If you’re planning on celebrating Mother’s Day at home, you better not make mom cook! I’ve got some easy Mother’s Day Meal Ideas that are so easy the kids can help make them (plus some bonus DIY Gift Ideas!). In fact, these are so simple that Lillian and I will be sharing of few of them on Chicago’s WCIU The Jam tomorrow morning (Monday, May 6 at 6:34 am).
From breakfast in bed to brunch for a crowd, a super simple dinner and even cocktails and dessert, we’ve got you covered. Most of these are easy enough that bigger kids (8 or 9 and up) could do them almost completely on their own. Of course, younger kids will still need some supervision from a grownup. Lets get started:
Breakfast Parfait Bar
A breakfast parfait bar is one of the easiest Mother’s Day Meal Ideas ever. This is a really fun, creative way to start the day! And since we’re using ready-made ingredients from the store, all you need to do is set everything out on a platter and its ready to go!
Start with the yogurt. You can either set out empty jars alongside a big bowl of yogurt or, to make this even easier, look for flavored yogurt cups in little glass yogurt jars, which you can find now in almost any grocery store (we like Yoplait Oui). You can peel off the labels to make them feel homemade. Next add a couple varieties of store bought or homemade granola and a variety of berries. Thats it!
If you’re serving mom breakfast in bed, plate everything in separate bowls and put bring them to her on a little tray. If you’re hosting brunch for a crowd —maybe grandma is coming by — this works great as part of a buffet.
No-Cook Brunch Board
Here is another one of my all-time favorite simpleMother’s Day Meal Ideas for a crowd. This Brunch Board has absolutely everything you expect at a good brunch: flaky sweet pastries, fresh and juicy fruits, savory meats and cheeses, salty, crunchy nibbles and spreads. Even better, mot a single item requires any preparation beyond some washing and slicing. Most of the arranging can be done well in advance — the night before even. And its completely portable. Just as comfortable on a dining room buffet as it would be at the center of a patio table.
The key to pulling off this Amazing Brunch Board is in the artful arrangement. Pick items that offer as many contrasting colors, textures and flavors as possible. Hit the bakery for croissants, pastries or coffeecake. Next, head to the deli for a few gourmet cheeses, cured meats, nuts and crackers. Don’t forget the fancy jams and mustards. Next, head over to the produce section and be prepared to spend some time here. Start with fresh, juicy berries since they’re easy to plate and always a crowd favorite. Next grab some grapes, citrus and perhaps some kind of tropical fruit as an unexpected twist. Before you leave the store, be sure to grab a few bunches of fresh flowers. They’re really key in elevating this meal to occasion status.
Salmon Nicoise Entree Salad
One of our family’s favorite weeknight meal ideas, this Salmon Nicoise Sheet Pan Salad is also one of my favorite Mother’s Day Meal Ideas for lunch or dinner. Click the link above for my quick-and-easy recipe or, to make things even easier for the kids to help with, you can swap in a couple of Home Chef Oven Ready Garlic Butter Salmon Meal Kits for the salmon and green beans.
No-Bake Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Parfaits
Every mom deserves dessert on Mother’s Day, and this one is really easy to make. Whip up the filling for these No-Bake Strawberry Lemon Cheesecake Parfaits, then layer over crushed cooked and top with diced berries. Click the link above for the recipe and mom will thank you.
Grapefruit Basil Mimosas
Ok, you caught me! This is one of my Mother’s Day Meal Ideas that the kids maybe shouldn’t help with too much. But for you Dads and other caregivers out there, I know mom would sure appreciate these Grapefruit Basil Mimosas. These are as pretty as they are delicious and simple to make. Click the link above for the easy recipe.
So that’s it. Armed with these super simple and scrumptious Mother’s Day Meal Ideas, you’re sure to make mom very, very happy.
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
If you’re still looking for some super simple, last-minute Mothers’ Day give ideas, be sure to check out my:
Easy DIY Decoupage Flameless Candles
Click through to download the free printable “You Light Up Our Lives” label!
‘Spec’-tacular DIY Felt Eyeglass Case