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