Sure, Mother's Day brunches are all the rage, but I love getting grateful by celebrating Mom with a big supper. The matriarch of your family will appreciate a delicious dinner in her honor, and maybe she'll even get a chance to kick back and relax for once. Instead of a classic seated dinner where someone is busy serving up a storm, consider these family-style dishes that will allow everyone to lounge around the table and talk. Prepare to pass around the platters and get inspired as you click.
Who says cameras have to be all black and boring? Ditch the everyone-has-the-same-camera-as-me feeling, and upgrade yours with a cheery strap that will definitely stand out. Here, we bring you springtime straps with a little something special that'll showcase some personality and style while you snap those amazing pics on your trusty DSLR.
As April showers fade into mere memory and sunny days and spiking temperatures crest the horizon, iced tea becomes our drink of choice. Naturally, we've come across a few new favorites along the way. Click through for our top picks from classic sweet (but not too sweet) tea to herbal options like floral lemon myrtle. No matter which refreshing beverage you choose, make certain to pour it over ice for a true iced tea experience and the best flavor (unless you're enjoying it on the go).
Did we leave off your iced tea of choice? Share it in the comments; we're always looking for new varieties to try!
Treat Mom this year with a beautiful brunch celebration. This special spread is completely dairy- and meat-free, perfect for the vegan women in your life. Even family or friends who regularly partake in animal products will enjoy all of the delicious dishes on this Spring menu.
Champagne With a Berry Float
Toast with Giada De Laurentiis's fruit-filled bellini recipe that's only 78 calories per four-ounce serving, or go even lighter by just floating (or muddling) a few berries in a glass of Champagne. Set up a bar of low-calorie brut Champagne and a sampling of fresh berries to keep things simple, light, and elegant.
Veggie Scramble
Instead of an egg-filled quiche, casserole, or scramble, opt for this bright and colorful vegetable scramble starring sweet potatoes, zucchini, and chard. Watch our video recipe and learn how to cook this produce to perfection.
Vegan Eggs Benedict
There's no replacement for the texture and gooey center of a poached egg, but this vegan benedict's lemony, plant-milk-based hollandaise sauce will surprise your taste buds with its dreamy consistency. Top off everything with fresh steamed asparagus and shiitake mushrooms for extra Spring veggie power.
Carrot Cake Cupcakes
End on a sweet note with vegan carrot cake cupcakes. This recipe offers all the traditional flavors of the classic but cuts the amount of sugar and calories in half. Best of all, these cupcakes don't taste vegan in the slightest — they're moist, sweet, and plain delicious.
The long wait is over — thank goodness! — and berries and stone fruit are returning to supermarket shelves (at absurdly low prices to boot). A textured Winter fruit salad has kept me going the past few months, but now I'm putting that recipe aside for this Spring- and Summer-forward fruit salad featuring all-new produce.
It's impossible to pinpoint what I love most about this combination of flavors. Sure, any old day you can combine a bunch of berries in a bowl, but here, mint, nutty Marcona almonds, and lemon zest and juice transform this into a fruit salad worthy of serving on a special occasion. The addition of sugar enhances the flavors in the fruit as well as releases more juices so the whole salad is marinated in a berry syrup.
Chances are, if your mom loves to bake, she's already stocked up on the basics like cookie sheets and cake pans, but that doesn't take baking-related Mother's Day gifts off the table; just think smarter. Here are our top picks from ingenious problem-solvers (a collapsible cupcake carrier!) to elegant extras (beautiful cake stands and tart servers) and even slightly obscure baking equipment she likely has yet to invest in (canelé molds, anyone?).
One easy way to switch up your routine and boost your spirit? Swapping out your desktop wallpaper every once in a while. And with Spring is in full force, there's no better time to do so than now. We're not just talking generic stock photos you've seen time and time again, but übercool designs and illustrations that will get your co-workers asking, "Where did you get that?" Doubly awesome: the fact that they're all free. Ahead, check out our top picks that will have you dreaming of blossoms, bike rides, and sunny days.
"I am so grateful for my amazing mom," says Mercedes Papalia of Darling and Daisy. "She has given me everything, from the best relationship advice and cooking skills to tons of creative talents and some pretty darn good genetics (if I say so myself!). When Mother's Day rolls around, I like to find new ways to say 'thank you, Mom.'" We think Mercedes did a pretty amazing job with this whimsical bash, full of her mother's favorite treats combined with Spring-celebratory decor. We can't pick a favorite from the thoughtful details. Birdhouse cake displays? Terra-cotta cupcake holders? Everything is beyond cute and would work equally well for a baby shower or little girl's birthday party. Keep clicking to check out this stylish, delicious Mother's Day party!
Source: Darling and Daisy
This Sunday, treat Mom to a made-from-scratch midday meal that's filled with Spring produce. She's guaranteed to feel special — and to remember it for years to come.
Lavender Collins Cocktail
Mom will love sipping on this floral, lemonade-like cocktail that's designed for adults only. The pastel blue hue in this cocktail comes from creme de violette, which is the essential ingredient in the lavender Collins cocktail.
Asparagus Caesar
Caesar salad is a classic, but it can instantly receive a seasonal boost by subbing ribboned asparagus in place of lettuce greens. For extra crunch and flavor, throw in some quality anchovies and crispy croutons.
This Mother's Day, instead of taking Mom out for brunch, do something that's friendlier on the wallet, and treat her to a homemade breakfast in bed. There's nothing more gratifying than watching her enjoy what you've created for her: a special meal that shows her how much you care. To get inspired, click through to see some of our best morning recipes.
