Flowers, flowers, flowers. Not sure what kinds your mother likes? Choose blooms in her favourite colors, or select the flowers she used in her wedding bouquet. Potted flowers dress up both outdoor and indoor spaces and make a lovely gift after the party.
Instead of placecards, use "vintage" (no one likes to be thought of as old!) photos of your guests and place them in decorative frames. These, too, can serve as party favors.
If your mum is the traditional type, set a formal table with nice china, cloth napkins and even finger bowls. Just fill shallow bowls with lukewarm water and add a lemon slice for this retro-fancy touch. Have a more laid-back, modern mother? Create a spa-like retreat with soft lighting, candles and bowls of fruit.
Special mothers deserve special gifts. Here are three ways to give yours a gift, and a day, to remember.
Spend the day at a paint-your-own-pottery store — Devote a whole day to painting mugs with Mum. Once the store has fired them, give her the set.
Pose for a family portrait — Whether you break out the digital camera or hire a professional photographer, she will appreciate this reminder of her special day. Present the photo to her in a nice frame.
Queen for a day — If her days are usually filled with lots of tedious tasks, make this day special. This is the day to cook, clean, fill up her car with gas, and take care of every little detail to make her day easier.
In addition to showering your mother with presents, there are lots of other fun ways to spend the day.
Brave new brunch — If you tend to celebrate over brunch, mix things up by making her a brunch picnic. Pack quiche, a green salad and chocolate-covered strawberries into a basket, and take her to her favourite scenic place.
Blast from the past — Growing up, what was your her favourite pastime? Bowling, mini golf, ping-pong, bridge, football? Relive her youth with a fun group outing.
Take a group dance lesson — Treat her to a dance class, like salsa, swing or ballroom. Contact local dance studios and schedule a group lesson for Mum and the family.
Although she will pretend to like a burnt toast breakfast, she'll really love a homemade (or semi-homemade) meal of decadent treats.
If you plan on serving breakfast or brunch, treat her to omelettes made to order, homemade granola or a baked french toast you prepare the night before.
For dinner, think lobster or coq au vin, and finish the meal with the traditional fruit cake or a real showstopper, like a rich trifle.
Bellini (serves 1)
• 1/3 cup fresh peach juice
• 2/3 cup chilled prosecco
Pour peach juice into a champagne flute. Top with prosecco.
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Non-alcoholic - Peach or apricot juice with a splash of soda and a lemon twist
| 1. | Kind and Generous / Natalie Merchant |
| 2. | Stacy's Mom / Fountains of Wayne |
| 3. | Mom / Earth, Wind and Fire |
| 4. | She's a Lady / Tom Jones |
| 5. | Family Affair / Sly and the Family Stone |
| 6. | Coat of Many Colors / Dolly Parton |
| 7. | I Am Your Child / Barry Manilow |
| 8. | She Works Hard for the Money / Donna Summer |
| 9. | Rose's Turn / Bette Midler (from Gypsy) |
| 10. | What a Wonderful World / Louis Armstrong |
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