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Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are just around the corner, and with it a chance for the family to show how special Moms and Dads are! Why not go a step beyond the usual flowers, candies, and new ties this year and turn the celebration into a true all-day event? Here are some sample itineraries for a memorable day:
Mother’s Day
10:00 am:
Breakfast in Bed: Let Mom sleep in a while! Make toast and let the kids cut them into fancy shapes with a cookie cutter; serve eggs and juice on a lap tray and garnish with a rose.
11:00 am:
Luxury Spa for One: Give Mom a vacation right at home! Draw a scented bubble bath. Scatter candles around the tub, and play soothing music from a CD player (set well away from the tub). At tubside place a box of chocolates, a good novel or magazine, Mom’s bathrobe and slippers, towels, and some silky lotion. Now for the important part: take the kids out of the house for a few hours and let Mom enjoy her “Spa Vacation!” Now’s a good time to shop for dinner ingredients, last-minute gifts, or just take the kids to the park and spend time having fun of your
own.
2:00 pm:
Luncheon: Make “finger” sandwiches (remove crusts then cut into fourths), carrot sticks and dip, croissants, fresh fruit, etc., or make a family lunch favorite.
3:00 pm:
Gifts for Mom: Kids (and Dad) can give any presents, homemade cards, etc. that they have prepared. Also at this time, present Mom with a (handmade) invitation to dinner. This goes for whether dinner will be at home or at restaurant. Let the time be shown, as well as place (unless you’re keeping it a surprise), and mention the appropriate dress.
4:00 pm:
Showtime:Have the kids entertain with a brief puppet show, skit, song, or other such fun.
4:30 pm:
Dress for Dinner: It’s fun to dress up for dinner even when staying in, so have everyone put on their Sunday best!
6:00 pm:
Mother’s Day Banquet: Take the family out to a good restaurant or prepare a feast at home! Simple but good: serve grilled steak, baked potatoes, tossed salad, and cake from the local store — or have the kids help bake one. At dinner, take turns going around the table and letting each person tell something nice Mom did for
them that they appreciate.
Father’s Day
10:00 am:
Breakfast in Bed: Make steak and eggs and place on a lap tray with the morning paper.
11:00 am:
A Vacation for Dad: Set up Dad’s favorite chair with the TV Guide, remote, snacks, and a pillow. Or if he likes to putter, place some snacks and new tools out in the garage. Take the kids out to the park, for shopping, etc. for a few hours and let Dad watch TV or putter uninterrupted!
2:00 pm:
Lunchtime: Serve “Hero” Sandwiches: Slice 2 loaves of French bread in half lengthwise; spread with mayonnaise and mustard, then stuff with luncheon meats, cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce. Serve with chips and dip.
3:00 pm:
Gifts for Dad: Kids (and Mom) can give any presents, homemade cards, etc. that they have prepared.
4:00 pm:
Mystery Theater: Have kids do a “whodunnit” mystery that they make up using sock puppets or as a skit.
4:30 pm:
Get Ready for Dinner: If Dad likes to dress casual, don’t force him into a suit for this. In fact, if you’re staying in, consider a “Hobo Supper” where everyone puts on their most casual clothes, or even pajamas!
6:00 pm:
Father’s Day Supper: Take Dad to his favorite steak and ribs place, or stay in and serve his absolute favorite meal. Take turns going around so each family member can tell about something Dad did that they thought was great! After dinner, have someone else take out the garbage!
These suggestions can be changed around to suit Mom or Dad’s personality, your budget, and imagination! However you plan it, it will be guaranteed to bring a smile to that special parent’s face. Have fun, and of course, Happy Mother’s and Father’s Day!
