Happy Boxing Day, gang! There’s a particular kind of magic to December 26th — the pressure is off, the big meal is behind you, and if you’re lucky, there are still people lingering at your table who aren’t quite ready to leave yet. This week on Fridays with Oscar, Kelly, and I are celebrating the art of the low-key, morning-after gathering with two recipes that require minimal effort but deliver maximum comfort: a sparkling Prosecco Punch that’s bright, citrusy, and celebratory, and an Easy Egg Strata that you can assemble now and bake whenever you’re ready (even the next day). It’s the kind of meal that lets you actually sit down with your guests instead of hovering over the stove — exactly what Boxing Day should be.
🐾 Here’s What You’ll Find in This Post
- 🥂 A citrusy Prosecco Punch with Grand Marnier — bright, bubbly, and effortlessly elegant
- 🍳 An Easy Egg Strata with croissants, Gruyère, ham, and greens — bake now or later
- 💡 Comprehensive FAQs for both recipes with make-ahead tips
- 🛍️ Boxing Day shopping tips and Trader Joe’s shortcuts
- 🐾 A check-in with Oscar & Ollie
- 👗 A look at what Beth and Kelly are wearing
Prosecco Punch & Easy Egg Strata
Boxing Day is one of our favorite food holidays — not because of any grand tradition, but because it’s the opposite of grand. It’s pajamas-until-noon energy, leftovers-for-breakfast vibes, and the kind of relaxed gathering where no one’s checking the time. These recipes fit that mood perfectly: the Prosecco Punch is celebratory but simple (no fussy cocktail shaker required), while the Egg Strata is the ultimate make-ahead hero — assemble it whenever you have time, then bake it when you’re ready to eat. It’s hosting without the stress, which is exactly what the day after Christmas should feel like.
🥂 Prosecco Punch
There’s something about the day after Christmas that calls for bubbles — not in a “pop the champagne, it’s a celebration” kind of way, but in a “let’s ease into this quiet morning with something bright and sparkling” kind of way. This Prosecco Punch has become my go-to for Boxing Day gatherings because it feels festive without being fussy. The citrus — fresh orange and lemon juice with a splash of Grand Marnier — wakes everything up, while the Prosecco keeps it light and celebratory.
I love serving it over ice in wine glasses rather than flutes; it feels more relaxed, more “come as you are.” And that little sprig of thyme? It adds the prettiest herbal note and makes each glass look like you tried much harder than you actually did. This is the kind of drink that says, “The holidays aren’t over yet, but we’re done rushing.”
✨ Beth’s Tip: For a pitcher version (serves 6-8), combine 1 cup Grand Marnier, 1 cup orange juice, 1/2 cup lemon juice, and 1/4 cup simple syrup (if using) in a pitcher. Refrigerate until ready to serve. When guests arrive, pour about 3 oz of the mixture into each glass over ice, then top with Prosecco (about 4 oz per glass). Garnish individually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prosecco Punch
Q: Can I make this punch ahead of time?
A: You can mix the Grand Marnier, citrus juices, and simple syrup ahead and refrigerate. Add the Prosecco just before serving to keep it bubbly and fresh.
Q: What if I don’t have Grand Marnier?
A: Cointreau, Triple Sec, or any orange liqueur will work beautifully. Each has a slightly different sweetness level, so taste and adjust simple syrup accordingly.
Q: Can I use Champagne instead of Prosecco?
A: Absolutely! Champagne will give you a drier, more refined punch. Cava is another great option. Use what you have or prefer.
Q: How do I make this less sweet?
A: Skip the simple syrup entirely — the Grand Marnier already adds sweetness. You can also increase the lemon juice for more tartness.
Q: What other garnishes work well?
A: Fresh rosemary, a sprig of mint, or sugared cranberries all add festive flair. For a more citrus-forward look, use a strip of orange peel twisted over the glass to release the oils.
Q: Can I use store-bought orange juice?
A: Fresh-squeezed is always best for flavor, but good-quality store-bought orange juice works in a pinch. Avoid juice from concentrate if possible.
Q: How do I keep the punch cold without diluting it?
A: Freeze some orange juice or Prosecco in ice cube trays and use those instead of regular ice. They’ll keep drinks cold without watering them down.
Prosecco Punch
Ingredients:
- 4 oz Prosecco chilled
- 1 oz Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur like Cointreau
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup optional, adjust to taste
- Ice
- Fresh thyme sprig for garnish
- Orange or lemon wheel for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare glass: Fill a wine glass or large stemmed glass with ice.
- Add citrus and liqueur: Pour in Grand Marnier, orange juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup (if using).
- Top with Prosecco: Gently pour in chilled Prosecco.
- Stir gently: Give it a very gentle stir to combine — you want to preserve those bubbles.
- Garnish: Add a fresh thyme sprig and an orange or lemon wheel if desired.
- Serve immediately while cold and bubbly.
Tips/Notes
- Grapefruit Punch: Substitute grapefruit juice for orange juice for a slightly more tart, sophisticated flavor.
- Cranberry Citrus: Add 1/2 oz cranberry juice for a festive pink hue.
- Non-Alcoholic: Replace Prosecco with sparkling water or ginger ale, and use orange extract in place of Grand Marnier, increasing the citrus juices slightly.
Did you make this recipe?
We’d love to see! Tag us @styleatacertainage
🍳 Easy Egg Strata
If I could give you one gift this holiday season, it would be this strata — and the permission to make your life easier. Here’s the thing: the day after Christmas, nobody wants to be standing over a stove flipping pancakes to order. This dish is the ultimate “set it and forget it” brunch hero. You tear up buttery croissants, layer them with salty ham, nutty Gruyère, and handfuls of fresh greens, pour a simple egg mixture over the top, and then — here’s the magic — you can either bake it right away or cover it and let it hang out in the fridge overnight.
The next morning, you slide it into the oven, pour yourself a Prosecco Punch, and actually sit down with your guests. The croissants get golden and custardy, the cheese gets perfectly melty, and the greens add just enough freshness to balance all that richness. It’s impressive without being complicated, which is exactly what Boxing Day should be.
✨ Kelly’s Tip: This strata is incredibly forgiving! If you’re using larger croissants, you may need fewer. If you’re baking from cold (straight from the fridge), add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time. The strata should be puffed and golden on top when done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Easy Egg Strata
Q: Can I assemble this the night before?
A: Yes! That’s the beauty of strata. Assemble it completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The croissants will soak up all that custardy goodness, and you just bake it in the morning.
Q: What if I don’t have croissants?
A: French bread, sourdough, challah, or brioche all work beautifully. Day-old bread is actually ideal because it soaks up the custard without getting too soggy.
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Absolutely! Swiss, white cheddar, fontina, or even a mild gouda are all excellent substitutes. Gruyère has a lovely nutty flavor, but use what you love.
Q: What other vegetables can I add?
A: Sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, or sun-dried tomatoes are all delicious additions. Just make sure any vegetables are pre-cooked and well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Omit the ham and add more vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, or caramelized leeks. You could also add cooked, crumbled vegetarian sausage.
Q: My strata seems too wet in the middle. What happened?
A: This usually means it needs more baking time. Cover it with foil (to prevent over-browning) and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. The center should be set and not jiggly.
Q: Can I freeze strata?
A: You can! Bake it completely, let it cool, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Cover individual portions with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes. The oven method keeps it from getting rubbery.
Q: Do I have to use both milk and cream?
A: The cream adds richness, but you can use all milk (3.5 cups total) for a lighter version. Half-and-half is a nice middle ground.
Trader Joe’s Shortcuts
This strata is the perfect excuse to hit up Trader Joe’s for their excellent, budget-friendly ingredients:
- Croissants: TJ’s croissants are buttery, flaky, and perfect for this recipe. Grab an extra box — they freeze beautifully.
- Deli Ham: Their deli section has quality ham at great prices. Buy extra for sandwiches and leftovers.
- Gruyère Cheese: Trader Joe’s consistently has some of the best prices on imported cheeses, including Gruyère.
- Baby Greens: Pre-washed bags of baby kale, arugula, or mixed greens make this recipe even easier.
Easy Egg Strata
Ingredients:
- 6-8 large croissants torn into bite-sized pieces (about 8 cups)
- 2 tablespoons butter for greasing the pan
- 1.5 cups diced ham about 8 oz
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese divided
- 3 handfuls about 3 cups baby greens (kale, arugula, or a mix)
- 10 large eggs
- 2.5 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg optional
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives chopped (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare pan: Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish generously.
- Layer the strata: Spread half of the torn croissant pieces in the bottom of the prepared dish. Layer with half the ham, half the Gruyère (1 cup), and half the baby greens. Repeat with remaining croissants, ham, 3/4 cup cheese, and greens. Reserve 1/4 cup cheese for topping.
- Make custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) until well combined.
- Pour and rest: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients, pressing down gently to ensure the croissants absorb the liquid. Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup cheese on top.
- Choose your timing:
- To bake now: Cover the dish with foil and let sit for 15-20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the croissants to soak up the custard.
- To bake later: Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The longer it sits, the better the flavors meld.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the covered baking dish on the center rack and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set (a knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean).
- Rest and serve: Let the strata rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chives if desired.
Did you make this recipe?
We’d love to see! Tag us @styleatacertainage
For More Post-Holiday Brunch Inspiration, Check Out:
- Enjoying the Holiday Week Between Christmas & New Year’s Eve
- Croissant Breakfast Sandwiches
- Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberry Compote
- Italian Sausage with Gruyere Grits
- Holiday Brunch Inspiration
- Curl Up With 6 Cozy Drinks You Can Make in Minutes
🐾 Oscar & Ollie: Boxing Day Vibes
By Boxing Day, Ollie has officially declared the Christmas tree her personal residence. She’s been spotted gazing out the window from between the branches, giving us the occasional dramatic yawn (or is that a protest when we try to coax her out?), and generally looking far too pleased with herself. We’ve stopped asking her to come down — at this point, she’s earned her spot as the official tree guardian. Oscar, meanwhile, has been enjoying the quieter pace of the post-holiday days, soaking up the winter sunshine in the backyard and reminding us that sometimes the best moments are the simple ones — a warm sweater, a good dog by your side, and absolutely nowhere you need to be. If that’s not the spirit of Boxing Day, we don’t know what is.
Boxing Day Comfort: What We’re Wearing
There’s something about a varsity sweater that just feels right for a cozy morning at home — nostalgic, a little playful, and incredibly comfortable. This Polo Ralph Lauren Logo P Crewneck Sweater in cream with the navy and gold letter has become one of my favorite pieces this season. I’ve layered it over a crisp Striped Button Up that adds a touch of polish (and keeps the collar peeking out just so), and paired it with my Slim Straight Jeans for a streamlined silhouette.
On my feet, a pair of Suede Loafers in camel — because slipping into something soft and easy is exactly what the day after Christmas calls for. It’s the kind of outfit that takes me from morning coffee to afternoon leftovers without missing a beat.
Shop Beth’s Look
- Polo RL Logo P Crewneck Sweater
- Straight Fit Striped Button Up
- Madewell Slim Straight Jeans
- Similar Suede Loafer
Boxing Day is all about ease — and this outfit is exactly that. I’m wearing my J.Crew Wide Rib Cashmere Turtleneck in black, which is basically what I want to live in all winter. It’s soft, it’s warm, and the ribbed texture gives it just enough interest without trying too hard. I’ve paired it with my Nipped Straight Jean with a raw hem — they have that vintage-inspired feel that I love, with just enough structure to look intentional.
Shop Kelly’s Look
The real conversation starter? My Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse High Tops. The little red heart logo adds a playful pop, and honestly, they just make me happy. A simple leather belt ties it all together. This is an outfit that says, “I’m here for the strata and the punch, not to fuss over my clothes.”
Shop Kelly’s Look
- Nipped Straight Jean in Rigid
- J.Crew Wide Rib Cashmere Turtleneck
- Tonal Leather Belt
- Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse
🥂 Cheers to the Day After
As December 26th unfolds in its quiet, unhurried way, Kelly and I are grateful for these slow mornings — the ones where brunch happens whenever everyone wanders into the kitchen, where pajamas are perfectly acceptable attire, and where the biggest decision is whether to have seconds of strata or another glass of punch (the answer, of course, is both). These recipes embody everything we love about Boxing Day: they’re easy, they’re delicious, and they let you focus on the people still gathered around your table.
So pour that punch, bake that strata, and savor the sweetness of having nowhere to be. This is the good stuff.
🐾 Oscar, Ollie, Kelly, and I wish you love and Boxing Day cheer!
The egg bake looks good. Hi Oscar and Ollie. My cats ages 10 and 13 have given up playing with the ornaments in the tree. They lay under the tree on the tree skirt and are quite content. Merry Christmas to you.
Thank you! Oscar and Ollie say hello right back. 😊 There’s something about a tree skirt that’s irresistible—sounds like your cats have perfected the art of holiday contentment. Wishing you a very Happy New Year!
You both look amazing ! And I love seeing pics of Oscar and Ollie.
Thank you for keeping us ladies looking our best!
Thank you so much! And I’m pretty sure Oscar and Ollie would say they’re the real stars. 😊 I so appreciate you being here.
Happy Boxing Day!! What a great day to sit back, relax, and eat leftovers!
Happy Boxing Day! Leftovers might be the best part. 😊
Thank you so much for all your tips throught out the year! Love your pictures of the pets and family. Reminds us so much of the wonderful events we have had over the years. Thank you Beth!
Thank you—that really means a lot. I love sharing little glimpses of life along the way, and I’m so glad they resonate with you.