Throwing the perfect brunch is easier than many might think. It needn't cost an arm or a leg to throw a brunch and you can do so for literally, any occasion.

Gone are the days where only debutantes and the upper class held or attended brunches. Anyone can throw a brunch, regardless of their income or lifestyle. Realize that by practicing this, you will in fact, be adopting a cultured event and allowed to tailor that to suit your own, individual needs.

It helps if you love food, have the space, have a discerning eye and a way with preparation.

1. Pick a theme

Yep, that's right. That there is a picture of a bubble, and even that circular object could represent your theme. Colors are good too; you can make the event in the favorite color of the honoree, for instance. Fruit, flowers or even, certain foods can be your main idea.

Just remember, the theme should be representative of what your brunch is all about. To be clear, ask yourself why you are throwing this brunch in the first place. If the answer is for your best friend Suzy's graduation, then the brunch should be all about something that Suzy loves.

2. Money is NOT the Object

I think scores of people never ponder past the point of hosting a brunch "maybe-someday," because of money. Let me be plainspoken, you don't need to be wealthy to host a wonderful brunch. You don't even need to be comfortable.

The best presentation for a brunch has to do with the quality of the items on display, not their price tags.

I remember when I was growing up, in southern Louisiana, that all the kids at my private school talked about were Gambino's king cakes. If a child saw a delicious, homemade king cake, he would first ask if it was a Gambino's cake before taking a piece.

I mean no offense to Gambino's as, when it came time to plan a Mardi Gras soccer tournament at LSU, years later, they donated several king cakes to the cause.

But, for the sake of this article, if you go into something, like brunch planning, thinking that the brand is all that counts, kind of like, the ways that adolescent kids think, you'll mess up.

3. Plan a menu accordingly, that makes sense

I love the idea of a cinema menu, like the photo above, being used for invites or for actual, brunch decor.

The brunch menu is what you should spend most of your time on. You'll want to make sure that you pick the right items and don't go over or under-board.

Brunch is typically held on Sunday's, close to noon. It is a meal that will generally, carry many food pieces that could either fit under lunch or breakfast, with the best dishes that could fit under both.

You don't want to plan anything too heavy, where the thought of dinner escapes your guests' minds. And you don't want to leave them feeling like pigeons picking up seeds at the beach.

Plan at least one, central staple like quiche, cheesy galettes, petite sandwiches filled with various meats, omelets or sliders. (remember, sliders are smaller than burgers, so they would work.)

After that, your menu should branch off directly from that staple. If you had a central staple of sandwiches, then other categories could be: assortments of fruits, dips and something light to eat like a sweets center and other tokens that are light and airy. Think about small bowls of flavored popcorn, fruit salads, kebobs and dips or sauces.

Try as much as possible to incorporate as many food groups as you can, into this event. People have allergies and food issues, so the more variety you offer, the better you can accommodate different people's taste buds and intestines.

Along with a staple food item, you should have a staple drink. I personally feel that no brunch is complete without mimosas and that is what I would always recommend to serve. I think people often come to brunches, strictly for their mimosas, so you don't want to leave people unhappy.

What I would do next would be to alter the classic mimosa recipe and adapt it to my theme. Since our play theme is about my best friend Suzy, then we can pretend that Suzy grew up in Georgia and loves peaches. For her brunch, I would incorporate peaches into the drinks. I would also be sure to offer at least one, interesting alternative that is not alcoholic, along with standard drinks like coffee, tea and water.

At this time, you'll want to decide on centerpieces or any other decor that might be useful.

4. Accept input from the designee only

Never forget that brunches serve to celebrate something good that has happened in someone's life, maybe even your own. Unless it is a surprise brunch, I'm sure the person who is receiving the honor will have some input. If they call you and ask you not to make something or if you could include this or that, then do it. Don't worry about the cost, but if what they are asking for is too pricey, then be sure to let them know the expense is the issue, not the request. If it really means a lot to them, they'll likely be willing to help pay for that cost, since it was special.

If other guests or friends want to offer their input, politely nod, but do your own thing.

5. Accept help and then again, know when to refuse it

If someone offers to help, let them. Give them something you know they can do or are good at. Be careful when people offer to bring new menu items or make new things, however.

In the planning stage, you thought carefully and diligently over your menu, centerpieces and decor. And you hopefully have already begun chipping away at some of them.

If someone offers to add something to the mix, politely tell them no, unless it is the designee. Tell them you've already created your food menu and decorations, then allow them to help with the assembly, if they want.

6. Don't spend as much money on decor as you do on food

Both decor and food can be assembled in a flash, but food should be a priority based on fresh and good ingredients. That said, a brunch's atmosphere can always be pulled off well with items you take from your own house. Recycled materials and everyday things can easily be transformed with paper, markers or tape.

One idea: hand-picked flowers can make the best aura and are free. Search for inexpensive ways to decorate like poster-board, newspaper and even, blank canvas. Get someone you know who is a good artist to create something, like a sketch.

Even if you aren't very talented at art, you could paint an entire canvas in the color of your theme. Less is typically more in this department — unless your theme is meant to be all over the place.

7. Do as much as you can to make the brunch right, up until the minute it begins, then enjoy it, no matter what

Once the brunch starts, you are officially no longer the brunch organizer. You have now been declared a guest, just like everyone else. So, sit back and apply some makeup. Take some time to take care of yourself, before all the people arrive.

Remember, things will happen like spills, burnt something and running out of this or that. Don't run all over the place tying to keep the party in stock or looking pristine. Do your best to keep it organized, sanitary and neat looking.

When something runs out, simply apologize and let guests know there might be a next time. If something burns, cut around the char and make the most of it. Better yet, make something new that is easy.

Make sure your guests are comfortable and have everything they need then let the remainder run its course.

I would try to include myself in some pictures and eat some of the food that was so carefully put into place.

The only thing you might worry about is making sure food gets covered when it's been out too long, and moving things to the trash when no longer fresh.

Keep in mind that the end result of a brunch is meant to keep or make someone happy. So, don't ever lose that concept, as you plan, and you likely won't make many mistakes.