Mother’s Day Plans, Sorted: 4 Gorgeous Menu Ideas She’ll Love

My mom is the ultimate hostess. My childhood home continues to be the spot my family gathers for dinners, holidays, and celebrations—with my mom at the center of it. It only makes sense to turn the table on Mother’s Day and allow her to kick up her feet as a guest. 

There’s something especially lovely about Mother’s Day. It’s not just a holiday—it’s a chance to pause and celebrate the women who raised us. Whether it’s your mom, a mother figure, or a group of beloved women you admire, gathering together on Mother’s Day is a meaningful way to show appreciation and create new memories.

If you’re thinking about hosting a Mother’s Day celebration, here are four unique and joy-filled ways to gather with the people you love most. Each celebration includes Mother’s Day menu ideas and styling tips to make the day feel as beautiful as the women you’re honoring. Let’s dive in!

This is the way I personally celebrate with my Mom, and we love chatting over bacon and eggs on Mother’s Day. It’s a relaxed, casual gathering that always feels special. Mother’s Day menu ideas for brunch usually include something sweet, something savory, and something fresh. Include your mom’s favorites as well! You can’t go wrong with an egg dish like a quiche or frittata paired with coffee cake or a sweet main dish like Chai Challah French Toast. Include fruit or a salad as a fresh component and if you like, serve a spring-y cocktail as an extra special touch. 

Set your brunch table with your mom’s favorite flowers and set out a carafe of citrus water so your family and friends can help themselves. Have a Sunday morning jazz playlist going, light a floral scented candle and enjoy!

An afternoon tea is the perfect way to celebrate all of the mother figures in your life. A tea party feels reminiscent of childhood—did anyone else serve their mom from a plastic tea kettle growing up?

Elevate that experience and have a grown-up tea party fit for a queen. Mother’s Day menu ideas for this include finger foods like smoked salmon or ricotta toast. You simply must have sweets, like a carrot or berries and cream cake. Serve chamomile or Earl Grey tea in vintage tea cups and saucers, and don’t worry if they don’t match. These are perfect items to thrift and a variety of different colors and patterns will amp up the charm of your table. As an added special touch, ask your guests to wear florals or pastels—your party will look beautiful!

Mother’s Day arrives when the weather has finally turned. By early May, warm and sunny weather is usually the norm, so having a picnic in the park with mom is a wonderful way to celebrate. Keep your menu simple by packing a picnic basket with all your charcuterie essentials. It will be easy to put your board together once you’ve arrived. Tinned fish, cheese, fruit, nuts and crackers or a fresh baguette are picnic go-to’s that feel fun and elevated. Opt for a park with picnic tables so there’s plenty of space to sit and eat, and be sure to bring a Bluetooth speaker so you can have music playing as well!

A round-up of Mother’s Day menu ideas wouldn’t be complete with a dinner party menu. There’s nothing cozier than gathering around the dinner table with your guest of honor at the head of it. Choose dishes that feature seasonal produce like arugula and asparagus. Cake feels celebratory, so be sure to serve a dessert, too. Layer your table with a simple runner, taper candles, and flowers.

Finally, as you’re enjoying the meal, ask each guest to share a favorite story they have about their mom. It’s sure to make this Mother’s Day one to remember.  

As you’re planning your Mother’s Day gathering, remember to focus on connection over perfection. Choose a menu that feels achievable and allows you to be present with your loved ones—especially with your guest of honor. However you choose to gather, the most meaningful part of Mother’s Day is the time shared and the memories made. Happy Mother’s Day!