Plan a Perfect Mother's Day

Set a pretty brunch table on Mother's Day without a lot of fuss. Just use this budget-friendly spin on floral arrangements. Simply nestle a few roses in beds of leaf lettuce and create a showstopping effect from only a couple of elements.

Don't sweat the small -- but important -- stuff when entertaining. The daisies on the tablecloth are scrapbooking cutouts attached with glue dots. A few minutes can add a lot of detail to a simple tablecloth.

Make fruit into fun springtime shapes. Cut the ends off a melon, slice it into 1/2-inch-thick planks, then use 2-inch metal cookie cutters to cut shapes. To keep the cutouts fresh, toss with lemon juice and refrigerate for up to four hours.

Let the kids make breakfast for you! Check out this easy recipe to get kids of all ages involved in cooking a breakfast the whole family can enjoy.

Create a breakfast bar of fruit for a zesty parfait or serve it to Mom while she relaxes in bed. This simple breakfast treat is a great start for a special day.

Let Mom sleep a little later. You, on the other hand, can roll out of bed, stay in your pajamas, and make her the perfect brunch.

Pamper Mom with a classic breakfast in bed. Place a vase of her favorite springtime flowers and personalized cards on the tray to show her your love.

Head outdoors and enjoy the spring weather while you plant a family garden.

Boxes this nice won't be hidden in any closet or desk drawer. Take two coordinating papers and wrap the boxes and lids. Find a favorite photo and put it in a small metal frame from a scrapbooking store. Glue the frame on the side of the box and put in Mom's present. After the big day, she can use the boxes to store photos or mementos.

Tiny enough to hold in the palm of your hand, this mini arrangement of cut flowers blooms with cheer. Place small amounts of white and one other color acrylic enamel paints on a disposable plate. Moisten a sea sponge and wring out excess water. Dab sponge lightly in each paint color; dab onto a miniature watering can. Continue applying color in this manner until the desired look is achieved. Let dry.

Turn children's drawings into decorative plates. Scan the art and print onto water-transfer paper, available at crafts stores. Trim as closely as you can around the printed image, then place the paper in water until the decal slips easily from the backing. Position the decal on the plate and smooth out wrinkles and bubbles. When it's dry, seal the artwork with spray varnish. Note: Plates are for decorative use only.

Whether you find a special trail or you take a spin around the neighborhood, the whole family will enjoy the weather and each other's company.

Hit the swings or play catch in the park to share the special day with Mom.

Need help planning the perfect dinner for Mom? Choose from our 500 stress-free menus that include recipes, quick and easy sides and desserts, and preparation timetables.

Ask Mom what she's been craving to try, then make it for her! She'll love the surprise. (And if you can't find a new recipe to try, serve an old favorite in a surprising way.)

Don't forget to top off a great Mother's Day by doing the dishes!