We're full of fantastic suggestions like strawberry picking, making our delicious lemon squares, a charming afternoon tea, and even a curated list of thoughtful gift recommendations to make Mother's Day Weekend easier!
Mother’s Day is a time to honor the incredible women in our lives, and we have 3 fantastic recommendations to make it memorable. We’ve got some easy ideas to help celebrate mom’s! First, we suggest kicking off the weekend by taking mom strawberry picking, then embrace the elegance of a traditional tea party, complete with homemade treats, finally we’re helping you plan ahead with our curated collection of gifts for all those special moms.
🍓 Embrace the Tradition of Strawberry Picking
A wonderful springtime tradition is going strawberry picking. It’s a wonderful way to spend quality time together and gather fresh berries for homemade shortcake. If you’re in the Charlotte, NC area, here are some local farms to consider:
- Lineberger’s Maple Springs Farm (Dallas, NC) Family-run operation offering seasonal pick-your-own produce and tractor rides, plus a market and a playground.
- Wise Acres Organic Farm (Indian Trail, NC): A family-owned organic farm offering U-pick strawberries and a delightful farm experience.
- Carrigan Farms (Mooresville, NC): Known for their authentic U-pick strawberry experience, this fifth-generation farm is a local favorite.
- Patterson Farm (Mount Ulla, NC): Offering a variety of produce and a fun farm atmosphere, perfect for family outings.
For those outside the Charlotte area, many regions have local farms that offer strawberry picking during the season. A quick online search or visit to a local farmers’ market can point you in the right direction.
🍋 Sweet Treats for a Memorable Tea
A great way to pamper your mom is with a relaxing cup of tea. Why not plan a simple afternoon tea. Plan to brew her favorite tea and serve a few sweet treats. We think a memorable tea isn’t complete without an array of delectable sweets – either homemade or store bought are absolutely fine . Here are some of our favorites:
- Lemon Squares: These tangy delights are a staple in our kitchen. The buttery crust paired with a zesty lemon filling creates a perfect balance of flavors. (recipe below)
- Mini Strawberry Shortcakes with Homemade Whipped Cream: Made with freshly picked strawberries, these shortcakes are a seasonal favorite. The juicy berries and fluffy cream atop a tender biscuit or angel food cake make for an irresistible treat.
- Chocolate Delights: Whether it’s rich brownies, truffles, homemade twix bites or chocolate covered date caramels – a touch of chocolate adds indulgence to any spread.
🎁 Thoughtful Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
Complement your afternoon tea with a thoughtful gift complete with a custom Mother’s Day gift tag . Here are some curated ideas to inspire you:
- Spa Gift Basket
- Blooming Plant or Bouquet of Flowers
- Gift Card for a Favorite Restaurant or Local Activity
For more inspiration, explore our comprehensive Mother’s Day Gift Guide
This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate with elegance, warmth, and a touch of tradition. An afternoon tea filled with yummy treats, the joy of strawberry picking, and a thoughtful gift can create memories that last a lifetime. Here’s to making every great mom feel cherished and loved.
Lemon Squares
Ingredients
- Shortbread Crust:
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 3 cups flour
- ¼ tsp. salt
- Lemon Filling:
- 7 eggs
- 3 cups sugar
- 2 Tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup flour
Instructions
- For the Shortbread Crust:
- Mix the butter, sugar, flour and salt in an electric mixer, KitchenAid mixer fitted with the paddle blade. Spread evenly into the base of a 14 x 9 x 1 jelly roll pan (see our recommended pan in Kitchen Essentials). Bake crust in a 350 preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the edges are light golden brown.
- For the Filling:
- While the crust is baking, make the filling. Combine the eggs and sugar in an electric mixer, Kitchen Aid stand mixer fitted with the paddle blade. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice and mix, just to combine (over mixing will make the mixture foamy – just incorporate the ingredients until mixed. Add the flour and mix, just to combine - use a rubber spatula to ensure the filling is completely mixed. When the crust is baked, pour the filling directly on top of the crust and bake for an additional 20 minutes, until the center is completely set and lightly golden on the top.
- Cool completely before cutting into pieces. Dust with powdered sugar to serve.
