Category: Food

If you’re in the group of people who head out for a meal at a favorite restaurant every Mother’s Day, you probably already know you want to find an alternative to dinner out for Mother’s Day. It isn’t much fun for anyone to wait in line just to be seated, try to carry on a conversation while loud chatter goes on around you, and then eat a substandard meal.

Mom is special and you want to mark that day with a special event. However, for many men, women do all the cooking in the family, so figuring out the meal on this day is a real challenge. Don’t worry. I’m going to make this simple and pain free. Your mom, wife and other family members will be impressed.

Instead of going through the process of figuring out where to eat for Mother’s Day and the subsequent aggravation that goes with actually eating out, why not plan a simple Mother’s Day brunch? Many of the items can be made ahead or purchased from your local deli and cooking and cleanup can be kept simple enough for even the most non-domestic man to complete.

Planning the Brunch

There is a lot more that goes into planning a brunch than just buying food. Each element you’ll need to get in order is outlined below. Even if you’ve waited until the last minute to plan something for Mother’s Day, you should be able to throw together an impressive brunch simply by running to Walmart or another 24-hour retailer and picking up what you need to make Mom’s day special.

At the end of this article, you’ll find a shopping list and a to-do list to make your planning run as smoothly as possible.

Decorations

Mom doesn’t expect you to be an party planner. She just wants to know that you put a little effort into her special day to recognize just how much she does every other day of the year. Decoration ideas:

• A vase with fresh flowers (available at almost any retailer or grocery these days – mixed flowers are an inexpensive choice).
• You can pink up pink vases, pink candles, pink tablecloths and any number of pink items at the dollar store for $1 an item. Not sure how to use them? Think in layers. Tallest item in the center of the table and shorter items, like pretty plates, toward the outside.
• Streamers and balloons are also easy to find, easy to hang and will add a festive touch.

The main goal with decorations is to not overdo it. Decide on a theme, such as flowers, classic China, or streamers and balloons and add a few touches to show you care.

Gift

It can be difficult to know what to buy as a gift for your mother. She may already have everything she really wants or perhaps she isn’t a very materialist person. Try to think outside the box a little.

• If she loves to garden, pay for a landscape consultant to come and offer her a consultation.
• If she enjoys watching hummingbirds, buy her a new feeder.
• If she is busy, buy maid services for her.
• If you’re broke, pick her flowers, make her a photo collage or write her a beautiful poem.

Plates and Cups

Do you dread the idea of cleanup or you are worried that your mother will jump in and start washing dishes? There are a few things you can do to avoid this.

• Clean up any messes as you go. There won’t be much if you follow the list we’ve made for food for the event, but if you clean up dishes, such as a knife used to spread dressing on a sandwich, and immediately place it in the dishwasher, you won’t have anything to clean up after the brunch.
• Buy disposable plates and cups. There are some lovely disposables anymore that come in clear plastic or with pretty prints. You can use these to create a very pretty and festive look to the table.
• Use paint pens (available at local hobby supply stores or at Walmart or Meijer) to draw special notes on Mom’s cup. Write “Happy Mother’s Day” or “I love you, Mom” on her cup.
• Don’t forget the napkins to create a more pulled together look. They can be paper napkins, but you need them.

Food

One of the beautiful things about a brunch is that you can do a mix of breakfast and lunch. Many of the foods can be purchased pre-made, put together easily or made ahead. Ideas:

• Fresh fruit
• Hard boiled eggs
• Pastries
• Finger sandwiches
• Juices

Preparation

Even if you’re planning this event at the last minute, let Mom know you’re feeding her and what time (11-1 is a good time frame for brunch). Otherwise, she may unthaw a pot roast, thinking she has to cook.

• Call Mom and tell her about the meal.
• Go shopping (see printable list).
• Enlist help (kids, other dads in the family).

Cleanup

Under no circumstances, no matter how much she insists, should mom be allowed to clean up the mess after the brunch. There is nothing worse than your husband saying he is making you a nice meal for Mother’s Day and then you have to stand in the kitchen for an hour and clean up silverware, pots and pans.

• Follow the advice above and clean as much as you can while preparing food.
• Buy as many items in disposable varieties as you can.
• Jump up from the table before Mom can and clean up anything that needs cleaned. Don’t forget to wipe down tables and counters (or Mom will start cleaning, trust me on this).

 

Here are your Printable Lists!

Finally, give Mom a place of honor at the table. Pull out the chair for her. Make her feel special. Congrats on being a Mother’s Day hero. That wasn’t so hard, was it?

Photo Source: Image licensed from Deposit Photo by Crabby Housewife