The photos in the post were taken by Miss Megan. Thanks!

This year, I chose five items off my Life List as New Year’s Resolutions. While a few were difficult, I also selected some that would be simple and fun. Throwing a champagne brunch was on my list, and let me tell you, I’ve never been more excited to check a resolution off my list.

There was talk of Kardashians, movies and JT. It was a good day. I have a really fun group of friends.

I had a hard time setting the menu. I usually try to find a balance of sweet and savory, but this time, I chose mostly sweets. I wanted the brunch to feel feminine and girly, so I made:

• Roasted Pear and Chocolate Scones
• A Citrus Salad
• Cinnamon Toast French Toast
• Maple Candied Bacon

Despite a few snafus (I wasn’t convinced my French toast was done, so I had to throw it back in the oven after I’d already started serving), everything turned out well. In general, there are a few things I’ve started doing to make entertaining easier. Many of which I learned from the Barefoot Contessa. I made as much as I could ahead of time and set the table the night before.

If you want to make the menu, here’s the gameplan:

• The scones can be made ahead of time and frozen before their baked.
• Slice the citrus the day before.
• The french toast bake can be assembled the night before.
• The day of, bake the scones first. Then, put the bacon together.
• Throw the french toast in the oven and assemble the salad about 15 minutes before your guests arrive.

Easy peasy.