Where would we be without our moms? Mother’s Day, which falls on the second Sunday in May, is a day to show our love and appreciation to the women in our lives. Whether you’re celebrating with your mom, grandma, or any other maternal figure in your life, Mothering Sunday is your chance to give back and say a great big thank you.
So, what’s the best way to mark Mother’s Day? Here, we’ll be sharing our favorite Mother’s Day ideas to help you mark the occasion in a way that suits your family. From things to do for Mother’s Day to thoughtful and stylish Mother’s Day gift ideas, we’ll help you create cherished memories and express your love and gratitude in the most meaningful ways.
Things to do for Mother’s Day | Mother’s Day gift ideas
Things to do for Mother’s Day
Quality time together is the best Mother’s Day gift you could give, so why not plan something special to mark the day? If you’re wondering what to do for Mother’s Day, our activity ideas below should provide a great starting point. From serving breakfast in bed to hosting a relaxing spa day, there are so many thoughtful things you can do for Mother’s Day to create lasting memories and make the day special.
Breakfast in bed | Brunch | Lunch | Tea party | Dinner | Spa day
Serve breakfast in bed
Breakfast in bed is perhaps one of the most popular things to do for Mother’s Day, and for good reason. Let Mom start her day off right by preparing a delicious spread of breakfast foods such as a plate of pastries, toast, and eggs; bowls of cereal and fruit; and a small glass of fresh fruit juice.
If your mom likes to wake up to a warm drink, you can brew a pot of coffee or tea and serve it in a cozy mug. To make it extra special, read our tips for making a great coffee. Don’t forget to serve everything on a tray to make it easier to carry. You could even add a small posy of flowers for that extra Mother’s Day touch.
Host a Mother’s Day brunch
If brunch is more your mom’s thing, consider setting the table for an extra special Mother’s Day brunch. Whether your mom prefers something sweet or savory, we’ve got some delicious Mother’s Day brunch ideas you might like to try out, along with a selection of breakfast and brunch gifts that would be perfect for the occasion.
Carrot and zucchini rosti, poached egg and yoghurt dressing — With a fresh mint sauce, this brunch recipe is perfect for a spring morning. Serve it on a platter with some arugula on the side.
Griddled sourdough with avocado and feta — Sourdough and avocado make for the perfect brunch combination. Delicious with a sprinkling of salty feta and a little chili.
If your mom has a sweet tooth, why not serve up a batch of fluffy pancakes? We have a whole selection of delicious pancake recipes you can try out for your Mother’s Day brunch, from almond and blueberry to vanilla crepes with mango puree, raspberries, and pistachio.
Rhubarb compote and granola — For something a little lighter but no less delicious, this granola recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
Have lunch al fresco
If you’re looking for some lighter options, a Mother’s Day lunch could be on the cards. From fresh spring salads to tarts and sandwiches, these Mother’s Day lunch ideas are bound to go down a treat. If the weather is nice, you could consider taking your lunch outside, either in the garden or as a picnic. You can read our picnic ideas for tips on hosting the perfect picnic for your mom.
Spring veg frittata — Made with fresh vegetables such as asparagus, beans, and garden peas, this frittata is spring in a dish. Better yet, you can bake it straight in a Denby pasta bowl.
Asparagus, pea, and goat’s cheese tart — Combine the spring sweetness of asparagus and pea with the tangy goat’s cheese. Top with smoky chorizo for irresistible flavor in every bite.
Broad bean and asparagus salad — This fresh and vibrant salad offers a fantastic array of flavors and textures. Prepare it in a large serving bowl and top with some broken mozzarella.
Sandwiches are an immediate lunchtime winner. If you want to try something different for your Mother’s Day lunch, take a look at our chicken and mango salad sandwich and king prawn and spicy slaw sandwich from our Summer Styling recipes.
Throw a tea party
Mother’s Day is a time to pull out all the stops, so why not opt for a Mother’s Day tea party instead? Set the table with a teapot filled with your mom’s favorite blend, plus a few teacups and saucers, a small jug of milk, and a sugar bowl if you like your tea sweet. Small plates are perfect for serving delicate desserts and we have a selection of plate sets to ensure you have enough for everyone. Since it’s a special occasion, feel free to add a bottle of sparkling wine and some champagne flutes to your Mother’s Day afternoon tea. Finally, decorate your Mother’s Day tea party table with a vase of delicate flowers. Consider matching your bouquet to the colors in your tableware for a put-together look.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a tea party without something sweet. If you’re looking for some traditional Mother's Day dessert ideas for a tea party, English scones, cream, and jelly are often served at afternoon tea in the UK, but you might also want to include a few home-baked additions if you have the time. If you don’t have a cake stand, you can serve your desserts on serving platters or plates.
Orange and poppy seed loaf cake — This cake is bright, citrusy, and perfect for a Mother’s Day tea party. Decorate with a few edible flowers for an extra Mother’s Day touch.
Mini pavlovas — These individual pavlovas are both cute and delicious. The crunchy and nutty pistachios perfectly offset the tangy and floral rhubarb and rose topping.
Shortbread biscuits with fresh flowers — These deliciously buttery biscuits are baked before being adorned with colorful edible flowers for that extra Mother’s Day touch.
Raspberry and white chocolate ‘cup’cakes — Find a second use for your teacups by baking these individual cupcakes. Even better, they take just five minutes in the microwave!
Cook dinner
If you’re looking for things to do for Mother’s Day that the whole family can join in on, why not invite everyone around for a Mother’s Day dinner? You could cook a classic family recipe or try something new. We've curated a selection of elegant mains that will make Mom feel cherished and appreciated. So, set the table, light some candles, and get ready to create unforgettable memories with these delicious Mother’s Day dinner ideas. We have a wide selection of dinner sets to ensure you have enough plates and bowls for the whole family.
Pork and taleggio meatballs with messicani pasta — This flavorful and hearty meal can be cooked in one large cast iron pot for easy prep, and served straight on the table.
Warming chicken casserole — Herby chicken and sweet tomatoes give this dish a comforting richness. Prepare and serve in a large serving bowl for easy clean-up.
Homemade Mediterranean pizza — Enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean by making your own pizzas. You can even enlist the help of the whole family to transform your dinner into a fun Mother’s Day activity. Take a look at our summer pizza recipes for even more topping ideas.
Lemon and thyme chicken and rice one pot — This one-pot dish from Hungry Anja is easy to put together and undeniably tasty.
Cider braised chicken with pearl barley — This delicious braised chicken is deeply comforting. Perfect served with a glass of crisp white wine.
Host a spa day
If you’re looking for activity ideas for Mother’s Day that are less food-based, why not host a relaxing spa day? While a trip to a nearby spa is always a treat, she’s sure to appreciate the time and effort of hosting a spa day at home — plus, you can join in on the pampering yourself!
Some things you might want to include are:
- Face masks
- Hair masks
- Foot packs
- Hand and body cream
- Eye masks or cucumber slices
- Mani-pedi essentials such as nail polish and remover and nail files
To achieve a professional look and make your Mother’s Day spa feel like even more of a treat, present everything in a few ramekins. This way, Mom can use what she needs without worrying about packaging.
With all your spa day essentials sorted, it’s time to set the mood. Lay out a few scented candles, a reed diffuser, or an essential oil diffuser to fill the room with relaxing scents such as lavender, jasmine, sandalwood, and chamomile. Dim the lights and put on some relaxing music to get the full spa effect.
Of course, you can still provide your Mother’s Day spa day with a few tasty dishes. Light and healthy Mother's day meal ideas such as our beetroot and feta salad and seasonal Buddha bowl would be perfect, along with glasses of our mixed berry smoothie.
Mother’s Day gift ideas
Finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift is an important task, which is why we’ve pulled together some of our favorite Mother’s Day gift ideas to help you choose the right way to say thank you. Whether she's a culinary enthusiast, a fashion-forward trendsetter, or a frequent entertainer, our curated guide is brimming with inspiring Mother's Day gift ideas to make her feel cherished and appreciated on this special day. For even more ideas for Mother’s Day gifts, take a look at our gifts for her.
- Flowers: A classic Mother’s Day gift for a reason. Gift your mom a bouquet of flowers containing some of her favorite blooms. You could even add a stylish new vase so she can continue to enjoy your gift for years to come.
- Dinner sets: Moms who like to entertain will love a stylish new dinner set. You could also add a set of coordinating pasta bowls or glassware that will help her create a beautiful tablescape for any meal. You can browse our foodie gifts for other similar ideas.
- Kitchenware: If your mom is a culinary enthusiast, then kitchenware is bound to win you some serious brownie points. Cast iron dishes are incredibly versatile and can be used for everything from casseroles to baked desserts.
- Tea set: If your mom loves tea, then she’s bound to cherish a stylish new tea set complete with teapot, teacups, and a milk jug. You can shop our gifts for tea lovers to see our full collection of options. Or, perhaps she’d like a brand new set of cozy mugs to enjoy her favorite hot drinks in.
- Home décor: For the fashion-forward mom, some new homeware will never go amiss. Candles, plants, and eye-catching ornaments can be used around the home, and she can be reminded of your love and appreciation every time she sees them.
- Gift hamper: If you’re looking for a Mother’s Day gift idea that means more, why not put together a basket or hamper? Whether you opt for a themed hamper or simply fill it with some of her favorite snacks and skincare, she’s sure to appreciate the thought that’s gone into it. We have a whole host of gift hamper ideas that will help you prepare the perfect present for your mom this Mother’s Day.
As Mother’s Day approaches, it’s time to celebrate everything our moms do for us, and what better way than with some fun activities and great gifts? If you’re wondering what to do for Mother’s Day, let our ideas above offer up some inspiration. From thoughtful activities and indulgent treats to unique Mother’s Day gifts that speak volumes of love and appreciation, our Mother’s Day ideas can help you honor and cherish the incredible woman who has helped shape your life. If you’re looking ahead to next month, be sure to take a look at our Father’s Day ideas.