I’m Organizing Easter Brunch This Year—Here’s My Budget-Friendly Approach.

      On today’s episode of "Martha Stewart on a CVS budget,"

      One reality of adulthood that hits hard is that hosting a brunch is often fun in theory, but not so much in practice. From grocery shopping and decor to drinks and portion planning, expenses can accumulate quickly. You might find yourself in the grocery store questioning whether you really need three types of pastries or if it's better to simplify with just one frittata. And don't get me started on trying to make your home look charming without spending a fortune—it's tough.

      Easter brunch, in particular, feels like a high-pressure event. Maybe it’s the pastel theme, the Instagram-worthy spreads that circulate each spring, or simply that it coincides with peak "I want my life to be organized" season. Whatever the reason, the urge to create the perfect brunch ambiance is very real. Yet, hosting doesn’t have to be a source of stress or expense if done cleverly. In fact, the best gatherings are those where you can truly enjoy yourself rather than scrambling to refill drinks and worrying about someone spilling on those fancy linen napkins you splurged on.

      This year, I’m on a mission to host an Easter brunch that is budget-friendly, low-stress, and filled with what truly matters—delicious food, great company, and a charming setting that doesn't require taking a loan. If you find yourself in a similar situation (trying to make it work without losing your mind), here’s how to do it on a CVS budget:

      **Determine your guest list and send invitations**

      Having a clear headcount is essential for brunch planning to avoid overspending. The last thing you want is to run out of eggs (or worse, buy too many) or coffee. At the same time, you want to avoid overbuying and being stuck with leftovers.

      To eliminate the guesswork, keep your guest list focused and send out personal invitations. Group texts and casual "stop by if you can" messages may be suitable for some occasions, but for a brunch where portion planning is necessary, a direct invite through platforms like Partiful or Evite works best. This also adds a touch of significance to the gathering—making it feel like a special event instead of just another Sunday.

      **Make a trip to CVS**

      I enjoy seasonal decorations, but I’m not willing to allocate half my budget on decor that will only be used once a year. That's why my first stop for Easter brunch essentials is my local CVS (I can hardly believe they haven't tired of me yet). They offer everything to decorate my table festively without overspending. From pastel candy (because Easter isn't complete without chocolate eggs) to cute napkins and mini egg-shaped bowls, along with other seasonal items for under $15, I can rely on their aisles to guide my choices.

      One of my favorite low-effort, high-reward decor ideas is a large glass bowl filled with pastel mini chocolate eggs or candies as a centerpiece. It looks charming, adds some color, and serves as a convenient snack for guests while they enjoy their coffee. Plus, it means I don’t have to stress over elaborate table setups—sometimes, a simple touch is enough to create a festive atmosphere.

      **Pick up fresh flowers**

      Fresh flowers can elevate any brunch, but there's no need to overspend at a florist when grocery store bouquets are budget-friendly. I love combining different bouquets to create my own arrangements, which tend to feel more personal and creative. A tip I recommend is sticking to a color palette. Using all-white flowers or a few coordinating pastel shades gives the arrangement a polished look, even if all you did was trim the stems and place them in a vase. If you really want to elevate it, consider adding eucalyptus (usually quite affordable) for a textured look and a wonderful scent.

      **Serve easy food and drinks**

      My golden hosting rule is this: If it’s going to stress me out, I won’t make it. Brunch should be laid-back, so instead of waking up early to prepare an elaborate spread, I opt for a mix of store-bought and homemade items that appear impressive but require little effort. Here are some of my reliable favorites:

      - Bakery croissants and pastries: Present them on a lovely stand or tray for food that also serves as decor.

      - Pre-made quiche: Pair it with a simple green salad for an instant main dish.

      - Yogurt parfait station: Provide granola, berries, and honey, allowing guests to customize their own.

      - Mimosa punch: Instead of crafting individual drinks, I’ll mix prosecco with a blend of orange and pineapple juice in a large pitcher. It's simple, delightful, and spares someone from playing bartender all morning.

      **Plan budget-friendly activities**

      There’s something about Easter that awakens the inner child in all of us. Perhaps it's the pastel hues, the reason to indulge in chocolate before noon, or the nostalgic traditions we remember. Regardless, a good