A tapas-style meal made up of a variety of small, appetizer-like bites is something we tend to associate with evenings and cocktails. But we thought the same idea of small plates would lend itself perfectly to a Mother's Day brunch. So we came up with a variety of tapas ideas suitable for Mom's big day.

Easter offers an ideal opportunity to enjoy family, faith and our beautiful spring weather, especially with the plethora of activities going on around town this weekend. Events ranging from a dino egg hunt to an Easter brunch “down on the farm” provide locations and price points to suit almost everyone.

On a chilly Thursday afternoon, Desert Vista High School junior Ava Posta worked contentedly at Pomegranate Cafe in Ahwatukee Foothills, stamping pastry bags and coffee sleeves with the local cafe’s signature pink logo.

Relax with the family over a weekend Champagne brunch at the family-owned Il Vinaio Wine Bistro, where you’ll find everything from Mascarpone Crepes to Crabcakes Eggs Benedict and lots in between.

Tucked away inside a Tempe strip mall, The Crêpe Bar sizzles with a familiar yet unexpected ambiance.

The good, the bad, the kitschy. A “seasonal sweater” is one way to start a conversation at a holiday function.

If you think you’re intense about holiday decorating, wait until you see this year’s Christmas Idea House. It’s like elves on steroids attacked the place — a 7,100-square-foot Italian-inspired home in Mesa’s Las Sendas that’s been decked out with thousands of decorations, gifts and gourmet treats.

Brunchies (17 E. Boston St., Chandler [480] 899-5036). Brought to you by the folks behind Serrano’s Mexican restaurants, this downtown spot serves brunch until 2 p.m. daily. The tasty spread includes all the usual suspects — pancakes, eggs, fruit, sausage and home fries — along with a variety of soups, desserts and Mexican breakfast favorites. $

Caffe Boa (398 S. Mill Ave., Tempe [480] 968-9112). Tasty offerings at this red-brick Italian wine bar include paninis, pastas and a very tasty tiramisu. Looking for lighter fare? Boa has a nice list of tapas and flights as well as one of the best happy hours in town. $$$

Edible Exchange will host a “FarmTable Brunch” 11:30 a.m. Oct. 14 at Superstition Farm, 3440 S. Hawes Road in Mesa. The event will feature a four-course brunch from three local celebrity chefs: Matt Carter, Beau MacMillan and Aaron May.

If you boil down the concept of breaking the Yom Kippur fast to its culinary essence, two basic rules become clear - make it easy to prepare and make it easy on the stomach.

If you boil down the concept of breaking the Yom Kippur fast to its culinary essence, two basic rules become clear — make it easy to prepare and make it easy on the stomach.

Escape to the Red Rocks, where hiking, dining, cooler weather and pet-friendly things to do will give even your furry friends a little relief from the heat.

Restaurants are going to the dogs ... and the cats, and various other friends of the four-legged variety.

As Memorial Day is celebrated this weekend, it will hold different meanings for families across the nation and in the Grand Canyon State.