Claire Norton prepares a Shrimp Vermouth Sauce served over grits.

Looking forward to celebrating New Year’s Day with family and friends but not looking forward to the long hours in the kitchen preparing for the big meal? A New Year’s Day brunch could be the answer.

Linda Freyou, owner of Antique Roseville Restaurant and Tea Room, and Jo Norton, owner of Estorge-Norton House Bed and Breakfast, suggest hosting a New Year’s Day brunch for family and friends as a simple way to entertain as the hectic and stressful holiday season comes to a close and a day of new beginnings for another year is celebrated.

Freyou said opting for a brunch celebration can be a low-stress, simple way to entertain, leaving more time to spend with friends and family.

“Brunches are a very popular way to celebrate on New Year’s Day or for a celebration any time of the year. I do have a lot of requests to host brunches,” said Freyou. “Just keep it simple and both you and your guests will enjoy the celebration.”

One of Freyou’s favorite brunch dishes is strata, the bread pudding of savory egg dishes that can incorporate a variety of filling ingredients.

Strata, which generally includes cubes or slices of bread that have been soaked in custard then baked, is the perfect make-ahead-dish for any brunch, Freyou said.

“It s really at its best if it’s prepared the day before and soaked overnight. There are so many different ingredients that can be added for different flavors. It’s a great way to use leftovers.”

Leftover French bread can be used as the base and other leftover ingredients can be added such as vegetables, chicken, turkey, ham and cheese for a different flavor. Add a fruit or green salad and the meal is complete, Freyou said.

Norton, who serves as a host for guests from around the world, said a brunch can be the answer to easy and simple entertaining for the hostess, but can still leave a memorable and enjoyable experience for guests.

Norton said she often serves visiting guests corn and cheese grits topped with a Shrimp Vermouth Sauce.

After having passed the recipe on to her daughter Claire Norton, it proved to be a big hit this year at The Daily Iberian/Cajun Sugar Co-op Cookoff, garnering a first-place award by her daughter in the Seafood category.

“The stone ground grits, corn and cheese make the dish special. I always get good reviews when I serve this to visitors,” she said.” There are so many wonderful dishes to serve for a brunch, there is no reason to serve just bacon, eggs and toast.”

Eggs benedict, slivers of ham with a side dish of sautéed asparagus and tomato topped with a hollandaise sauce, a soufflé or breakfast casserole with a platter of fruit can make any hostess appear to be a gourmet cook.

Norton says you don’t have to be a seasoned cook to prepare a meal that looks like a gourmet chef was behind the scenes in the kitchen during the cooking.

“Just remember, never try out a new dish when you’re planning a gathering for guests,” she said.

Norton said she believes half of the meal is in the presentation. Norton and Freyou agree fresh flowers and elegant dinnerware can add a special touch to any gathering or party.

“It’s worth the extra effort to use elegant linens and fresh flowers on the table. It will make your guests feel special,” Norton said. “You don’t have to spend a lot of money. There are plenty of linens available at department stores that are within the budget and still look elegant,” she said.

Norton said she often picks fern or greenery from her yard and combines it with fresh flowers from her garden or inexpensive flowers purchased from the supermarket.

But Norton said there is one thing she won’t skimp on – fresh produce.

“Fresh produce is important anytime you’re cooking. You have to buy good quality when buying produce and other ingredients,” said Norton.

“I like to use a different assortment of dishes to make the meal special,” said Freyou.

Freyou said a special drink can make any brunch perfect. She often serves Mimosas, Bloody Marys or Tea Sangria for a brunch. For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, a variety of flavored teas or a Mimosa prepared with sparkling cider can be the answer.

Norton and Freyou’s advice to any hostess — keep it simple and prepare ahead to allow plenty of time to enjoy guests.