Posts from Gatherings

I think we can all agree that Southerners know a thing or two about entertaining. Whether they're throwing a backyard crawfish boil or a sophisticated porch party, you can almost guarantee it's going to be a good time. And with Derby Day coming up this weekend, we thought it was a good time to find out what it is that makes to-dos so special below the Mason-Dixon.

We tapped the editors of Garden & Gun magazine, that gorgeous ode to all things Southern, for their top 10 rules of entertaining.

I live in Seattle, but I am a New Yorker with roots in the Deep South — which is to say, I love pork and pastrami, mint juleps and Manischewitz, and chopped liver and sweet tea. The dearth of Jewish delis has affected me more than I thought it would, but I, at least, can find variations of my culinary desires, which tend to be pickles and matzo ball soup.

For my mother, the situation is more dire; she longs for tongue and chopped liver, which are considerably more difficult to find. So I decided to give her memories on a dish — and in a glass.

Mother's Day is right around the corner! This year, instead of giving flowers to your mom, why not drink them with her? That's right — if you make this violet simple syrup today, you'll be sipping a purple-hued French 75 come Sunday.

If you're still looking for something special for the moms in your life, we have the answer, and it lies in your kitchen. Get out the butter, sugar, and flour, and roll up your sleeves. Let these moms know you're thinking of them with a sweet batch of homemade cookies.

From buttery shortbread and delicate madeleines to classic snickerdoodles and a fun take on the classic chocolate chip, here are 15 sweet cookie recipes to help celebrate the moms in your life.

Mother's Day falls during the most beautiful time of spring, when it's just warm enough to be outside. Why not skip the gift this year and instead spend some quality time outdoors, with a picnic lunch?

A little relaxation is a simple way to pamper a mother of any age, but especially one with children still at home that keep her on the go. If you have a mama in your life — whether it's a friend, a partner, or your own mother — a picnic to share a few smiles and sunshine is sure to fill her heart right up.

If there's ever a time to stay home for brunch, it's on Mother's Day. Not that Mom doesn't deserve a nice meal out, but it's one of the busiest Sundays for brunch every year. So if you're staying in, do it up big! Roll out the red carpet, bring her coffee in bed, and make her a meal that shows her how much you care.

If your mom's got a sweet tooth, any one of the sweet and fruity French toast options will do the trick. Want to serve something hearty and savory? A breakfast casserole or savory breakfast cake fits the bill. To round out the menu, we've included a few cocktails and flavorful mocktails, so no matter what you serve, you can raise a glass and toast to mom.

As I was planning my Mother's Day brunch a few weeks ago, I looked back through our tips and advice for making brunch ahead of time and discovered that we have written quite a lot on this topic over the years. What can I say — most of us aren't morning people! When making brunch, we like to get a head start.

In case you're planning your own Mother's Day or graduation brunch, let me share some of our make-ahead advice with you, distilled into a few tips and recipe recommendations.

There is something that makes sense about turning to wholesome, natural pantry ingredients for nourishing our bodies from the outside as well the inside. You might not have considered deodorant a recipe for your kitchen, instead of from the drugstore, but let me show you how even this body basic can come from your own home.

When it comes to little luxurious gifts for a new mama (or any friend who deserves to be pampered), this simple and fragrant facial oil is an easy project and a nourishing homemade addition to her stock of beauty supplies.

The remedy for tired eyes — whether those sleepy circles belong to you or to a new mama friend — lies in a few kitchen basics. Cucumber, coconut oil, and a blender are the pathway to a refreshing mask that's made with all-natural ingredients from the refrigerator.