Celebrating Mum and Dad: How to Make Parents’ Day Special with Food, Fun and Love

Parents’ Day (celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July) is the perfect excuse to show a little extra appreciation to the people who raised us, cheered us on, and probably made more sacrifices than we’ll ever know. 

This year, why not go beyond a simple card or phone call and plan a proper celebration?

Whether you fancy hosting a laid-back BBQ, treating them to a home-cooked meal, or whisking them away for a night out, here are some heart-warming ideas to help you make Parents’ Day truly unforgettable.

1. Host a Garden Party or BBQ

If the weather behaves (we are in the UK after all!), there’s nothing quite like a sunny afternoon in the garden.

Ideas:

Set up a few tables, comfy chairs, bunting and a cool drinks station.

Fire up the BBQ with crowd-pleasers like marinated chicken, veggie skewers, and halloumi burgers.

Add salads, fresh bread, and a homemade trifle or Eton mess for dessert.

Play music they love, perhaps a nostalgic playlist from their youth.

Bonus touch: Create a mini “Thank You” board where family members can pin notes or photos showing what they love about Mum and Dad.

2. Cook a Thoughtful Meal at Home

Not every celebration needs to be big. Some parents don't feel comfortable "having a fuss made over them." Sometimes the most meaningful moments are the quiet ones shared over a home-cooked dinner.

Menu Ideas:

Starter: Prawn cocktail or creamy garlic mushrooms.

Main: Roast beef and Yorkshire puds, or a rich veggie lasagne with garlic bread.

Pudding: Sticky toffee pudding, Bakewell tart or a cheese board with their favourite tipples.

Decor tip: Lay the table beautifully, with napkins, candles and maybe even a printed menu for a restaurant-style experience at home.

3. Treat Them to a Night Out

If your parents are always doing the hosting, why not give them the night off?

Options:

Book a table at their favourite local restaurant or a new place they’ve been meaning to try.

Take them to the theatre, a film, or a comedy night followed by dessert or cocktails.

Surprise them with a live music night or pub quiz, something that feels fun and different.

If you don’t live nearby, send them a gift card for a local venue and plan a future outing when you're together.

4. Add Some Personal Touches

Whatever celebration you choose, it’s the thought and effort that make it special.

Write a heartfelt letter or card telling them how much they mean to you.

Create a photo collage or memory book with funny or emotional captions.

Make a “Favourites Basket” filled with their preferred snacks, drinks, magazines or even a film night kit.

Parents’ Day is a chance to reflect on the love, strength, and support our parents have given us. It’s about honouring them, not with grand gestures necessarily, but with genuine connection, kindness and, yes, fantastic food.

So however you choose to celebrate, be it a garden gathering, a night on the town, or simply a lovingly made cottage pie, do it with intention. Let them know just how much they’re valued.

Because let’s face it: Mum and Dad deserve it.

#ParentsDay #CelebrateYourParents #FamilyFirst #BBQIdeas #ThatsFoodAndDrink

Dad's Love Fudge?

Of course Dads love fudge!

With Father's Day just around the corner why not get your father, or the father figure in your life, something truly unique and really special. 

Some genuine handmade, artisan fudge from Fudge Kitchen, crafted right here in the UK using only traditional methods and natural, sustainable ingredients.

Fudge Kitchen offers a product that's as indulgent as it is unique.

Made in the garden of England, Kent, this is fudge that your grandmother would have made, if she would have had the special Fudge Kitchen recipes!

To learn more or to order visit them at www.fudgekitchen.co.uk

Celebrating Global Day of Parents: A Special Meal or Picnic for Mum and Dad

Global Day of Parents, celebrated on June 1st, is a wonderful opportunity for children to show their appreciation and love for their parents. 

What better way to honour mum and dad than by preparing a special meal or organising a delightful picnic? Here are some ideas and tips to help make the day memorable and filled with joy.

Planning the Perfect Meal

1. Breakfast in Bed: A Classic Start

Start the day with a heartwarming gesture—breakfast in bed. This classic surprise never fails to bring a smile. Simple yet thoughtful options include:

Pancakes or Waffles: Top them with fresh fruits, syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Scrambled Eggs and Toast: Add a side of bacon or sausages for a hearty touch.

Fresh Juice or Smoothie: Blend their favourite fruits for a refreshing drink.

Make sure to include a little note expressing your love and gratitude. A beautifully set tray with flowers can add an extra special touch.

2. Lunch: A Family Affair

For lunch, consider a light and healthy meal that the whole family can enjoy together. Some easy-to-make yet delicious options are:

Quiche and Salad: A vegetable or ham and cheese quiche paired with a fresh green salad.

Sandwich Platter: Create a variety of sandwiches with different fillings—chicken, tuna, cheese, and vegetable options.

Homemade Pizza: Personalise with their favourite toppings. This can also be a fun activity to do together.

3. Dinner: A Feast to Remember

For dinner, pull out all the stops and create a feast that mum and dad will remember. Think about their favourite dishes and try to include them in the menu:

Starter: A simple soup or salad to start.

Main Course: Roast chicken or beef with all the trimmings, or a vegetarian lasagne if they prefer.

Dessert: Homemade cake, pie, or a selection of cheeses and fruits.

Organising a Picnic

If the weather is nice, why not take the celebration outdoors with a picnic? Here are some steps to ensure a perfect day out:

1. Choose a Scenic Location

Pick a spot that holds special meaning for the family or explore a new park. The location should be easily accessible and have amenities like benches, restrooms, and shaded areas.

2. Prepare a Picnic Basket

Fill the basket with a mix of homemade goodies and some store-bought favourites:

Finger Foods: Sandwiches, wraps, cheese, crackers, and a selection of fruits.

Salads: Potato salad, coleslaw, or a mixed green salad with a simple vinaigrette.

Drinks: Pack a thermos of tea or coffee, bottles of water, and perhaps some sparkling juice.

Desserts: Brownies, cookies, or a fruit tart.

3. Bring the Essentials

Don’t forget to pack:

A large blanket or blankets for sitting.

Reusable plates, cups, and cutlery.

Napkins and wet wipes for easy clean-up and some towels, too

Umbrellas if it might rain

A cooler bag to keep perishable items fresh.

4. Plan Activities

Bring along a football, frisbee, or a deck of cards for some fun family activities. Alternatively, simply enjoy the time talking, reminiscing, and taking in the surroundings.

Final Touches

No matter how you choose to celebrate, it’s the thought and effort that count. Here are a few additional tips to make the day even more special:

Personal Touches: Handwritten notes, drawings, or a small handmade gift can add a personal touch to your celebrations.

Music: Create a playlist of your parents’ favourite songs to play in the background during the meal or picnic.

Photos: Take plenty of pictures throughout the day to capture the memories.

Celebrating Global Day of Parents with a special meal or picnic is a heartfelt way to show appreciation for everything mum and dad do. With a little planning and a lot of love, you can create a day that they will cherish forever. Happy Global Day of Parents!

https://www.un.org/en/observances/parents-day

Would Your Dad Enjoy A Dram On Father's Day? Then buy him some of these!

When you want your Dad to know he is the best Dad ever, Father's Gold is the answer. This is a 700ml Cubana bottle of 10 year old Caol Ila 46% single malt whisky from Islay. This is one of Demijohn's most popular malts, with a peaty taste and a wonderful smoky hint at the finish which can be likened to burnt grass or smoked meats. Your father will love a dram of this after dinner. Priced at £69, this bottle can also have a great personal message added for free. www.demijohn.co.uk/product.php?product=GF0038DJL

If your father is more of a cheeky dad then Demijohn recommends their Bramble Scotch Whisky Liqueur. This deep red concoction of Scottish brambles (or blackberries) and Scotch Whisky has been voted amongst the top 100 liqueurs in the world with its rich, fruity taste. It is best drunk either after dinner or take in a hip flask when out walking or in need of a nip. At a very affordable price of £21.40 for this beautiful 500ml Antica it is bound to be a winner. www.demijohn.co.uk/product.php?product=GF0058DJL

For the hip, swash-buckling dad, then Spiced Rum Liqueur will go down a storm. As the basis for many cocktails, this clever blend of Demerara Rum from the Caribbean, caramel and spices, transports the drinker to palm-fringed beaches and crystal clear seas. Demijohn's latest cocktail, The Bloody Pirate, made from equal measures of Spiced Rum Liqueur and Raspberry Vodka, will give your Dad a Father's Day to remember. The Spiced Rum Liqueur is priced at £4.10/100ml. www.demijohn.co.uk/product.php?product=LQ0020DJL

Angus Ferguson from Demijohn says: "As a father myself I know how much I would appreciate receiving an interesting bottle of food or drink on Father's Day with my name on it. Our Father's Day gifts have been specially created to give your Dad something unusual and delicious, with the offer of a free message to add a personal touch if required."

The Father's Day presents are available online on www.demijohn.co.uk or from the shops in York, Edinburgh and Glasgow.