How to Plan the Perfect Mother's Day

“In the ancient world, mothers were honored and revered in cultures that worshiped mother goddesses. In ancient Rome and Greece, elements of some festivals — especially spring fertility festivals — included ways of honoring mothers. Early questions combined celebrations of women with their observance of a day in honor of the Virgin Mary during Lent. In England, Mothering Sunday celebrations began in the 1600s.”

- Miranda Marquit

Worldwide, cultures honor and recognize the role of a mother in society. She is the muse behind the Goddess, the first nurse in modern society, and she is a child’s first contact in the world.

I will always remember a story I was told. I can’t recall the storyteller but the words have stuck with me.

A volunteer was involved in ministering to inmates in a Phoenix prison. One Mother’s Day, the volunteer organized and invited prisoners to write cards to send to their mom. The activity went well and many incarcerated there showed up to write a note. The volunteer was inspired and decided to re-do the same activity for Father’s Day. This time, he could barely get anyone to send the same cards.

This antidote offers many possible insights, but the one that struck me was the power of the mother-child relationship. Mothers are often the number one supporter.

Preparing for Mom

If you want Mother’s Day events to go smoothly, you have to do some planning. I don’t expect that you’re going to throw an all-out extravaganza, but don't procrastinate reservations or gifts until last minute. It is never the making for a smooth day.

Here are the basics you will need:

·         A reservation or menu for home cooking

·         A gift and card

·         Acts of gratitude

The Meal

Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day are the highest traffic days for restaurants. Combine this with the fact that Sunday afternoons are also paid affairs, and Mother's Day becomes the day of scarce tables. (AKA You have a need for a reservation. And pronto.)

It’s already a week before the actual day, so start calling. Many restaurants offer a buffet to reduce the amount of time each table is occupied. But this also means it may cost $30+ per person. (Many of our high end restaurant clients order ice sculptures for Mother’s Day buffets so they also put more into this day on their end as well.)

 If a home cooked meal is more your style, start planning the menu. Will it be breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner?

A typical meal (for those who aren’t aware), typically consists of a protein, a vegetable, and a carbohydrate. Popular Mother’s Day food is French toast, eggs, bacon, grilled sandwiches, or outdoor grilled specialties.

The Gift

There’s no need to stress about the perfect gift. If it comes from you or is made by you, mom is going to love it—Guaranteed!

Here are some of the most popular gifts for mom:

·         Flowers (potted or in a vase)

·         A corsage

·         A gift card to a store, salon, or eatery

·         Hand made goods

·         Photos

·         Jewelry

·         That special something she’s had her eye on

Wrap your gift up with a bow. And oh yes, don’t forget the card. You’ll get bonus points if that to is hand-made.

Which by the way, if you need ideas you can go HERE.

Acts of Love

After the table is cleared, don’t forget the rest of the day. (I know. You’re probably going to be tired by now, especially if you cooked—exactly what mom does or did for you most likely.)

Mother’s love to have their chores done. Try cleaning, washing her car, filling up her gas tank, mowing the lawn, or leaving a surprise for her to find.

 

I hope we were able to get the inspiration flowing. And we wish all our readers (and their moms) a very special Mother’s Day. No matter how near or far she may be.