Make Ahead Mother's Day

My Mom is one of a kind. She is stubborn. She likes to argue. She is generous to a fault. She has an unnatural ability to be ridiculously chipper at the crack of dawn, and used to insist on talking {and even singing} to me in the wee hours of the morning even though she knew very well that I am merely a shell of my functional self until at least an hour or two after I wake up.  She drives me crazy and drives me to succeed, sometimes all within the same breath. She is irreplaceable.

We spent the weekend celebrating her and the other wonderful women in my life {Grandma, Aunt, Mother-in-law...} the best way I know: With food! And tea! And champagne! And brunch! And a few extra pounds that we all probably put on that were definitely worth it. ;)

Saturday afternoon, the ladies in my family gathered at The Chesterfield Hotel in Palm Beach for a tea party. They served dainty {and delicious!} little bites that went perfectly with the occasion.


Almost too cute to eat. Almost.

 Sisters in Lilly!

Sunday morning, I hosted a brunch at my place where we lounged around, chatted, and of course, ate some more! The best part was the fact that almost everything I served was make ahead, so I had plenty of time to enjoy the company.

Clockwise from Upper Right: Strawberry Cream Cheese Bread & Chocolate Pound Cake; Ham, Cheese & Hash Brown Casserole; Blueberry Breakfast Bake; Easy Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Bread

We also had refreshing Green Tea & Pineapple Coolers {which I'll be sharing with you later this week} and Cream Cheese Biscuits - the only two things I didn't make ahead.

I spent a lot of time in the kitchen this weekend, but it was just a tiny fraction of the time my mom has spent going out of her way for me throughout the years. I'm grateful for her today & always!

Me & my Mama!