The "why" of it doesn't matter, but the "how" clearly does.  I am hosting a mid-morning get-together for about 25-40 people. It begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 12:30. Naturally, food must be served, because when you invite people to your home, you welcome them with the gifts of food. In my case, always home-prepared.

The question is, what should I serve? I don't think lunch, because that is more commitment than I am anxious to take on, but something that falls between breakfast and lunch...aha...the fabled brunch. People will be moving around, and holding a small plate, so food you can easily pick up and eat with minimum mess is essential.

Here's what I've decided, but it is a work in progress,certain to change and probably expand as the date gets closer.

First off, a nice, big smoked salmon, with some rounds of soft French bread, probably a cream-cheese-caper-based spread, garnished with lemons and some red onion rings, just a take on bagels and lox. Next, a good, old-fashioned sour cream coffee cake, studded with chopped pecans, cinnamon and brown sugar. It's not fancy, but always popular. I might also add in a crumb-style coffee cake, the kind where the topping is almost the size of the cake itself. I'd probably sneak in a layer of jam, too, to add some zip to the coffee cake table.

I am thinking of deviled eggs with a snappy green chile filling and others with the more traditional mayo and paprika blend. There will definitely be a big bowl of fresh fruit and I'm leaning towards pineapple as a key player, being close to Easter, when pineapple seems to reign supreme.  I have a variety of different sausages I think I'll grill, and cut into small bites, alongside a dish of spicy mustard (maybe two or three kinds).

Coffee, fresh orange juice, sparkling water, tea...does that seem like enough? Right now, I think so, but given a little extra time on my hands, I may toss in some cupcakes I've been thinking about: maple-flavored with bacon bits and a creamy frosting with more bacon. I realize bacon is a little cliche these days, going on dates with all kinds of foods you wouldn't have expected, but it seems like a good fit for this get-together.

Oh, forgot the finishing touch: I will have a big bowl of jelly beans.  Just because.