Photography: Alana Landsberry / Styling: Lucy Gough
Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and for Home Beautiful Editor-in-Chief Elle Lovelock, it’s always a special day to spend with her young son and all the cherished members of their family. For her, a Mother’s Day brunch is the perfect way to celebrate the nurturing figures in our lives. Along with giving just the right Mother’s Day gifts, of course!
“I love that Mother’s Day is a time to focus on the women who care for us,” says Elle. “To me, it’s not just about mothers in the traditional sense, but the aunts, friends and mothers of fur babies too. Being a mum can look very different from family to family.”
Given her position at the helm of Home Beautiful, it’s safe to say Elle knows a thing or two about entertaining. She shares her tips to hosting the most magical Mother’s Day brunch, with gorgeous styling by Home Beautiful stylist Lucy Gough – who is also a mum! Spot the sweet handwriting by one of Lucy’s sons on the note beside the LEGO flowers.
1. Bring out the family recipes
“I love that Mother’s Day is an occasion that involves sharing food with loved ones,” says Elle. “Typically, my sister, mum and I will get together at one of our homes for brunch or afternoon tea. We much prefer this to going out to a restaurant, as it’s much more intimate. We set the table beautifully with our favourite tableware, and prepare cakes and treats to have with tea and a glass of bubbles. There’s always a family recipe in there too. Our heritage is Dutch, so apple turnovers – or appelflappen – are a must!”
2. Make your setting special
“I always pick a theme for styling the Mother’s Day table. A lovely thing to do is select one that represents your family. Our table usually involves some form of blue and white – again, the Dutch reference – but I like to change things up with accessories and flowers. This year I’m going for a mix of olive green foliage with soft pink, rich burgundy and pops of orange. It’s an autumnal floral look I like to spread out across different-sized vases. Another fun thing to do is layer the table with candles and votives, even if it’s daytime.”
Mother’s day brunch is the perfect time to bring out your best dinnerware set. Matching plates and dishes are beautiful, as is a composition of special crockery that’s been collected over time.
Only the best crockery will do when you’re plating up for Mum. Today’s the day to dust off cherished china, unearth your family heirlooms or add some new favourites to your tableware collection.
Editor’s tip
3. Curate a Mother’s Day brunch with visual appeal
“My ideal menu consists of cakes, tarts and pastries: I have a real sweet tooth! I try to have one main celebration cake as the centrepiece, up on a cake stand so it’s part of the table décor, then platters of other treats people can help themselves to. Since Mother’s Day lands in autumn, I try to go for seasonal flavours like apples and citrus. That way you know the food will taste its best.”
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a high tea. Layer your table with the finest linen, placemats, crockery and decor, fill your home with scented flowers, and enjoy sweet treats with your nearest and dearest.
Editor’s tip
Why is Mother’s Day different in the UK?
In Australia, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, which is the same as other countries such as Belgium, Brazil, Canada, the Netherlands, Austria and the United States. In 2024, Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 12 in Australia. However, you might have noticed that Mother’s Day is celebrated on a completely different day in the UK. There, its date is rooted in Christian traditions and falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent, or three weeks before Easter Sunday. In 2024, the UK celebrated Mother’s Day on Sunday, March 10.
The little luxuries can be the greatest gifts of all, from a cuppa in bed to lovingly handwritten cards. Use a beautiful basket or tray to perfect your presentation and spoil Mum with flowers of every ilk.
Editor’s tip
Is Mother’s Day a public holiday in Australia?
There’s no public holiday for Mother’s Day in Australia. As it’s always on a Sunday, many people don’t need to work on this day and can spend it with loved ones, but there’s no official day off from work. For florists and cafe staff, it’s one of the busiest days of the year! Anyone for high tea?
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