Mother’s Day is almost here—it arrived faster than expected—so I decided to host a casual brunch to celebrate. The gathering was simple but special: DIY decorations, sweet treats, and plenty of coffee. I partnered with illy and their X7.1 Sunrise Limited Edition iperEspresso Machines (available in soft pastels like mint green) to make the drinks effortless and fun.
To put together an easy, memorable Mother’s Day brunch you’ll want three things: a well-stocked food and drink station, a bright backdrop for photos, and a few small gifts or thoughtful touches. If your mom can’t make it, invite a few friends who are mothers—you’ll still get the same warm celebration.
I kept the setup approachable: make-ahead espresso icebox tart, a quick waffle bar, and a self-serve coffee station that let guests craft their own espressos, lattes, and cappuccinos. That way everyone could customize drinks and return to conversation right away.
Drinks
Create a simple drink station focused on coffee. For this brunch I used illy’s X7.1 Sunrise Limited Edition iperEspresso Machine and provided a selection of capsules so guests could choose their preferred roast. The machine includes a frothing wand for steaming milk, which makes serving cappuccinos and lattes easy and a little entertaining as guests try their hand at frothing.
Offer several capsule varieties and place the machine where everyone can access it. Provide cups, milk (dairy and non-dairy), sweeteners, and a few flavor options like vanilla or caramel syrups. Small signs explaining how to use the machine and where to find the frother help keep the line moving and make the experience stress-free.
DIY Crepe Paper Backdrop
One of the easiest and most effective decorations was a crepe paper backdrop. Tear long strips of crepe paper into narrower pieces by hand to create soft, irregular edges. Staple the strips to the wall in overlapping rows or a random pattern until you achieve the desired coverage. This project took about 30 minutes and instantly brightened the food and drink area.
The backdrop doubles as a photo booth: slide the table aside after the meal, and guests have a festive spot for pictures.
Food
My food mix included both homemade and store-bought items so preparation stayed simple. The star dessert was an espresso icebox tart made ahead of time. For the main part of the brunch I set up a Belgian waffle bar with whipped cream and a variety of toppings.
I used frozen Belgian waffles warmed in the oven—Trader Joe’s makes great ones—and most guests assumed they were homemade. Popular topping combinations included cereal for a crunchy twist and fresh strawberries with edible flowers for a pretty, spring-like option.
Espresso Icebox Tart with Meringue
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 14 ounces chocolate graham crackers
- 1 stick butter, melted, plus extra to butter the pan
- 2 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 1/2 cups cream
- 3/4 cup espresso (brewed with an iperEspresso machine)
- 10 large egg whites
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Instructions:
For the crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Butter a tart pan. Pulse the pecans and graham crackers in a food processor until finely ground, then add melted butter and pulse to combine. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the tart pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool completely before adding the filling.
For the filling: In a medium saucepan, heat the cream and espresso over medium-low until steaming—do not boil. In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch, salt, cocoa powder, egg yolks, and one cup of the sugar. Slowly pour the warm cream-espresso mixture into the egg mixture in a steady stream, whisking constantly. Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and whisk over medium-high heat until it thickens, about 10 minutes. Strain the mixture, pour into the cooled crust, and freeze overnight to set.
For the meringue: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the egg whites and lemon juice on high speed until foamy. Gradually add the remaining sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form and the sugar dissolves. Spread the meringue over the frozen tart and lightly toast the surface with a kitchen torch until golden.
DIY Tablescape
Keep the table styling relaxed and inexpensive. I used a crepe paper runner, scattered small pieces of crepe paper as confetti, and arranged a few simple vases down the center. Instead of store-bought bouquets, I clipped stems from a houseplant, painted a few leaves for a colorful touch, and placed one leaf per vase—an easy and budget-friendly centerpiece.
These small, thoughtful details create a cohesive look without a lot of time or expense.
That’s the gist of this pastel-inspired Mother’s Day brunch—easy to assemble, visually fresh, and focused on good company and great coffee. I hope it inspires a lovely celebration for the moms in your life.
GIVEAWAY
Want an illy X7.1 Sunrise Limited Edition iperEspresso Machine at home? Enter to win one (valued at $295). The winner will be able to select their preferred color. Note: giveaway terms applied at the time of the original promotion.
Photography by Amelia Tatnall and Rachel Brewer
Icebox tart recipe by Anissa Saxton
Styling by Brittni Mehlhoff
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