What to Cook for Mother’s Day Lunch or Dinner?
Be inspired to create a memorable Mother’s Day lunch or dinner including recipes, helpful tips, what to cook, how to plan it & much more at Robins Kitchen.
Give mum the break she deserves this Mother’s Day by celebrating her - and every other woman in your life - with a feast to remember. Whether you choose to celebrate big or small, indoors, or outdoors, formal or casual, we have you covered with recipes for every style of dining. We talk about what to consider when planning your feast this year and share some of our favourite recipes the whole family will love.
Where to Host Mother’s Day?
My top recommendation for any Mother’s Day event is to always keep mum number one—what does she like doing or eating, who needs to be invited, will it be indoors or outdoors (weather permitting). What is most important is making Mum’s day by allowing her to kick her feet up while everything is done around her. Which is why hosting the gathering shouldn’t be done at mum’s house, otherwise she will feel obligated to entertain and clean up when it’s supposed to be her day off.
Hosting a Mother’s Day Event Outdoors
If your mum enjoys the outdoors, then a picnic in the park or day at the beach would be a great option. Everyone brings a share plate of Mum’s favourite food and to make it extra fun create a theme for the day. Picnics can be as casual or fancy as you like. For a dressed-up, elegant picnic a divine option is having a high-tea with a long serving board or picnic table with cushions to sit on for extra comfort.
For something a bit more casual perhaps everyone invited brings a share plate of canapes or easy to handle meal (one hand holding the plate, the other hand holding a utensil). Which ever style you choose you should always have a contingency plan in case the weather turns sour.
Indoor settings are more comfortable and there is no concern about weather unless the cooking is being done outside. Did someone say outdoor pizza oven? For larger groups, consider having lazy susan’s in the middle of the table so it’s easier to “pass the food” around. Or make it a buffet style for more casual eating and no need to worry about plate styling. On the flip side, hosting indoors is the perfect opportunity to create dishes you’ve never cooked before, cook up a roast, or create a fine dining experience with a 3-course menu.
Plan Ahead to Make the Event a Success
Take the stress out of hosting by planning ahead and ensuring you have the gear you need ahead of time. Food planning ensures you can get the ingredients you need without having to jump between vendors or supermarkets to get what is required. Let guests know what is required of them – arrival times, bring extra chairs etc. And check all your gear the weekend before. If tableware such as glasses, cutlery, or plates are chipped you will have plenty of time to shop for replacements.
For additional tips and tricks you can read more about How to Host a Dinner Party from Robins Kitchen.
What to Cook?
This will be dependant of the style of dining you choose, however, what should be at the top of the decision-making process is what is mum’s favourite style of cuisine – High Tea, Mexican, Japanese, classic chicken and chips to name a few. Creating mum’s favourite will make sure she enjoys her meal more than you can imagine, plus, she will truly appreciate the sentiment and effort put in to making her day special. So, what is the Robins Kitchen team cooking this year?
Lynda says “We are planning on going to the park to enjoy some sunshine so I’ll be cooking our Green Vegetable and Feta Frittata as it will be easy to eat and plenty to share.”
Mat says “My mum loves Asian inspired cuisine so I’ll be making our Honey Lime Salmon with a side of rice and green veggies.”
Chamila says “As a mum I dream of being cooked a 3 course meal where I don’t have to do a thing and the main be Sticky Cranberry & Garlic Chicken.”
Bridie says “I don’t do a lot of cooking so I’ll be making our super easy Grilled Prawn and Peach Salad with a Citrus Vinaigrette. Plus, my Mum loves prawns!”
Bec says “My mum loves anything to do with pumpkin so I’ll be making our Roasted & Stuffed Mini Pumpkins and then something a little sweet for later.”
Craig says “I know where I get my sweet tooth from – my mum! I’ll be making Raspberry Coconut Baked Oatmeal or the Apple and Ricotta Frittelle. Or maybe both!”
Planning ahead of time will ensure that the tone of the gathering is calm and focused around making Mum’s day. If you’re stressed, then Mum will be stressed, which will defeat the whole purpose the day. Allow plenty of time for everyone asked to prepare food and gather any extra equipment required, whether to accommodate additional guests or to replace broken gear. Get Mum out of the house and create a feast to remember with her favourite foods and theme worthy of epic bragging rights among the entire family.
