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Blueprint: How to nail Mother’s Day hosting duties


Read time 5 Mins

Posted 24 Apr 2025

By
Emily Reed


A spread of food and wine with a Mother's Day card on the table

Including a bottle of something nice, a homecooked meal she didn’t make and her favourite tunes on repeat.

Good food, good drink, good friends – at its essence, a party is a timeless combination of elements brought to life by the individual touch that hosts and guests contribute to the occasion. To help you pull off your best and most fun-filled gathering yet, our Dan’s Daily Blueprints tell you everything you need to host whatever event is next on your hit list.

 

We want your mum to have the best Mother’s Day – one where she doesn’t have to do any of the work and feels all the love. Where you host her is up to you – you could invite the whole family to your place, or float the idea of having it at Mum’s. Especially if she has the best roasting pan, a KitchenAid, and enough matching plates, glasses and cutlery for everyone. If you choose this approach, though, we can't stress enough that the family needs to prep, cook and clean up after the main event. From the moment you arrive to when you give her a farewell hug, you need to make sure Mum doesn’t lift a finger. This is her day.

Dress code

Sure, the outfit you’re planning to wear this Mother’s Day might not be top of the list, but, believe it or not, thoughtful dressing is a simple way to show your appreciation. Is she a crafty woman? Lucky you. She’s probably knitted you a scarf or beanie at some point. Maybe even a crocheted jumper that comes out when the temperature drops. Either way, showing up on her special day wearing one of her creations will tickle her pink. Other dress code selections might include the apron she handed down to you – so you’re ready to jump into the kitchen (more on that in a moment) – and that somewhat questionable t-shirt she bought on her last holiday because it was “your colour”. Go on, wear it, just this once.

What to eat, drink and do

Every mum is different, and you know what kind of activities, treats and drinks she’ll love the most. These suggestions are purely thought-starters to find the best ideas for doing something thoughtful for her, whether that’s a lunch or dinner, or an activity you know she’ll enjoy. 

A bottle of Bird in Hand Sparkling from Adelaide Hills

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You could go down the high tea or brunch route. Mums love scones. You might want to think about pre-preparing some tasty bits to bring – think finger sandwiches, scones or muffins – all baked by yours truly, if you can manage it. If you’re not one to get into the kitchen (nor own anything that resembles a baking tray), pick up some of Mum’s favourite pastries on the way instead. Great high tea or brunch snacks are only as good as the bubbles that accompany them, so grab a bottle of The Bird in Hand Sparkling Rosé. With bright strawberry and cherry aromas, it’s crisp, refreshing and easy to sip, with a smooth, creamy texture – and a great price, so it punches well above its weight.

Is Mum more of a cocktail gal? A woman after our own heart. How about hosting an afternoon of cocktails accompanied by her favourite snacks? We think gin is always a popular base spirit that’s also super versatile. If your mum loves a savoury tipple, try a Dirty Gin Martini paired with a dozen freshly shucked oysters or bagels topped with smoked salmon and cream cheese (don’t forget the dill!). Or if you want something with fizz, you can't go wrong with a round of Amalfitanos. Pair it with some mini goat's cheese tarts, prosciutto-wrapped apricots or shortbread. Our gin of choice is Malfy Gin Rosa from Italy. It shines in cocktails and is equally delicious in a G&T.
Malfy Gin Rosa is made in Italy

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A bottle of Chapel Hill The MV Bush Vine Grenache

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Then there’s the classic roast dinner with all the trimmings: a nice cut of lamb, homemade gravy, thrice-cooked potatoes, seasonal veggies (maybe even from Mum’s garden) and a Yorkshire pudding, if you’re so inclined. Essentially, you want to come together as a family and cook a roast that blows her mind and proves that you all actually know your way around the kitchen these days. A roast lamb dinner calls for an approachable red wine that’s rich and complex, like Chapel Hill The MV Bush Vine Grenache. You can’t beat that price either, which is a good thing if you really splashed out on the ingredients.
What bottles to gift

For the Mums who love a flute of bubbly to celebrate any occasion, let alone their special day, gift her a bottle of Joseph Perrier Cuvée Royale Champagne Brut. It has fresh aromas of green apple, pear and hints of biscuit with zesty white grapefruit flavours, balanced acidity and a smooth finish. It also pairs beautifully with a soft cheese, so if you pull together a little hamper to gift it with, Mum will be chuffed. Mums and rosé also get along famously – and if you know your mum always eyes off French varieties when she browses a wine list, treat her to a bottle of Gérard Bertrand Cote des Roses Rosé. With fresh aromas of red berries, rose and grapefruit, it has a nice, clean finish and a hint of sweetness, and its unique bottle design also makes it a great gift. Does your mum love a Margy? She’s not a regular mum, she’s a cool mum. She’ll froth a bottle of Pantalones Tequila Organico Blanco – co-founded by Matthew and Camila McConaughey. Made from 100% organic Blue Weber agave, it’s smooth, flavourful and perfect for sipping or mixing into cocktails.

Nuts and drinks on a beautiful pink table setting
How to decorate

Flowers are a total no-brainer. It might feel like a cliché, but most (if not all) mums love receiving a bunch of beautiful blooms. The good news? They also double as decor. Just be sure to pop them in a vase of fresh water and place them in the centre of the table so Mum can admire them while enjoying a glass of something nice and that home-cooked meal made with love.

Playlist

Look, this might be a sweeping generalisation, but there’s just something that happens to some mums when Roy Orbison is played. The moment ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’ kicks off – with those strutting guitar riffs, followed by a punchy drumbeat that lands with toe-tapping precision – mums everywhere are up: limbs flailing, hands pointing, and calling for a boogie with every member of the family. If you’re not in the mood for straight-up Roy, try ‘Roy Orbison Radio’ on Spotify and enjoy all the classics of that era, from The Supremes and The Beach Boys to Frank Sinatra. Taylor Swift often goes down pretty well with the mums, tbh, but you’ll know best what’s going to keep her happy, so make the tunes all about her.

Don’t forget

The greatest gift of all is time. Whatever meal you cook, outfit you wear or bottle of wine you pour, your mum will simply be grateful you’re spending the day with her. Update her on your life, ask her about hers, and soak up the moment.