Mother’s Day brunch checklist: what to arrange and when

A Mother’s Day brunch usually combines advance planning with a busy final morning. Confirm the guest count and dietary requirements before ordering catering or buying fresh food. On the day, keep chilled items in the fridge, prepare salads and dishes in stages, and set up the buffet, coffee and tea station before guests arrive. This checklist helps you work through the arrangements in a sensible order, including the details that are easy to leave too late.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Send invitations
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Determine the final number of guests
Check the shopping list
Place catering order
Confirm reservation
Check the weather forecast
Do the shopping
2 people
Collect fresh produce
Store chilled products in the fridge
Wash the vegetables and fruit
2 people
Fill bread baskets
2 people
Prepare salads
2 people
Prepare savory dishes
2 people
Prepare sweet dishes
2 people
Set up the coffee and tea station
Chill drinks
Set up tables
3 people
Set up chairs
2 people
Set the tables
3 people
Hang decorations
2 people
Set up buffet
3 people
Set up music

Event

Guest reception
2 people
Open the brunch buffet
2 people
Serve guests
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Restock the buffet
2 people
Serve cake and fruit
2 people
Clear away dishes
2 people
See guests off
2 people

Aftercare

Pack food safely
2 people
Collect waste
2 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clean the kitchen
2 people
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
Remove decorations
2 people
Clean the room
2 people
Check materials
Return borrowed materials

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 32
Buffet tableqty 2
Stoolsqty 4

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 36
Breakfast platesqty 36
Coffee cupsqty 36
Water glassesqty 40
Wine glassesqty 36
Knivesqty 36
Forksqty 36
Spoonsqty 36
Cake serversqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 8
Bread basketsqty 4
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving trays with lidsqty 4
Carafesqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 2
Serving tongsqty 6
Aluminum foilqty 2

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Food warmersqty 4
Bluetooth speaker

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Napkinsqty 60
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Buntingqty 2
Tealight holdersqty 12

Lighting

String lightsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3
Bucketsqty 2
Spongesqty 6
Microfiber clothsqty 10

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set a firm RSVP deadline at least 7 days before brunch. Use the final guest count to check your catering order, seating, plates, cups and glasses rather than estimating on the morning.
Ask about allergies and dietary requirements with the invitation, then confirm the answers before placing the catering order. Keep a written list where the person preparing or serving the food can see it.
Buy fresh fruit, vegetables and other chilled products as close to the event as practical, ideally the day before. Wash produce only when you have time to dry and store it properly, so it is ready for salads and serving.
Finish the buffet layout before guests arrive: place serving platters, tongs, spoons, bread baskets and cake servers where they will be used. Set out the coffee and tea station separately so it does not create a queue at the food table.
Check the weather forecast the day before, even if the brunch is planned indoors. It can affect guest arrival, seating and whether tables, chairs or decorations need to be moved or protected.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a Mother’s Day brunch?: Send invitations around 3 to 4 weeks before the brunch and set an RSVP deadline at least 7 days before it. Use the final number of guests to confirm the reservation, catering and table setup.
When should I order catering for Mother’s Day brunch?: Place the catering order after registrations and dietary requirements are confirmed, preferably 7 to 14 days before the event. Reconfirm the order and delivery or collection details 2 to 3 days beforehand.
What should I prepare the day before a Mother’s Day brunch?: Do the main shopping, collect fresh produce, chill drinks and store refrigerated products in the fridge. You can also prepare salads or other dishes that keep well, while leaving final plating and bread filling for the event day.
How many plates and glasses do I need for a brunch?: Plan at least one dinner or breakfast plate, one water glass and one coffee cup per guest, plus 10 to 20% extra for breakage or replacements. Add wine glasses only if wine is being served, and check that serving platters and utensils cover every dish.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.