Everybody loves brunch. Some for the decadent spread of sweet and savoury food, for others (ok, me) it offers a good excuse to enjoy something bubbly before noon (like this Pear Sparkler). And, of course, sharing a meal with ones you love is it's own special reward. But hosting brunch can cause even the most experienced entertainers to shudder. I mean really, who wants to wake up before the rooster crows to  prep for a party? But with these super useful, handy tips you will want to play brunch host. And whether it's for upcoming Mother's Day, a birthday celebration or just because you'll be armed with everything you need (including recipes) to knock it out of the park. • Make a prep list. A few days before the party make a giant list of everything you need to accomplish before and for the brunch. This list includes the cleaning, shopping and cooking tasks. Assign a day/time to each item on the list and do them then. Nothing is more satisfying than watching the to-dos disappear as they're crossed off the list. Don't forget to share this list with others in your house and most importantly, ask for help! • Create the menu. Consider foods that can be made up to 24 hours in advance without sacrificing quality and limit the menu to just a few great things so you don't overwhelm yourself. Yeasted breads or buns, such as these Whole Wheat Cinnamon Buns are prepped to the final rise which happens overnight in the refrigerator. The slow, cold rise brings added depth of flavour, a bonus for being smart with your time and efforts! Or this Glazed Orange Wreath Cake is a sweet treat that holds well overnight. Glaze the cake just before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven look. Plan a savoury main dish. Something like this Gruyere and Bacon Quiche can be broken down into parts and prepped way in advance. Make, bake and store the pastry separate from the egg mixture. Assemble and pop into the oven about an hour before the guests arrive. Easy peasy. Add a mixed green salad for visual, textural and flavour appeal. Wash and prep salad components of these Hearty Greens With Creamy Tahini Dressing the day before and toss just before serving. • Don't be a hero. Not all the food needs to be homemade. A dish of store-bought granola, plain yogurt, maple syrup and honey and fresh blueberries is a lovely (and stress-free) addition to any brunch table. And you don't need to make all of the food yourself. If one of your guests makes the best fruit salad ever, or a wicked mimosa ask them to bring it along. • Get ahead of the game. Take care of small details the night or day before brunch. This could include setting the table, arranging flowers, setting up the beverage station and organizing the entrance so there's room for everyone's shoes and coats. Getting the little things off your mind will take away tension the next day allowing you to focus on the meal. images (from top): John Cullen; Yvonne Duivenvoorden, Ryan Szulc, Jodi Pudge, Jeff Couslon