Maman

Mamans (moms) are so special to us that they have their own national holiday, which is also celebrated in more than 50 countries around the world! Every May, we get to honor our moms on Mother’s Day to thank them for all they do.

If you’re like me and sometimes struggle to find that perfect gift for mom, perhaps thinking “outside the box” will help to make her feel extra special this year. Sometimes, it’s the little things that moms appreciate the most.

Here are a few ideas of ways to honor your mom, grandmother, caregiver, or other mom that’s special to you this Mother’s Day.

☙ Buy her fleurs (flowers) – or better yet…make her a bouquet! There’s nothing like recreating your own version of a pretty bouquet like the one you got from your favorite “French” flower shop.

It can be simple. Just purchase a few of mom’s favorite blooms and perhaps add some stems from your garden. Tie it with a pretty ribbon and voila, you have a handmade bouquet for mom!

If you need a little guidance, watch my video tutorial on how to create a hand-tied bouquet à la française (using the traditional French method).

☙ Take her for un petit déjeuner (breakfast) at her favorite restaurant or quaint café. Many moms spend a lot of time in the kitchen cooking for others, therefore a day off to enjoy a café au lait and croissant would be relaxing and appreciated. The gift of your company would be a bonus!

☙ Go for a drive to a place she loves, perhaps to a favorite museum or garden, or maybe the beach. Whatever it is, the time spent alone with you would be something she would treasure.

If you happen to live near our shop in Andover, MA, you might want to check out the magnificent gardens at the Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens. Be sure to get tickets for Spring BloomFest now for a visit with mom beginning mid-May.

☙ Take a pilates or yoga class together or go for a walk. Any favorite activity you both enjoy would be nicer doing it together, plus you’d get in a little exercise too!

☙ Bake a cake or make mom her favorite pâtisserie (pastry) or dessert. Pair it with the cookbook or recipe you used (maybe hand-written on a pretty card). Add a vintage cake server and present it with your pastry creation for a beautiful and memorable gift. It’s amazing how meaningful it can be for our loved ones to receive something homemade from us, created especially for them!

For inspiration, look no further than Molly Wilkinson’s book, French Pastry Made Simple.

☙ Set up a relaxing spa day or massage for her. Who doesn’t like to be pampered? If you really want her to feel extra special, add in a little champagne for her to enjoy too.

☙ Get a plant for her garden or patio pot. If she loves roses (doesn’t everyone?), early-mid May is the best time to plant.

Buying Roses

David Austin sells the most beautiful rose bushes as well as a few varieties that can be planted in containers. What I love most about these English roses is that they’ve all been given names, such as Princess Anne, Olivia Rose Austin, Emily Brontë and The Poet’s Wife, to name a few.

☙ Write a heartfelt card with a memorable story, thanking her for all she’s done for you. Showing our appreciation goes a lot further than we might think!

It’s the thought that counts…

When it comes to gifts, that age-old saying holds true, especially on Mother’s Day.

Last year on Mother’s Day, my husband and children spent the morning cooking up an amazing brunch for me. It was one of my favorite Mother’s Days because they put so much thought into it. They were surprised when I told them so, but truthfully, I’d rather have that than anything else!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms in our lives. I hope you feel loved and appreciated today and every day. Bonne fête des Mères!

XOXO,
Sandra