Simple Cottagecore Traditions for a Meaningful Mother’s Day
There’s something sacred about a day set aside just for mothers—those quiet, unglamorous heroines who hold up the walls of the home with love-worn hands and a heart full of dreams. In our house, Mother’s Day isn’t about store-bought bouquets or long waits at fancy brunch spots. It’s about presence over presents. Gentle gestures over grand plans. And this year, I want to share a few simple traditions you can start—ones that breathe in the spirit of Cottagecore and exhale a deep sigh of contentment.
These are traditions born of teacups, flour-dusted aprons, and sun-drenched porches. They’re tender, nostalgic, and easy to make your own—whether you’re a mama yourself, honoring the matriarchs in your life, or guiding little hands to appreciate their roots.
1. A Handwritten Letter, Tied with Ribbon
There is nothing—nothing—that speaks to the heart quite like a letter. Have your little ones write a note (or dictate if they’re still small) telling you what they love about you. Don’t worry about spelling or grammar. Raw and honest is the most beautiful. You can also write one to your own mother or grandmother, and even tuck in a wildflower or two.
Wrap each letter in twine or a velvet ribbon. Keep them in a wooden box, and year by year, you’ll collect a little time capsule of motherhood moments.
2. Host a Mother’s Day Garden Tea (Even If It’s Just You and the Kids)
This has become a favorite for me. On the Saturday before Mother’s Day, we gather thrifted teacups, floral linens, and whatever dainty treats we can pull together—shortbread cookies, strawberries with cream, cucumber sandwiches. We make iced lavender lemonade or steep a pot of Earl Grey, and we sit outside on the porch or under a shady tree.
The kids love it, and I feel celebrated without having to leave home. There’s laughter, crumbs on floral plates, and sometimes a gentle breeze that makes the whole thing feel like a dream.
3. A Morning Walk to Gather Beauty
Start the day slow. Take a barefoot (or slippered) walk around the yard or neighborhood and gather bits of beauty—fallen petals, herbs, or leaves kissed by morning dew. Place them in a thrifted basket or mason jar. It’s a grounding ritual, a way to say, “I’m here. I’m present. I’m grateful.”
I press a few of them into my journal later, alongside a line or two about what I’m feeling. Motherhood moves fast. This slows it all down.
4. Thrift or Gift Something With a Story
Rather than a big-ticket item, I love gifting or receiving something with character. One year, I gave my mom a vintage embroidered hankie I’d found at a church rummage sale. Another year, my daughter picked a floral brooch from a yard sale and said, “It looks like you.”
It doesn’t have to cost more than a few dollars. The magic is in the story it tells.
5. Bake Something You Learned From Your Mother
Whether it’s your mother’s banana bread or your grandmother’s biscuit recipe scribbled on a faded index card, take time to bake it. Let the kitchen fill with the smells of legacy. If your mother or grandmother is still around, call her while you bake. Let her talk you through it like old times.
If you’re the matriarch now, pass down your recipe to your kids—let them measure and stir. Even if flour ends up on the ceiling, that’s a memory sealed in love. If you don't have any recipes, These Dunkin’ Cookies are the best, try the recipe here!
6. Create a “Mother’s Day Shelf” in Your Home
This is such a sweet tradition—just a small shelf or tabletop you decorate with cherished things: a photo of you and your mom, a drawing your child made, a few old books, dried roses, and a candle. It becomes a quiet corner where you can reflect and be reminded that you are loved and part of a beautiful line of women who’ve poured themselves out with joy.
7. Set a Time to Simply Be
At some point in the day, I like to step away from the noise. I sit on my front porch with tea in hand and no agenda. I close my eyes. I listen to the wind and the birds and the laughter in the house. I remind myself that these are the golden days.
What Truly Matters
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent most Mother’s Days putting others first. But this year, I encourage you to let the day be slow, sweet, and rooted in what truly matters. Let it reflect the values of Cottagecore: simplicity, intention, and beauty in the everyday.
Whether you’re celebrated by a crowd or sitting solo in your garden with a thrifted mug of tea, you are seen. You are loved. And you are doing a sacred, lovely work.
Happy Mother’s Day, from my cottage to yours
Brooke
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Welcome to my cozy corner of the internet! I’m Brooke, and I’m so thrilled you’re here. As a homeschool mom and a lover of all things Cottagecore, I’ve built a life that’s all about creating warmth, charm, and simplicity—and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Cottagecore, for me, is about slowing down and embracing the beauty of intentional living—finding joy in baking fresh bread, tending a garden, or savoring a quiet moment with a cup of tea by a sunny window. It’s about blending the rustic charm of Cottagecore with the refined elegance of French Country style to create a life that feels both beautiful and attainable.
One of my greatest passions is curating unique, timeless treasures that reflect this way of life. Whether it’s a vintage find, a sustainable piece, or a handmade item with a story to tell, I love sharing these special discoveries with you. And now, you can shop these carefully chosen pieces right here! Each item is selected with love, bringing charm, sustainability, and elegance into your home and wardrobe.
This little community of like-minded women makes everything even sweeter. I’m so excited to connect, inspire, and celebrate the magic of Cottagecore together. Thank you for stopping by—it means the world to me. Let’s embrace a simpler, more beautiful life, one lovely find at a time!
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