The Only 5 Things You Need to Host a Mother’s Day Brunch

You know that innate need (read: desperation) many of us possess to impress our mother or mother-in-law? Well, if you’re planning on hosting a brunch, a picnic, or an intimate celebration for Mother’s Day, you might be feeling it especially hard right now. Not to worry! Hosting a springtime brunch—whether in honor of Mom or not—doesn’t have to be a terrifying test of your grown-up-ness.

Instead, keep things simple. How simple? Like, five things simple. Something to wear, something to eat, something to drink, and something pretty to look at. And of course, a gift! Need a little more guidance? We’ve got all the recipes and shopping links you need right here.

image by Kristen Kilpatrick

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photo by Hannah Haston

1. A big salad.

Forget about a four-course menu! A big salad containing protein and fresh produce can be enough to keep guests satisfied, without weighing them down mid-day. We love whipping up a big family-style serving of this Pesto Chicken Cobb Salad, or the oh-so-brunchy Everything-But-The-Bagel Smoked Salmon Salad.

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photo by Teal Thompsen

2. Something springy to wear.

This time of year, florals are always a good idea. But if you’re looking to bring some unexpected style to your Mother’s Day celebration, why not play around with matching separates, or an LWD that’ll serve you well all season long (we love this one).

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photo by Nicki Sebastian

3. A refreshing cocktail (or mocktail!)

Think sweet teas, refreshing lemonades, and lots of herbaceous garnishes for a mid-day beverage that’s tasty and refreshing. We can’t get enough of Tiffani Thiessen’s Hibiscus Spritzer, which gets topped off with a splash of prosecco.

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photo by Kristen Kilpatrick

4. A floral centerpiece.

You really don’t have to be a floral designer to create something beautiful for your Mother’s Day table. When in doubt, one bunch of uniform blooms (like roses, peonies, or hydrangeas) is a fool-proof recipe. But if you feel like trying your hand at creating something super special, this tutorial has got you covered.

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5. The perfect Mother’s Day gift.

We know… so much pressure! But whether you’re going the sentimental route, or the splurge route this year, it really is the thought that counts. Stumped on what to buy Mama? Check out our curated gift guide for a present she’s sure to love!

This post was originally published on May 2, 2019, and has since been updated.