes close to serving time. Reserve the final 15 minutes for the toilet, room, flowers, lighting, and music check.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I send Sunday brunch invitations?: Send invitations 2–3 weeks before the brunch and set the RSVP deadline about 7 days before it. This gives you enough time to process registrations, collect dietary requirements, and confirm the shopping list.
When should I do the shopping for a Sunday brunch?: Do the main shopping 1–2 days before the brunch, especially for drinks, table supplies, and ingredients that keep well. Buy or prepare delicate bread, fruit, and similar items on the morning if freshness matters.
How much time do I need to set up a Sunday brunch?: Plan at least 90 minutes for room cleaning, tables, chairs, linens, tableware, buffet tables, drinks, and coffee equipment. Add another 30 minutes if you are preparing several dishes on site.
How do I organize a Sunday brunch buffet?: Place plates at the start, followed by cold dishes, bread and toppings, hot dishes, and serving utensils. Put allergen labels beside the dishes and set coffee, tea, milk, and sugar at a separate station so guests do not block the food line.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.