Is it your tradition to take Mom out for a meal on Mother's Day? This year, maybe a more casual celebration at home would be a nice change of pace.

A Simple Alternative To Taking Mom Out For Mother's Day

In a word, the answer to an easy, DIY cold buffet is "platters."

A cold lunch buffet filled with delicious, easy-to-prepare finger foods is a great way to honor Mom. These beautifully arranged platters are not only inviting, they can all be prepared in advance, freeing you up to spend the day with the person who would rather have the gift of your time than anything else.

Using vintage crystal platters and plates for your buffet arrangement will elevate the presentation even more. Intersperse the table with a few sweet nosegays or violets and you have a Mother's Day buffet fit for the truly special woman she is.

Here is a selection of platters you can put together in no time at all.

The Time-Honored Relish Tray

Everything old is new again with a selection of pickles, olives and other pickled and marinated favorites.

Deviled Eggs

A perennial favorite.

A Multi-purpose Cheese Tray

What could be better than cheese, meat, fruit, nuts and a cheese spread all in one platter? Slice, dice and arrange. Add a basket of crackers and you're set.

Hummus Platter

No modern cold buffet would be complete without hummus and its accompanying crackers and veggies.

Variety Pinwheels

Whether you call them pinwheels or roll-ups, they're perfect for a cold buffet. Fill them with your favorites.

Mini Croissant Sandwiches

Croissants add a buttery, flaky touch to your favorite chicken salad sandwich filling.

Chocolate-Mint Brownies

No Mother's Day lunch would be complete without chocolate and mints. Get both in these traditional, delectable brownies. These were all the rage in the '80's. Who couldn't love a brownie that tastes like an Andes Mint?