If your mom loves setting a beautiful table, throwing backyard parties, or just always has a bottle of wine ready to go, this gift guide’s for her. I polled more than 50 women—friends, family, coworkers (and even the Food52 test kitchen!)—about what they’d genuinely love for Mother’s Day. If she’s the type who always has a good cheese plate, fresh flowers, and an Aperol spritz ready, you can’t go wrong with these picks.
Expect pretty platters, fancy salts, candles that smell like a garden party, and a few can’t-miss extras she’ll actually use (and brag about).
More Handmade or Experience Gifts for Moms Who Love to Host
A lot of the women I talked to said what they really want is to enjoy the party without having to plan every little detail. These thoughtful gifts take some of the work off her plate—and make celebrating even sweeter:
• Homemade simple syrups or infused liquors
• A “ready-to-host” basket (tea towels, cocktail napkins, snacks, a bottle of wine)
• Book a private wine tasting or cocktail class to go to together
• Personalized drink coasters or DIY a cheese board night
Reusable Cocktail Napkins
Schoolhouse and other home shops carry chic napkins like these that instantly elevate any snack spread or drink station.
Bud Vases
Perfect for scattering down the table or placing in unexpected spots. I love DOIY’s Bloom Vase, Bombabird’s ceramic minis, or Hawkins NY’s spherical ones. My mom always puts a bud vase in the bathroom when guests are over!
Abigail Ahern Faux Floral Stems
Not your average faux flowers—these actually look stunning in person. A total hostess move (and no watering required).
Printed Placemats
Mix-and-match patterns with garden party vibes. Especially great when they’re on sale! I’m loving all their summer and floral prints.
Aesop Resurrection Hand Wash
Yes, it’s soap. But it’s the soap. Makes any bathroom feel like a fancy hotel which is the dream for an avid host.
Fancier Disposable Plates
Trust us on this one. It’s recommended by mom who is amazing at hosting and finding the cutest stuff. Smarty Had a Party makes elevated disposables that are perfect when you want a pretty setup without all the dishes (also a great hack from my mom as well).
French at Heart: Recipes That Bring France Home Cookbook
Written by a mother-daughter duo, this cookbook doubles as a gorgeous coffee table book. I love this for the photography alone, but it also has amazing recipes (written by the founders of The Cook’s Atelier, the acclaimed cooking school in Burgundy, France).
Cheeky Syrups
Habanero hot honey, espresso, and other bold flavors she can mix into cocktails or drizzle on ice cream and yogurt. My personal favorite is the espresso, which you can also get in decaf.
Dansk Pitcher
Whether it’s lemonade, sangria, or cucumber water, this pitcher is as functional as it is beautiful. A classic design and there’s a chance your mom has vintage Dansk dinnerware to go with.
Curious Elixirs Cocktail Club
A fun, nonalcoholic twist—these pre-batched drinks come in complex flavors she’ll actually want to sip. They’re high-quality and a great option to put out for all party-goers. You can also try the indivual ones, but I think the subscription is fun.
Tequila Rose Strawberry Cream Liqueur
This pink cream liqueur is cute and totally crowd-pleasing. Perfect for summer cocktails or a cheeky dessert drink. My mom, grandma, and I had a lot of fun trying it (probably not for the tequila purists, but definitely for the fun cocktail enthusiast)
Ghia Le Fizz
Love Ghia, and everyone who I know who has tried it does (including my mom, aunt, and grandma a.k.a three mothers). What’s great about this pack is you can customize the label. It’s a great NA option, but we have also found that it’s make a great mixer.
Hand-Painted Chip & Dip Bowl
This one from Hawthorne Shoppe is such a gem. You don’t really need one, but that’s what makes it a perfect gift. Plus, every great party has some sort of chip & dip.
Bistrot Flatware
Retro-inspired, colorful, and a little unexpected. The kind of thing she’ll bring out for every summer dinner party. I also love the idea of gifting a fun or more colorful set of silverware for parties.
Love & Lemons Feel Good Food Cookbook
One of Ina Garten’s dinner party rules is to always go with simple sides. This cookbook from one of my favorite food bloggers and creators (and probably your mom’s as well) is full of dreamy recipes and that simple side inspo.
Godiva Assorted Truffles
The official truffles of moms everywhere. This iconic gold box is packed with 36 rich, dreamy chocolates—perfect for sharing at a party. I brought this to a family party recently, and watching everyone try different flavors made me realize that it’s kind of the ultimate hosting gift. Elegant, generous, and seriously delicious.
Glass Cake Stand
This beautiful cake stand from AO glass is handmade and doubles as a centerpiece. Works just as well for cakes as it does for grazing boards. Definitely a splurge, but a true handmade piece like this makes for such a great gift.
Somewhere Co. Picnic Rug
Perfect for outdoor hangs, garden parties, or backyard spreads. It rolls up easily and looks so cute. I think it would be fun to make a basket with this or plan a summer party together.
Dansk Vandvid Ceramic Platter
Durable, dreamy, and designed for sunny summer hosting. If there’s one thing I’m eyeing right now from our Shop, it’s this.
Tea Forte Sampler
For that after-dinner tea moment. Elegant, relaxing, and some of the best tea I’ve had. My family and I love to bring their winter pack out at holidays for everyone to sample, but this pack would be great for summer.
Oyster Platter
A serving piece that’s almost too pretty to cover up. Hand-painted details give this platter a breezy, beachy vibe that’s perfect for summer hosting—whether she’s serving oysters, shrimp cocktail, or just piling it high with chips and dip.
How did I come up with these?
I work in an office where I see hundreds (honestly, thousands) of kitchen and cooking samples pass through — from new releases to cult-favorite brands. I also talk to professional chefs all the time about their favorite bakeware, kitchen tools, and pantry staples, and I’ve interviewed tons of moms about what they actually want — not just what looks good online.
I’ve seen all these in person, tried all the food and drinks, flipped through the the books. Plus, I love putting together gift guides.
If you have any suggestions or want to share your go-to hosting gift, drop them in the comments — I’d love to hear!
What do you think is a great gift for someone who hosts?
