Make your brunch memorable.

Brunch fills the niche when guests are hungry enough for lunch but want food that respects a still-sleepy stomach. The best brunches are uncomplicated but made memorable by good company. Here are some of our most helpful brunch pointers.

• You don't have to get up at the crack of dawn to pull off a successful brunch. Plan your menu to include several dishes that can be made ahead of time and need few last-minute preparations. Take a few minutes the night before to set the table so you can enjoy the morning.
• The balance of food is important -- not too heavy but satisfying enough to make the single meal stand in for two. Select favorite breakfast and lunch recipes. An assortment of hot and cold dishes, sweet and savory foods, and items with different colors and textures will offer the most appeal. Not everyone can face heavy meat and egg dishes in the morning; others are famished and will be unsatisfied by simple continental fare. By setting out a medley, everyone will find something tempting.
• Brunch is a meal that lends itself to easy embellishments. Besides the featured foods, offer a range of condiments -- jams, jellies, mustards, and salsas -- to go with your menu. Baskets of baked goods also are welcome additions to the brunch table.
• Add radiance to your table by serving a variety of colorful fresh juices in chilled pitchers. Pour drinks into elegant wine or daiquiri glasses to emphasize the party atmosphere. Other favored beverages include regular and decaffeinated coffees and teas.
• Brunches are one of the few occasions at which you can properly serve alcohol before noon. The traditional brunch alcoholic drinks are sparkling wines, but sparkling apple juices and nonalcoholic wines may be equally appreciated by those with busy days ahead of them.
• Be flexible and easy on yourself. If you don't have time to make something, purchase the item, make substitutions, or ask a friend to bring a dish. After all, the real meaning of your morning get-together is to spend time with your guests.
• Serve foods buffet-style for a minimum of fuss and set up seating at tables to encourage comfortable conversation.