This weekend, I attended my very first morning wedding, a beautiful ceremony which was followed by a spectacular brunch buffet. The bride and groom love breakfast and the spread was lovely and mighty filling. The brunch included everything from bagels and lox to eggs benedict, made-to-order omelets and super yummy salads, home fries and much more. It was an elegant platform for morning comfort food.

I was tickled by the novelty of a wedding reception brunch and inspired to start looking on the 2012 calendar for some dates to throw a post-holiday casual celebration of breakfast fare. Maybe a DIY Grits Topping party? Or a biscuit bake-off? Even a straight-up pancake feed, where guests can pile on jams and syrups, maybe some whipped cream.

One piece of equipment lacking in my kitchen cupboard when it comes to hosting any kind of serve-yourself buffet-style feast is something to keep hot food warm. My favorite surrogate mother had a warming tray she would trot out every holiday season for the annual Tom and Jerry party. She made a mean artichoke and spinach dip and it stayed ooey-gooey for hours, thanks to that gadget.

I think it’s time I go retro and get out-fitted with one of these before the entertaining season kicks into high gear. I like the looks of the Waring Pro. And the Cuisinart Warming Tray seems versatile, too.

Any advice?

— Leslie Kelly