What to Do for Mother's Day

James Carrier

Easy Mother's Day brunch, with a twist

This easy brunch is fun for both kids and grownups. Get our recipes for Green Onion Corn Muffins, Spinach and Artichoke Cheese Custard, Maple-candied Bacon, and blueberries with oranges.

More: Brunch for Mom

Photo by Leigh Beisch; styling by George Dolese

Sparkling Orangeade

Greet Mom with a glass of sparkling orangeade this Mother’s Day. The drink gets a more delicate flavor from freshly squeezed juice, but in a pinch, feel free to go for made-from-concentrate.

Recipe: Sparkling Orangeade

James Carrier

Surprise her with a flowerpot cake

Top off your Mother's Day brunch with a tender cardamom-scented cake baked in a flowerpot. It's a fun, festive, floral-inspired surprise for the end of the meal.

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Leo Gong

Make a Mother's Day mimosa

The beloved brunch staple gets a glamorous update. Add a little sparkle to your Mother's Day morning by mingling a standard mimosa with the flavors of a sea breeze cocktail (vodka topped with cranberry and grapefruit juices).

More: Make over your mimosa

Photo by Rob Brodman

Chocolate-Almond Croissants

No time for a homemade meal? Make a quick dash to the bakery for fresh croissants, then gussy them up with a smear of gooey, delicious choclate-almond spread inside.

More: Custom croissants

Rice Salad Niçoise with Pickled Asparagus

Leigh Beisch

Pack a picnic

Forgo the Mother's Day restaurant madness and instead opt for this easy alfresco lunch. The whole meal packs into a basket or backpack to take to a park, on a hike, or just out to the backyard for a relaxed celebration with the family.

More: A picnic for Mother's Day

Herbed romaine salad with strawberries and feta.

Photo: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Karen Shinto

Dinner for Mom

Stay in this Mother's Day and prepare a home-cooked meal for the lady of the house. Don't worry, you don't have to be a pro in the kitchen to master these recipes.

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Photo by Thomas J. Story

Make your own Mother's Day bouquet

Skip the delivery and fix up your own heartfelt floral bouquet for Mom instead. San Francisco florist Erin Rosenow shares her tricks of the trade for how to create perfect arrangements at home.

More: Flower shop secrets

Photo by Karen Steffens

Cook an easy meal

Mom's sure to love this fresh and flavorful dish. Cilantro, lime juice, and garlic bring zip, and chicken begs to be barbecued this time of year. Add a side of Linguine with Artichokes and Lemon or Beans with Tarragon Vinaigrette to round out the meal.

More: Mother's Day dinner

Great Mother's Day ideas