Hosting Tips: Mother's Day Entertaining

We chatted with event planner Lindsay of Lindsay Piram Creative about her tips for hosting a Morther's Day celebration. Read below to learn more.

What are you favorite things to prepare for Mother’s Day?
Spring is in full swing and I love to use as much seasonal produce as I can find — asparagus, rhubarb, garden herbs like chives, cherries are all in season and pair perfectly with a midday meal for mom.  Caramel or cinnamon rolls are always a favorite in our house and the aroma in the house as they bake is so welcoming and festive for daytime entertaining.  This year I will be making a chicken pithivier from Nadiya Hussain, my favorite baker to come out of the Great British Bake-off!  Google it and you will see what I mean!!

On a day where many are the guest of honor as a mom, but also hosting their own mom(s), what are your tips to handle this?
The secret here is to do as much as you can ahead of time and to simplify your menu and offerings to things that you prepare in advance and pop in the oven leaving time for conversation with your guests.  Quiche and strata are always well received and can easily feature lots of great spring vegetables.  Chia pudding or overnight oats are other fun ideas that you can make ahead and add fresh fruit to for serving. 

For serve ware, I like to bring out beautiful platters but for dining, do not be afraid to use some of the great melamine wares that wash up simply or even the disposables that look and feel like dinnerware but are easily and simply tossed into the recycling. 

For fun activities, we like to set out craft supplies like beads and the kids can string a cute necklace for mom and grandma.  Sidewalk chalk messages to welcome the mom’s are cute and get the kids out of the kitchen during “crunch time” as you ready your spread and get everything set.  If it’s raining, throw on Mama Mia.  The scandalous parts are over the heads of the little kids and the music gets everyone dancing!

For decor, nothing beats fresh flowers.  Add to your island, dining table, drink station and powder room and your space will feel refreshed and festive.

What other ideas do you have for mother’s day entertaining?
Drinks!  Setting up (the night before!) a Bellini station is a fun way to get your guests involved.  Fresh squeezed juices are more available now than ever before if you want to skip the hassle of juicing on your own.  Grab some good bubbles like Prosecco and set up a station with glassware, cute cocktail napkins and a vase of fresh flowers.

Another great drink option that is always a crowd pleaser is a white wine sangria with melon and mint.

For mocktails, I am obsessed with pampelmousse La Croix with lavender simple syrup and grapefruit juice.  Refreshing and gorgeous, too.

Lastly, Mother’s Day is about the mom’s and I love to get the kiddos involved to help them feel like they were a part of the day.  Baking is one my favorite things to do with my kids and having them alongside me in the kitchen while we prepare to entertain is the best way to celebrate this special day together.  A dessert that will wow your guests, will enchant your kids and is surprisingly simple is a pavlova.  Make the night before and serve with some of the seasonal fruit finds like cherries or other berries and lemon curd. Ah-mazing!

Thanks to Lindsay for sharing great tips with us. To learn more about Lindsay and her amazing events visit lindsaypiramcreative.com