Mothers are ordinary angels that keep their kids, spouse, pets, jobs, tasks, to-do lists, responsibilities, friends, and extended family members at the forefront of their minds through all hours of the day. As a mother of two incredible children, as a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a teacher, I understand the mental load that women carry. Mothers are graceful, patient, selfless, and tend to put others before themselves. This Mother's Day, you can host a beautiful, simple brunch to honor the special mother-figure in your life.
It makes sense that Mother’s Day is within the very depths of spring, when buds are blooming into gorgeous flowers, just as mothers give their children grace to blossom as well. Mothers brighten the cloudiest of days, so it is important to design a vibrant, colorful space that embodies her.
To begin, choose a bold, cheesecloth table runner to set the stage for your breakfast bar. They're beautiful when draped over the table to graze the floor, so purchase one that is longer than your table. (Add 4 to 8 ft to the length of your table, depending how much you wish to have hung down.)
Next, accentuate your color palette through a fruit-filled Charcuterie board. To do so, you'll need:
- grapefruit sliced into quarters, then halved
- strawberries halved vertically
- watermelon triangles
- juicy cantaloupe
- blueberries
- chamomile, lavender or marigold flowers to accent (all are edible)
*To maintain bright, fresh strawberries, dunk them in a 1:3 vinegar/water bath before draining and allow them to dry thoroughly on a paper towel before storing them in a container, lined with a paper towel, that is not sealed tightly.
No brunch is ever quite complete without an eye-catching arrangement of cocktails, "Mom-osas", or, mocktails. The choice is yours based on preference, but whatever you choose, be sure to display them in clear glass pitchers or carafes to add color to your vibrant display.
For a "Mom-osa" bar that will please all palettes, you'll need:
- Brut Champagne (1 bottle for every 3 guests)
- Orange juice
- Cranberry juice
- Pineapple juice
- fruit to garnish (sliced strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, orange slices)
- Ice to keep it all cold
- Champagne flutes
*Non-drinkers? Children begging for a sip of your pretty cocktail? Add Perrier to your shopping list and everyone can participate!
Add some height to the table by placing fluffy,
fresh donuts on a cake or dessert stand. Grab a variety from your favorite local shop, ours is Klemm's Bakery in Windham, New Hampshire! (The sugared jelly is to die for!) Be sure to get there early, though as they are bound to sell out quickly. Since no cooking is involved, the kids can easily feel a part of the preparation, which they'll be beyond excited to tell mom about!
Jessica, with Jacques Flowers in Goffstown, New Hampshire is my go-to florist. She is able to take a vision, as creative as it may be, and design an arrangement that's more beautiful than you could have ever imagined. Consider a whimsical arrangement with a focal flower such as or Peony or Ranunculus and accent with wildflowers such as Delphiniums, Sweet Pea, and Lavender, using Ruscus to add contrast to embody how free-spirited, and yet, how put-together a woman can be.
Before the celebration, secretly take some candid photos of the special mom in your life with her children. Choose the ones that most reflect the love she has for them and display them on the table. I suggest simple, floating frames that will highlight the image, she deserves to stand out!
Lastly, help the kids make a homemade card for mom that will bring her to tears! Here's what you'll need for Pressed Flower Cards:
- white (or color of your choice) cardstock
- black sharpie or marker
- white glue
- small paintbrush
- plastic cup or paper plate
- pressed flowers and greenery
- large book
About a week before, have the kids find some flowers out in the yard to press. Place the flowers into a large book and let them flatten and dry for the week. Then, fold the cardstock and draw (or trace) a vase on the front. Lightly paint some glue on the back of the flowers and greenery directly. Try to avoid gluing the cardstock as it will show once it's dry. Overlap and add height to the arrangement. Add a sweet message and you're done!
I hope that all of the wonderful mothers out there have a chance to unwind, decompress, and enjoy being taken care of this Mother's Day!
If you need help preparing a Mother's Day celebration, reach out to Stephanie at Your Gathering Nook for help!
Stephanie xo
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