This week I've been sharing a spring brunch I hosted for my book club, a dressed-up daytime party spent gathered around a pretty table talking books, sipping sparkling wine cocktails and coffee, and eating quiche with friends. 

Here's a look at the full party and the recipes I used, beginning with fresh strawberry-basil cocktails and ending with a buttery lemon cake with elderflower whipped cream. Can you think of a better way to spend a sunny weekend morning?

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Q: I am hosting some lady friends this weekend for cocktails. A few are bringing appetizers or desserts, but I'd like to serve something that's a little more filling. Thought of doing soup or chili, but I've done that before. I'm also intrigued by the polenta party you recently focused on. Suggestions?

Sent by Kelly

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This week we're sharing the second party in our Gatherings from The Kitchn series, an elegant, make-ahead spring brunch I hosted for my book club. I often admire the intricately-styled table settings on design and wedding blogs, but they rarely seem realistic for my budget or styling capabilities. My goal for this party was to create a table that was inspirational, not just aspirational; in other words, a table that could move from Pinterest to reality without requiring a degree in design or hundreds of dollars. Here are four concrete tips for putting together a special, stylish table on a small budget.

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Last month we launched a new monthly series, Gatherings from The Kitchn, showing you our own dinner parties, large and small. We started off with Faith's cozy and communal Italian polenta party, and this week I'll be sharing a brunch I hosted for my book club, a bright weekend gathering full of fresh spring flavors, make-ahead recipes, and a fun, book-themed table setting.

If you're ready to shake off the winter blues with a weekend brunch — whether in celebration of a new baby on the way, an upcoming wedding, or just a sunny day — follow along for tips and inspiration for organizing your own pretty, no-fuss daytime party.

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Q: I'm throwing my first baby shower in a month and am stumped about food! It's from 1-3pm, so we're just serving snacks and finger foods. We'll have a champagne bar with bubbly (both alcoholic & not), fruit and a cake, but we don't know what to serve. It's an an elegant, outdoor shower. Help!

Sent by Michelle

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Dinner parties don't have to be grand, formal affairs. Nor do they have to center around a big platter of meat. This easy, vibrant vegetarian spread feels special without the need for culinary fireworks. All you need is a few friends, a few chairs, and a free evening to bring everyone together.

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Kids know how to party! Check out the latest festive celebrations from the Apartment Therapy's Family channel, which posts kids' parties every day. We'll be bringing you a roundup of these inspiring parties every week.

• The Gaines Brothers' Vintage Carnival Party
  
• Laelia's Pink Ombre Party
  
• Bird's Easter Bunny Party
  
• Ethan's School Bus Party
  
• Logan's Sock Monkey Party

Apologies for the fuzzy iPhone photo and the messy kitchen — you see, I was struggling not to drop an 18-pound turkey at the time. And this turkey, well, he was the whole reason we had gathered together on a day that was definitely not Thanksgiving. A turkey dinner in February? That's just how I roll.

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We don't know why, but there is something universally appealing about customizing your own meal — which makes a build-your-own bar an easy dinner or dessert option for you and a fun party experience for your guests. From a baked potato bar to an avocado party, here are nine ideas for fun meals that your guests assemble themselves.

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Any excuse to eat dessert in the middle of the afternoon, right? But a wedding shower makes a little pre-dinner dessert action even more justifiable! This particular spread of lovely bite-sized treats is easy to put together and still feels classy and elegant — important details if you happen to be the one organizing the shower.

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