Mother’s Day, the Piper & Leaf Way

For our family, Mother’s Day rarely looks the same from year to year—but we’ve never let it pass without a celebration of some kind.  

While the order of events may ebb and flow, we find ourselves returning to the same cycle. Not one shaped by reservations or packed dining rooms (have you tried going to a restaurant on Mother’s Day?!), but by simple traditions that the moms in our family request time and again.

A Picnic, No Matter What 

When we were younger, we had a standing tradition: a Mother’s Day picnic downtown. It was simple and predictable in the best way: packing up mom's favorite food, finding a grassy spot, and settling in together for an enjoyable meal outside. 

As we grew up and became mothers ourselves, we quickly outgrew our downtown picnic spot. These days, the location may change from year to year, but the idea hasn’t! We still find a way to gather around a picnic, wherever that may be.  

There’s something about eating outside that naturally softens everything. And the best part? No one has a kitchen to clean afterwards! 

When the Magnolias Bloom 

Many years ago, we planted magnolia trees in the family yard. We didn’t plan it this way, but over time we noticed something that still feels a little special every year—they bloom right at Mother’s Day. The blooms show up, and we all can expect a texted photo from our dad: “It must be Mother’s Day weekend!” 

The special trees have been there throughout so many versions of Mother's Day- different ages, different stages, different kinds of celebrations. But the fact that they always choose the same weekend to bloom every year feels like an especially beautiful gift. 




A Tradition for the Girls

On the years when we can make it happen, the girls in the family sneak away for a Mother's Day trip of our own. It usually involves thrifting and antique shopping, our mom's favorite hobby that she passed down to us girls! Of course, the meal and snack shops are also meticulously planned out. We've ventured to different locations throughout the years, but Franklin, TN is a favorite. 

A Few Thoughtful Touches 

If you’re planning your own Mother’s Day this year, it doesn’t have to be extravagant to be meaningful. A few small touches can go a long way: 

Whether the day is full and lively or slow and quiet, the little details tend to be the ones that stay with you. 

A Few Mother’s Day Gift Ideas 

If the mom in your life happens to be a tea lover, we’d love to recommend some gifts to share. Here are a few ideas we tend to come back to: 

• A Boxed Tea Bundle
  A handful of her favorite blends, or maybe something new to try. Something she can reach for in the quiet moments after the day is done. 
  
  
• A Glass Gift Jar
  A couple of blends for iced tea, tucked into a basket or cooler with everything needed for an afternoon outside.
  
  
• A Tea Brew Kit
  A brew kit that comes with everything she needs to make the perfect tea at home- whether she prefers iced tea, hot tea, boba, or special-teas!
  
  
• A Classic She Already Loves
  Sometimes the best gift is simply making sure she doesn't run out of the one she reaches for most. 
  
  
• A Tea Subscription
  A tea subscription is a simple wya to enjoy artisan tea delivered regularly. Each 'Tea of the Month' delivery is a surprise, making it a fun way to discover new Piper & Leaf blends over time.
  
  
• A Moment, Not Just Tea
  Pair a new mug with a handwritten note or a simple tray setup - something that invites her to slow down and enjoy it. 

However you choose to celebrate, we hope it’s a day that feels especially meaningful for the mom in your life.