Making Mom Feel Special at Her Mother"s Day Garden Brunch
I was going to take Mom out for Mother's Day and then I got this brilliant idea.
Why not throw a brunch for her right in my own backyard! I believe the details of a successful party can be broken down into six elements, and I'll walk you through all six step by step so you can throw mom a beautiful garden brunch in her honor.
I have no doubt; after reading a few of my articles or books, you'll learn my simple formula for creating parties people will remember for a lifetime.
Here's something to keep in mind as you read this article.
This brunch is planned for Mom, but you can use all these ideas to honor almost any special person in your life! Element #1 - Theme, Mood & Color: Carry Them Out In Everything You Do There are many ways to come up with a theme for a party.
This exercise is called "Filling the Senses" and it uses the guest of honor and everything she likes as a starting point.
Think about the five senses; seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting and touching.
Now think about them in this way, writing down as many of Mom's favorite things as you can think of: Site - Everything your Guest of Honor sees is pleasing to her eyes.
Sound - Everything she hears is music to her ears.
Scent - Her nose is tickled with her favorite smells.
Taste - Her mouth is delighted with her favorite foods.
And Touch - the tactile sense - she enjoys everything she feels and touches.
When you're done with this exercise, not only will this list include things like her favorite foods and music, but it might also include things like her favorite flowers, colors, and favorite people.
Thinking of this party as a gift for her may help you get in touch with who she is for you and the things that make her happy.
Next, choose one thing as your theme.
For the purpose of this party plan, I have chosen flowers to build my theme around.
For example, my mom's favorite flowers are lilies and orchids.
Using lilies and orchids as our theme provides us with a built-in color scheme and mood for our party.
Now I can use these flowers in my invitations, centerpieces, table decor and party favors.
An EasyPeazy theme the guest of honor is sure to enjoy! Element #2 - Invitations: Make Them Inviting Whoever said that an invitation had to be a paper one? I love this idea; it's so simple and unique.
Because we're using a flower theme for our Mother's Day Garden Brunch, we can use a flower for our invitation too.
Using artificial lilies to coordinate with my theme, I chose a matching ribbon and opted to use a simple note card embellished with an orchid since I couldn't find anything pre-printed with my flowers on them.
Later, I'll mail it in a simple Kraft paper 8 1/2 x 11 mailing envelope.
Choose an artificial flower that Mom loves that will coordinate with your theme, setting the proper mood you're going for.
Many flowers come in several colors, especially daisies, hydrangeas, tulips and roses.
Be careful not to choose too somber a color or too sophisticated a flower for the type of party you want.
Flowers go a long way in helping create a mood and if you're looking to create a fun and playful setting then keep your colors bright and happy.
For the note card you can simply write your invitation, or print things off your laser printer.
I wasn't blessed with a talent for beautiful, consistent handwriting, so my secret? Clear mailing labels and a handwriting font to print the Who, What, Why, Where, and When of my party.
Next, tie the ribbon onto your flower, hole-punch the card with a single hole and thread the ribbon through the card.
Make a bow, pop it in your envelope and be sure to hand-cancel these at the post-office.
Using real flowers is an impressive way to get your guests excited about what's to come...
and it is a really nice touch for Mom.
Since these invites really should be hand delivered, think of the possibilities of who might deliver them.
A messenger service would be notable.
A singing telegram would be amusing.
Or you could hire a musician, actor, or comedian, although those might get a little expensive.
You could have one of your children, or a relative deliver them? Or how about delivering them yourself? Wouldn't that be a really nice touch? Element #3 - Decor & Ambiance: Remember Set and Setting Are Everything We're lucky because the garden provides such a beautiful backdrop for our Mother's Day Garden Brunch, so really, all you want to do is make sure that there is something pleasing to the eye everywhere you look.
Be sure to weed, maybe plant a few extra flowers and spruce things up a bit, or bring in some potted plants or flowers for added pizazz.
Then, direct your attention to the table.
For this party start with a tablecloth to create an elegant look.
If you use a patterned cloth then use solid plates.
If you use a solid cloth, then use patterned plates.
Or mix it up a bit by using both.
I used a solid tablecloth as the first layer on the table and then folded the patterned cloth into a runner and placed it down the middle.
To set the table, I liked the idea of using patterned dinner plates with solid side plates, a wine glass for water, and a tall green glass bud vase for cocktails.
The final touch once you've placed your glasses; take a special scalloped napkin called a Rondo that you can buy online, open it to a full circle, gather it in the middle, gently place your theme flower inside and rest the two in your wine glass.
This is a beautiful inspiration to top off your tables.
Element #4 - Food & Beverage: Never Stress About Food and Drinks For Mom may I suggest you make a special baked egg recipe that can be varied to her tastes? What's cool about this recipe is that the dishes you're serving them in will become Mom's Mother's Day present.
Fun, huh? First, find ramekins (or baking dishes) and purchase enough for each guest.
Think about Mom's everyday dishes and try to make your selection complimentary.
The easiest color to buy is white since it coordinates with almost everything, but there are many options to choose from.
Whatever you choose, make sure it's ovenproof though, because you will be baking in these.
Take each ramekin and spray the inside with Pam.
This makes clean up much easier, since for some reason eggs really stick to ceramic.
Put them all on a cookie sheet, which makes handling much easier.
In each ramekin put a layer of bread cubes or one of the following: ·Cooked rice ·Cooked noodles ·Mashed potatoes ·Cooked polenta Then layer a variety of sauteed vegetables cut up into small pieces: ·Asparagus ·Mushrooms ·Broccoli ·Spinach ·Or any other favorite vegetable Mom likes Break one or two eggs gently on top of this layer.
Then sprinkle on some shredded cheese, like cheddar, jack, Swiss.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Cook in a 325-degree oven until eggs are set...
about 20 minutes.
These will be REALLY hot when finished, so set each one on a ceramic or glass plate to serve.
Top with a few tiny pieces of lox or other exotic garnish...
whatever would be pleasing to Mom.
For the final touch, when everyone's done eating, wash and dry the ramekins, and have each guest sign the bottom of the dish with a message using a ceramic pen.
Follow the pen's directions, but usually it simply requires you to put the items back in the oven for a few minutes.
When they're done curing, Mom will have a complete set of ramekins signed by those she loves to always remind her of this beautiful day.
Another really attractive and simple trick to do with fresh fruit is to pick five of Mom's favorites, and cut them in bite-sized pieces as needed, and skewer them.
In my example, I used strawberries, pineapple, grapes, raspberries and blueberries, threading them on the skewer in a pattern.
Have fun with this...
but do them ahead of time, up to one day, wrap them tightly, and refrigerate.
When it's time to serve...
pull them out and place one or two on each plate, or stick them into half a watermelon or cantaloupe, turned upside down.
This makes a lovely centerpiece or display.
Element #5 - Activities: Engage Your Guests In Something How cool would it be to read a book called "I Love You Because...
" and know that it was all about you? As a mom, I think that would be awesome! So that's why I decided to do it! You'll making Mom an "I Love You Because" heartfelt Keepsake for this party, and here's how...
Before the party, look for some pens that have a flower attached to them preferably ones that match your theme flower because these pens are going to double as your party favors for your guests.
If you can't find any in stores or online, you can make some up yourself with artificial flowers and some ribbon.
Simply hot glue the flower onto the top of the pen and wrap the pen in ribbon, using a dab of hot glue to secure at the top and bottom.
Place the pens at each guest's place setting along with the note card.
For the 4 x 6 note card you'll need, I recommend you hand-write "I Love You Because...
" at the top of each or run them through a laser or color printer.
This will give each card a cohesive look.
Before the meal is served, ask your guests to take a few minutes to write out their sentiment for Mom, finishing the phrase "I love you because...
" Be sure they sign their names, collect the cards after a little while, and let them know the pens are theirs to keep.
Then it's an easy assembly job for you...
just insert the cards into a 4 x 6 photo book.
You may want to make up a title card ahead of time that says "We Love You Because...
" and includes your mom's name and the date of her Garden Brunch.
Of course, you can always make this project more elaborate by including photos and filling all pages.
I'll leave those details to you.
Just be sure to give mom the gift during her Mother's Day Garden Brunch when all of her guests are still gathered and can enjoy the moment too.
Element #6 - Special Touches: Set Your Party Apart; Give Them Something From Your Heart This project is really fun and will blow your Mom away.
I call it the "Menu Photo Place Card.
" Make sure you have a digital photo of Mom.
Then using your computer's word processing program, insert the photo about 3/4 from the top of the page in the center.
Below that put mom's name, the event name (Like Mother's Day Garden Brunch) and the date.
Under that, list the menu.
Make sure you create one for each guest, substituting out Mom's name.
(You can have your local print shop do this if you aren't computer savvy.
).
I recommend printing them on a heavy, glossy, card stock for a high-end look.
Make sure your printer can handle heavy paper because the paper has to be heavy in order for these to work.
Now, here's the trick.
Cut around the photo with a mat knife and metal ruler...
across the top and a little bit more than half way down on each side.
Then trim each side of the paper however much you want, making sure not to cut off any of the menu items.
The thinner the place cards are, the more professional they look.
Then fold each card in half.
See how the photo pops out of the top? You can also do this all by hand, writing the information on each folded over card, and gluing a photo on each one so it extends above the fold.
You could even use different photos of mom for each guest if you wanted to.
Again, I'll leave those details to your imagination.
These really make the guest of honor feel special, and add a wonderful touch to the table.
Best of all, if you decide not to throw a party at home, these make great place cards that you can take to a restaurant and place around the table.
As you can see, it's easy for you to throw a great brunch to make Mom, or other important person in your life, feel special with these heartfelt ideas.
I'm Shelby Phillips.
Thanks for coming to my party!
Why not throw a brunch for her right in my own backyard! I believe the details of a successful party can be broken down into six elements, and I'll walk you through all six step by step so you can throw mom a beautiful garden brunch in her honor.
I have no doubt; after reading a few of my articles or books, you'll learn my simple formula for creating parties people will remember for a lifetime.
Here's something to keep in mind as you read this article.
This brunch is planned for Mom, but you can use all these ideas to honor almost any special person in your life! Element #1 - Theme, Mood & Color: Carry Them Out In Everything You Do There are many ways to come up with a theme for a party.
This exercise is called "Filling the Senses" and it uses the guest of honor and everything she likes as a starting point.
Think about the five senses; seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting and touching.
Now think about them in this way, writing down as many of Mom's favorite things as you can think of: Site - Everything your Guest of Honor sees is pleasing to her eyes.
Sound - Everything she hears is music to her ears.
Scent - Her nose is tickled with her favorite smells.
Taste - Her mouth is delighted with her favorite foods.
And Touch - the tactile sense - she enjoys everything she feels and touches.
When you're done with this exercise, not only will this list include things like her favorite foods and music, but it might also include things like her favorite flowers, colors, and favorite people.
Thinking of this party as a gift for her may help you get in touch with who she is for you and the things that make her happy.
Next, choose one thing as your theme.
For the purpose of this party plan, I have chosen flowers to build my theme around.
For example, my mom's favorite flowers are lilies and orchids.
Using lilies and orchids as our theme provides us with a built-in color scheme and mood for our party.
Now I can use these flowers in my invitations, centerpieces, table decor and party favors.
An EasyPeazy theme the guest of honor is sure to enjoy! Element #2 - Invitations: Make Them Inviting Whoever said that an invitation had to be a paper one? I love this idea; it's so simple and unique.
Because we're using a flower theme for our Mother's Day Garden Brunch, we can use a flower for our invitation too.
Using artificial lilies to coordinate with my theme, I chose a matching ribbon and opted to use a simple note card embellished with an orchid since I couldn't find anything pre-printed with my flowers on them.
Later, I'll mail it in a simple Kraft paper 8 1/2 x 11 mailing envelope.
Choose an artificial flower that Mom loves that will coordinate with your theme, setting the proper mood you're going for.
Many flowers come in several colors, especially daisies, hydrangeas, tulips and roses.
Be careful not to choose too somber a color or too sophisticated a flower for the type of party you want.
Flowers go a long way in helping create a mood and if you're looking to create a fun and playful setting then keep your colors bright and happy.
For the note card you can simply write your invitation, or print things off your laser printer.
I wasn't blessed with a talent for beautiful, consistent handwriting, so my secret? Clear mailing labels and a handwriting font to print the Who, What, Why, Where, and When of my party.
Next, tie the ribbon onto your flower, hole-punch the card with a single hole and thread the ribbon through the card.
Make a bow, pop it in your envelope and be sure to hand-cancel these at the post-office.
Using real flowers is an impressive way to get your guests excited about what's to come...
and it is a really nice touch for Mom.
Since these invites really should be hand delivered, think of the possibilities of who might deliver them.
A messenger service would be notable.
A singing telegram would be amusing.
Or you could hire a musician, actor, or comedian, although those might get a little expensive.
You could have one of your children, or a relative deliver them? Or how about delivering them yourself? Wouldn't that be a really nice touch? Element #3 - Decor & Ambiance: Remember Set and Setting Are Everything We're lucky because the garden provides such a beautiful backdrop for our Mother's Day Garden Brunch, so really, all you want to do is make sure that there is something pleasing to the eye everywhere you look.
Be sure to weed, maybe plant a few extra flowers and spruce things up a bit, or bring in some potted plants or flowers for added pizazz.
Then, direct your attention to the table.
For this party start with a tablecloth to create an elegant look.
If you use a patterned cloth then use solid plates.
If you use a solid cloth, then use patterned plates.
Or mix it up a bit by using both.
I used a solid tablecloth as the first layer on the table and then folded the patterned cloth into a runner and placed it down the middle.
To set the table, I liked the idea of using patterned dinner plates with solid side plates, a wine glass for water, and a tall green glass bud vase for cocktails.
The final touch once you've placed your glasses; take a special scalloped napkin called a Rondo that you can buy online, open it to a full circle, gather it in the middle, gently place your theme flower inside and rest the two in your wine glass.
This is a beautiful inspiration to top off your tables.
Element #4 - Food & Beverage: Never Stress About Food and Drinks For Mom may I suggest you make a special baked egg recipe that can be varied to her tastes? What's cool about this recipe is that the dishes you're serving them in will become Mom's Mother's Day present.
Fun, huh? First, find ramekins (or baking dishes) and purchase enough for each guest.
Think about Mom's everyday dishes and try to make your selection complimentary.
The easiest color to buy is white since it coordinates with almost everything, but there are many options to choose from.
Whatever you choose, make sure it's ovenproof though, because you will be baking in these.
Take each ramekin and spray the inside with Pam.
This makes clean up much easier, since for some reason eggs really stick to ceramic.
Put them all on a cookie sheet, which makes handling much easier.
In each ramekin put a layer of bread cubes or one of the following: ·Cooked rice ·Cooked noodles ·Mashed potatoes ·Cooked polenta Then layer a variety of sauteed vegetables cut up into small pieces: ·Asparagus ·Mushrooms ·Broccoli ·Spinach ·Or any other favorite vegetable Mom likes Break one or two eggs gently on top of this layer.
Then sprinkle on some shredded cheese, like cheddar, jack, Swiss.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Cook in a 325-degree oven until eggs are set...
about 20 minutes.
These will be REALLY hot when finished, so set each one on a ceramic or glass plate to serve.
Top with a few tiny pieces of lox or other exotic garnish...
whatever would be pleasing to Mom.
For the final touch, when everyone's done eating, wash and dry the ramekins, and have each guest sign the bottom of the dish with a message using a ceramic pen.
Follow the pen's directions, but usually it simply requires you to put the items back in the oven for a few minutes.
When they're done curing, Mom will have a complete set of ramekins signed by those she loves to always remind her of this beautiful day.
Another really attractive and simple trick to do with fresh fruit is to pick five of Mom's favorites, and cut them in bite-sized pieces as needed, and skewer them.
In my example, I used strawberries, pineapple, grapes, raspberries and blueberries, threading them on the skewer in a pattern.
Have fun with this...
but do them ahead of time, up to one day, wrap them tightly, and refrigerate.
When it's time to serve...
pull them out and place one or two on each plate, or stick them into half a watermelon or cantaloupe, turned upside down.
This makes a lovely centerpiece or display.
Element #5 - Activities: Engage Your Guests In Something How cool would it be to read a book called "I Love You Because...
" and know that it was all about you? As a mom, I think that would be awesome! So that's why I decided to do it! You'll making Mom an "I Love You Because" heartfelt Keepsake for this party, and here's how...
Before the party, look for some pens that have a flower attached to them preferably ones that match your theme flower because these pens are going to double as your party favors for your guests.
If you can't find any in stores or online, you can make some up yourself with artificial flowers and some ribbon.
Simply hot glue the flower onto the top of the pen and wrap the pen in ribbon, using a dab of hot glue to secure at the top and bottom.
Place the pens at each guest's place setting along with the note card.
For the 4 x 6 note card you'll need, I recommend you hand-write "I Love You Because...
" at the top of each or run them through a laser or color printer.
This will give each card a cohesive look.
Before the meal is served, ask your guests to take a few minutes to write out their sentiment for Mom, finishing the phrase "I love you because...
" Be sure they sign their names, collect the cards after a little while, and let them know the pens are theirs to keep.
Then it's an easy assembly job for you...
just insert the cards into a 4 x 6 photo book.
You may want to make up a title card ahead of time that says "We Love You Because...
" and includes your mom's name and the date of her Garden Brunch.
Of course, you can always make this project more elaborate by including photos and filling all pages.
I'll leave those details to you.
Just be sure to give mom the gift during her Mother's Day Garden Brunch when all of her guests are still gathered and can enjoy the moment too.
Element #6 - Special Touches: Set Your Party Apart; Give Them Something From Your Heart This project is really fun and will blow your Mom away.
I call it the "Menu Photo Place Card.
" Make sure you have a digital photo of Mom.
Then using your computer's word processing program, insert the photo about 3/4 from the top of the page in the center.
Below that put mom's name, the event name (Like Mother's Day Garden Brunch) and the date.
Under that, list the menu.
Make sure you create one for each guest, substituting out Mom's name.
(You can have your local print shop do this if you aren't computer savvy.
).
I recommend printing them on a heavy, glossy, card stock for a high-end look.
Make sure your printer can handle heavy paper because the paper has to be heavy in order for these to work.
Now, here's the trick.
Cut around the photo with a mat knife and metal ruler...
across the top and a little bit more than half way down on each side.
Then trim each side of the paper however much you want, making sure not to cut off any of the menu items.
The thinner the place cards are, the more professional they look.
Then fold each card in half.
See how the photo pops out of the top? You can also do this all by hand, writing the information on each folded over card, and gluing a photo on each one so it extends above the fold.
You could even use different photos of mom for each guest if you wanted to.
Again, I'll leave those details to your imagination.
These really make the guest of honor feel special, and add a wonderful touch to the table.
Best of all, if you decide not to throw a party at home, these make great place cards that you can take to a restaurant and place around the table.
As you can see, it's easy for you to throw a great brunch to make Mom, or other important person in your life, feel special with these heartfelt ideas.
I'm Shelby Phillips.
Thanks for coming to my party!
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