After talking to more than 30 moms of all ages (shoutout to my mom’s friends, my friends’ moms, neighbors, coworkers, grandmothers, our F52 community), I got a pretty clear answer. While there were definitely some cute product recs, the overwhelming #1 request?
Just not having to think so much.
Welcome to Come On Over, a Food52 newsletter about hosting life’s big and little moments. It’s where we share our personal tips and tricks, from modern-day etiquette—shoes off or shoes on?—to making extra seating out of every surface of an apartment. This week, it’s Mother’s Day prep from Kelly.
Fun fact: In Ireland and the U.K., Mother’s Day falls in March—so technically, I’ve already fulfilled my daughterly duties for the year. Which means now, the spotlight’s on my mother-in-law... and on you. Every mom (and mom figure) is different, so take what resonates and leave the rest. Let’s get into it.
After chatting with more than 50 women — my family, friends, coworkers, and even our test kitchen team — it became crystal clear: cozy gifts never miss. Whether she’s a queen of lounging, a serial reader, or just loves a good cup of tea under a blanket, these gifts are all about making her feel extra loved. I've seen this stuff in person and compiled the input of a lot of moms. Trust us: these are the things she actually wants.
We’re talking buttery-soft house socks, dreamy candles, cozy loungewear, and little luxuries she might not splurge on herself.
If your mom loves setting a beautiful table, throwing backyard parties, or just always has a bottle of wine ready to go, this gift guide's for her. I polled more than 50 women—friends, family, coworkers (and even the Food52 test kitchen!)—about what they’d genuinely love for Mother's Day. If she's the type who always has a good cheese plate, fresh flowers, and an Aperol spritz ready, you can’t go wrong with these picks.
Expect pretty platters, fancy salts, candles that smell like a garden party, and a few can’t-miss extras she’ll actually use (and brag about).
This Mother’s Day, I asked more than 50 women in my life — family, friends, coworkers, even our test kitchen team — what they actually want as gifts. And turns out, it’s not always another candle (though those are still welcome).
If your mom, grandma, or mother figure lights up at a fancy olive oil or sees cookbooks as treasure maps, this list is for her. I rounded up some of the best gifts for moms who love to cook — from splurge-worthy tools to sweet experiences you can share together.
Still need a present for Mother's Day? Go bake her a cake. And for you moms out there—do you suspect your loved ones are running a little behind this year? Save them: Request a cake.
Some of my happiest, most successful mom-oriented days involved baking my mother's favorite chocolate cake with a cream cheese ribbon—sometimes with her help, sometimes stumbling along on my own. I think she liked it easily as much as the awkward poems and framed photos, though I doubt she'd ever tell.
Mother’s Day lunch is the perfect excuse to slow down, set the table, and celebrate the most important woman in your life with a thoughtful, seasonal meal. Whether you're planning an alfresco afternoon or staying cozy indoors, these Mother's Day lunch ideas are all about fresh spring produce—think asparagus, peas, herbs, and maybe even some fiddleheads if you can find them. Keep things light and bright for a midday vibe, but don’t be afraid to splurge a little: fresh seafood, a crisp white or rosé, and a standout dessert can turn a simple lunch into something seriously special. Because when it comes to Mother’s Day, going the extra mile is always worth it.
Even the most casual Mother's Day lunch can feel thoughtful with a few simple touches. Whether you're cooking solo or coordinating with siblings, here are some easy tips to make the day seamless and memorable:
You don’t need a reservation to pull off a special Mother’s Day brunch—just a solid recipe (or two) and maybe a mimosa. These easy Mother’s Day brunch recipes are simple enough for even beginner cooks, but still delicious and thoughtful. Whether you’re making breakfast in bed or setting the table for a full breakfast spread, there’s something here to help you pull it off—no stress, no fuss.
Need more ideas? Pair your brunch with a few light desserts, some spring table styling, or a Mother’s Day cocktail to round it all out.
© James Ransom
© James Ransom
© James Ransom
© James Ransom
© James Ransom
© James Ransom
© James Ransom
© James Ransom
© James Ransom
© James Ransom
© James Ransom
© James Ransom
© James Ransom
© James Ransom
© James Ransom
© James Ransom
© James Ransom
© James Ransom
© James Ransom
Looking for the best Mother’s Day dinner ideas to celebrate the moms in your life? Whether you're planning a cozy night in or a festive gathering, we’ve rounded up delicious, crowd-pleasing dishes perfect for the occasion. From Mother’s Day brunch ideas and light lunch options to show-stopping desserts, we’ve got you covered all day long. You can even elevate the vibe with our guide on how to set a spring table.
These Mother’s Day dinner ideas range from simple starters to indulgent mains, make-ahead sides, and sweet treats—plus a few drinks to toast to Mom. If you’re still deciding what to cook, scroll down for our favorite recipes and inspiration to make her feel extra special.
Mother’s Day is a well-earned holiday—after years of all-consuming, exhausting, totally-worth-it motherhood—so when it comes to mother's day desserts, don’t hold back. Whether you’re planning a full brunch spread or just looking for a sweet way to end the day, these Mother’s Day dessert recipes are a guaranteed hit. We’ve got bakery-worthy cakes, make-ahead tarts, no-bake treats, and edible gifts (think: homemade chocolates and flavored sugars) that feel just as special as she is. And yes—chocolate is very much involved.
When it comes to Mother's Day desserts, it’s all about balance: something that feels indulgent yet doesn’t require hours of prep. Whether you go for a no-bake treat, a fruity creation that screams spring, or a rich chocolate number that feels like a hug in every bite, the key is to make it feel special without stressing out in the kitchen. A great Mother's Day dessert should be easy to share, stunning enough to wow her, and full of flavors she loves.
Spring has arrived, and that means Mother’s Day is just around the corner so we're serving up plenty of Mother's Day brunch recipes! While booking an overpriced prix fixe might seem tempting, there’s something extra special about staying home—creating a cozy, personalized atmosphere that feels uniquely yours. Hosting a Mother’s Day brunch at home doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re searching for easy Mother's Day sweet brunch recipes, savory brunch ideas, or crowd-pleasing cocktail recipes, we've got you covered. From make-ahead brunch dishes to expert hosting tips, we’re here to help make your Mother’s Day celebration delicious, memorable, and stress-free.
From bakery-worthy baked goods like cinnamon rolls to fresh salads, savory egg dishes, and bubbly cocktails, this list is filled with easy brunch recipes that feel special without being stressful. Bonus: We’ve also included easy table-setting ideas for and clever store-bought hacks to help you pull off a beautiful Mother’s Day brunch effortlessly.
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and if your mom spends most of spring and summer digging, pruning, planting, or admiring her flower beds, you’re in the right place. We rounded up the best gardening gifts for moms, from practical tools like watering wands and plant markers to thoughtful extras like gardener’s hand cream and a fresh tomato leaf candle. Whether she’s a veggie-grower, wildflower fanatic, or more of a tomato-in-a-container kind of gardener, this list has something she’ll use—and love.
To curate this list, I went straight to the source: my mom and my aunt. Both of them have serious planting experience. I grew up trailing behind my mom in the garden center at Home Depot and Lowe’s, not knowing what anything was, but totally enchanted by the colors and vines.
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