Just hatched duckings at the Reflecting Pool, perfect timing for Mother’s Day week
Mother’s Day might be a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less special. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate while keeping social distancing in mind, here are some ideas.
A Feast Fit for a Queen
You can’t take mom out for Mother’s Day brunch, but you can do a good take-out. These local restaurants all have special to-go menus just for the day, some even available for delivery (follow links for details on both menus and ordering deadlines):
* Masseria
* Joselito
* Zaytinya
* Bistro Bis
* Clyde’s
* Belga Cafe
* Joe’s Seafood
* Get other Mother’s Day restaurant recs here and here.
* Find more places offering takeout and delivery brunch here and others where you can get fancy takeout here.
* We usually celebrate the day with some Eastern Shore area recreation followed by a crab feast by the Bay. While we may not be able to enjoy the waterfront setting this year, we can still savor a bushel at home. Eater DC has a round-up of places offering crab takeout and delivery.
Homemade with Love
For those executing the celebration… cook for mom at home! A meal doesn’t have to come from a restaurant for it to be special, and the effort in the kitchen may just make it even more so. If you need ideas for DIY Mother’s Day menus, here are some good resources:
* Smitten Kitchen has some yummy sounding brunch and lunch dishes.
* Get all kinds of Mother’s Day cooking ideas from Bon Appétit.
* You can always rely on NY Times Cooking for great recipes, and their Mother’s Day section proves that.
Breakfast in Bed Kit
For something done at home, but with help getting the “ingredients”… The Lane Social Club has created a Mother’s Day in the Bag kit just for the day. It has everything you need to make mom feel appreciated and happy, all in one place — and it’s perfect for making last-minute look thoughtful! The kit includes champagne, orange juice, frozen croissants (yep, you can “bake” them and really impress her), vanilla Greek yogurt, granola, the just-released (and perfect for right now!) signed copy of “Mommy Didn’t Say That,” and a Mother’s Day card your kiddo can color in.
Virtual Fun & Games
Every Mother’s Day for the last few years I’ve recommended Watson Adventures’ Wizard School Scavenger Hunt, the fun and unique activity that propels you on a search throughout the National Gallery of Art with Harry Potter-inspired clues. Obviously, that can’t take place at the museum this year, but you can join the fun virtually on Sundays at 5pm (and every Saturday in May at 2pm & 4pm) — cost is $60 for a team up to 4. Watson Adventures also hosts a Family Trivia Slam on Sundays at 1pm and 4pm (and Saturdays. We’ve done the Wizard School IRL (read about it here) and Trivia online a few weeks ago (read a bit about it here), and both were a blast!
Goddesses & Heroines Story Time
Something to incorporate into the day with kiddos: A story time that celebrates women! The Freer|Sackler Gallery has invited performance storyteller Xanthe Gresham-Knight to share stories from her forthcoming book Goddesses, in which stories from around the world celebrate female characters in ancient myths and legends — some are already famous, some ready to be rediscovered. This is recommended for children ages 6 and up with adult companions. And as a companion piece to the program, the museum has created a learning lab with artworks in the collection of inspirational female figures.
Walk in the Woods
Some outdoor time in the fresh air may be more appreciated than ever this year, and since getting out for a hike is permitted during stay-at-home orders, you can hit a local trail to celebrate the day. Get ideas for places to go — the post has been updated a bit to include COVID-19 info, and it doesn’t hurt to check websites or call ahead to confirm locations can still be accessed. (PS: I always feel compelled to note that it is best to stay at home as much as possible, but if you do go for a hike, be sure to practice safe social distancing, avoid touching things, and wash hands after!)
Music to Her Ears (and Eyes)
For moms who miss going to concerts, bring one to her home at home. Lots of artists have been live streaming shows lately, bringing a much needed lift to the spirits of many. Live Nation is presenting live streams from around the globe — check to see if any faves are playing this weekend (or any other time your fam is feeling up for live music).
At the Present Time
If you’re looking for ideas of gifts to give, how about supporting local businesses at the same time? This Washington Post article has a round-up of items to buy from local shops and artisans to help make mom’s day.
In the Cards
Get some inspiration for Mother’s Day cards from the place that hosts the best card making workshops, the National Postal Museum! They’ve posted a few online videos with creative ideas, with something for all ages (maybe with a little help from adults). View them here, here, and here.
With a Cherry Tree on Top
This Mother’s Day you can celebrate your mother, grandmother, or any special person in your life, with a gift that blooms each spring and supports the care and preservation of DC’s iconic cherry trees. The Endow a Cherry Tree Campaign offers a unique opportunity to endow one of the 3,700 cherry trees on the National Mall. It is special way to honor the important people in our lives and show social connection even while we practice physical distancing.
OG Mommas
If you’re looking for ways to celebrate your mom while you can’t see her, here are some ways to make the day special and be together virtually.
