I love May (and I know today is still technically April, but since tomorrow is May 1st, indulge me). You get all of the perks of summertime-feeling weather without the insane heat that comes in, say, August. Long, lazy lunches outside. Family walks after dinner, the girls in their sweet nightgowns, hair wet from the bath but it doesn’t matter because the air outside is lovely. The garden is happy, the trees are leafy. It’s wonderful!
This is probably fodder for another newsletter, but my inbox is filling up with gentle suggestions to opt out of Mother’s Day emails. I understand it, I do. “Mother” is a highly charged word for some people. And a greeting-card holiday should not force anyone to confront their deepest wounds. But I don’t remember seeing all of these careful emails around Father’s Day last year. What is that about?? I miss my dad terribly, but I don’t begrudge others for buying grill tools and speciality knives in celebration of the guys in their life. I don’t have some greater thought here, just something that’s struck me as these emails come in.
I’m also mentioning it because this month’s wine is a rosé that feels exactly right for both May and Mother’s Day. So my rosé-themed roundup is a collection of things that I think my mom would love. Maybe yours would too.
I am also on a budget!! Before we get to the roundup, here are some excellent free — or at least inexpensive — ideas to show the mom figure in your life some love.
A playlist! My mom still listens to CDs I made her years ago. And is there anything better than a custom mix of songs that say, “I really thought of you?”
If you live close by, make her dinner. Such a beautiful gesture with the added bonus of spending time together around the table. Might I suggest something from Samin Nostrat? If you don’t live nearby, why not deliver her favorite food to her doorstep.
A photo book. The soft covered versions are inexpensive, it’s simply a matter of organizing your photos and uploading them. We have gifted many over the years and they are always a slam dunk.
More suggestions if you live close to one another: A walk. A park picnic. A trip to the local ice cream store for two scoops in a waffle cone.
Onto the wine!
2023 Monarch Challenge RAEN Winery Rosé
Organically farmed coastal Pinot Noir and old vine Grenache make vibrant companions in this lifted Rosé from RAEN Winery. Like biting into sun-soaked stone fruit and peeling the rind from citrus. Full of minerality and racy acidity, this is a supremely delightful wine. What’s more, the proceeds are donated to organizations dedicated to protecting our planet and supporting biodiversity in vineyards and surrounding farmland. What’s not to love??
Raising a glass to the ultimate mama. I’m looking at you, Mother Earth. Find it here!
The Pairings
You can’t go wrong with a bouquet of delicate, ruffly, elegant roses. Grace Rose Farm Juliet Bouquet $124
I’m a sucker for everything Matilda Goad touches and this wavy bath caddy is no exception. One of those things you would never buy for yourself, but it would make her long soaks extra luxurious. Matilda Goad Wavy Bath Caddy £175
How much fun is this tulip candle holder?? Quirky in the best possible way. I would love this on my table. Laetitia Rouget Tulip Candleholder $165
This book is such a delight! Funny and immensely entertaining, it feels like the perfect book to share with Mom. Lauren comes home one day to find her husband waiting for her — only she’s not married. When he goes up to the attic to change a lightbulb a new husband emerges. Each time her magic attic produces a new husband her life alters slightly. A kind of elaborate Sliding Doors as Lauren tries to figure out when to stop swapping husbands in search of the perfect guy and when to start living. The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
I bought this robe for myself a few months ago and have zero regrets. It is the perfect lightweight robe for warmer months in a pattern that makes me feel fun and sophisticated at the same time. It’s currently available as a final sale and it would make an excellent Mother’s Day gift. Apiece Apart Robe $115
This is an over-the-top piece for an over-the-top price, but a girl can dream. How incredible would it be to have this hand-engraved with a sweet drawing or a little message from my babies?? An heirloom piece that I would never, ever take off. Jenna Katz Canvas Coin $4,650
I don’t know who wouldn’t want this absolutely perfect buttoned-down, now in a slightly longer silhouette that practically screams Meryl Streep in It’s Complicated or Oprah in her garden holding a giant basket of tomatoes. For sizing, I like to go up one for a little extra volume. AYR Deeper End $195
I love the elevated take on old school Vans and needed a slip-on shoe (mainly to give my favorite clogs a break). Ooh baby are these comfy!! They are perfect for weekend soccer games and trips to the farmers market. They also happen to be my mom’s favorite sneaker style and would be a super sweet treat for her. Birdies The Swift $130
I have included this face oil before but I love it so much and feel like my skin is healthier and more hydrated than ever. It would make for a decadent, indulgent gift. U Beauty Super Intensive Face Oil $188
I have and love this hat and my mom was just commenting on how great it is. Would be an unexpected and delightful gift. Lack of Color Vista $148
Rosé all (Mother’s) day.
A ruffly, pinky, citrusy, beachy moodboard for Mama.
I love this post so much! That Rosé looks gorgeous! And I can't wait to read Husbands.