• Assortment of fruitfruit image by Snezana Skundric from Fotolia.com
  
  Whether catering a simple breakfast for a small group or a larger, more elaborate affair, provide a wide array of food choices--from lighter, cold fare to more substantial, hot offerings--to awaken the guests' sleepy senses and whet their appetites.
  
  

Light Breakfasts

• For those who prefer to start the day with a light breakfast, an assortment of fresh fruit, cereal and baked goods provides satisfaction. An attractive display of seasonal, fresh fruit is a must. Summer fruits include berries of all kinds, cantaloupe, watermelon and honeydew. A winter assortment may include oranges, grapefruit, pineapple, green or red grapes, kiwi fruit and bananas. Granola and other kinds of cereal, displayed in canisters, can be eaten with milk or sprinkled on yogurt to make a parfait.
  
  Make baked goods be available as an alternative. Sweet options include Danish, cinnamon rolls and other pastries. Scones and tea biscuits are less sweet choices. Muffins, whether blueberry, banana, bran or corn, are favorites. Finally, different flavors of bagels topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, butter or fruit preserves are always popular.
  
  

Hot Buffets

• For those who prefer a more substantial breakfast, a hot buffet offers a wide range of options. Buffets allow for dishes to be prepared in advance and kept warm in chafing trays. Serve egg dishes, such as scrambled eggs, eggs Benedict or huevos rancheros. An assortment of breakfast meats, such as sausage, bacon and ham, should be served. Other buffet standards include pancakes and French toast accompanied by warm, pure maple syrup. Finally, include breakfast potatoes, such as hash browns or lightly seasoned home fries.
  
  

Omelet Station

• For more elaborate breakfast affairs, a made-to-order omelet station is always a crowd-pleaser. Guests will appreciate a wide choice of fillings. Cheeses can include Swiss, cheddar, Gouda and provolone. Meat choices can be sausage, bacon and ham. Diced vegetables, such as mushrooms, onions and peppers, must be included. Salsa and sour cream make excellent omelet toppings.
  
  

Waffle Station

• A waffle station is another idea for a high-end breakfast. After the batter is poured into the waffle maker, guests wait only moments for their waffle to cook. Provide guests with a choice of freshly made whipped cream, maple syrup, warm chocolate sauce, honey, bananas and fresh berries to top the fresh waffles.
  
  

Breakfast Beverages

• Several beverage alternatives should be available. Of course, no breakfast would be complete without freshly brewed coffee, both regular and decaffeinated. Offer an assortment of teas, including breakfast tea, black tea and herbal blends. Make sure that half-and-half, light cream, sugar and a sugar substitute are available. Hot chocolate or cocoa with tiny marshmallows on the side provides a homey touch. A variety of freshly squeezed juices, including orange, grapefruit and pineapple, are also good choices. Be certain to serve two milk alternatives, with one low-fat version.