Top Ideas for Mother's Day 2015 - Sydney

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Mother's Day - a celebration that began in the United States in the early 20th century with a lady, by the name of Anna Jarvis, campaigning for a holiday recognising and honouring the work mothers do in their daily lives for their family and society. It was quickly adopted by other countries and cultures but can mean different things and be on different dates. In the Roman Catholic Church it is strongly associated with revering the Virgin Mary and in Bolivia it is a commemoration of the Battle of La Coronilla where women fighting for the country's independence were slaughtered by the Spanish Army.



Mums, they do so much for us that it should be Mother's Day every day but the second Sunday in May has been designated as the official day (in most countries) to acknowledge them. It is about sentiment, expressing love and thanks. It can be a written letter or something you've made. It is the thought behind what you do that counts.

Chrysanthemums are the traditional flower given on this day largely because they are in season in May and also because the word ends in 'mum' but really all flowers are beautiful symbols. Chocolates are another favourite as well as breakfast in bed but these days there are many more options for things to do for your mum on Mother's Day.



Here's a list of ideas to get you thinking.
Fruit Hampers and Gift Baskets

A number of companies offer these and if you're pressed for time you can order online and have them delivered. They're great if you live away from your mum and are unable to visit.

Edible Hampers have a range of products from tin buckets of chocolates at $39 to popular wine and cheese hampers at $125 whilst their parent company, Edible Blooms, do chocolate strawberry flowers and bouquets in pots, topiary trees, cake pops, cookie bouquets and more.



If you want a healthy option then consider a fruit hamper from igiftfruithampers . A delightful wooden box full of fruit is something different. You can also pair the fruit with some chocolate decadence, a teddy bear or a bottle of bubbly. Prices start from $59.



Tall Ship Cruise

Cruise magnificent Sydney on an 1850's style tall ship and discover some history and tales whilst enjoying a meal, a glass of bubbly and entertainment from the crew. Live music and DJ's are options for special celebrations.

Perhaps help hoist the sails or even the steer the ship. Sydney Tall Ships offers a variety of brunch, lunch and dinner cruises to choose from with departure from Campbell's Cove at The Rocks. There are possibilities to stop off and do a treasure hunt on an island or maybe try the laser clay shooting.



A range of menus from $39 are available, depending on what you fancy. A Buccaneer's BBQ, a Champagne Brunch and a Seafood Extravaganza are some, among others, in a variety to cater for most.

Workshops

If you mum likes learning new things then why not try a fun workshop combined with lunch or a high tea. Here's a couple I found -

The Flower Era has a floral bouquet making workshop on at the Nest Creative Space in Alexandria with lunch on Mother's Day from 10am-1pm where you learn tricks of the trade and how to care for blooms at home. All materials are supplied and you take home your own hand-tied creation. Full details at www.theflowerera.com.au .

Nearby at Kensington, artist and crafter Melissa Carey is running a candle making class served with high tea. You learn how to make candles using vintage glass and Eco-Soy wax as well as advice on pouring and measurements. Take home new skills and three enviro-friendly candles you create. Classes are aimed at beginners with no experience needed. All materials are provided.



But that's not all. There's a relaxing and rejuvenating 75 minute yoga session included with Nikipi, a renowned husband and wife team teaching a down to earth approach infusing sound anatomical alignment, creative and intelligent sequencing, and supporting assists. This is suitable for all levels and persons 16 years and over.

Finish off with your afternoon herbal teas and sweet treats. This all happens the day before Mother's Day on the Saturday and is great for mothers and daughters or friends to catch up, leaving Sunday for the whole family. Cost is $150 and it's on from 1-4pm. Bookings essential with further info at www.melissacarey.com.au.

High Teas

High teas are very popular and a variety of venues offer delicious bites to eat along with coffee or tea and even cocktails. Bookings are essential on Mother's Day.

The Victoria Room at Darlinghurst - be greeted by a flute of sparkling wine and tiers of decadent sweets, dainty sandwiches and scones in this inner city cocktail bar and restaurant. Immerse yourself in the Victorian era with high backed chairs, luxurious lounges and chandeliers. Mother's Day will see live entertainment and a surprise or two.

The Boronia Tea Room at Mosman - a mansion with a beautiful colonial veranda where you can wander the tranquil gardens after you indulge in a special Mother's Day Full High Tea. Available on both the Saturday and Sunday, a glass of bubbly on arrival is included as well as a gift certificate for a standard high tea that can be redeemed anytime throughout 2015. Pre-payment will be required when booking.



The Westin in Martin Place - this deluxe hotel in the heart of the city is offering two different afternoon teas in The Bar. There's the Mad Hatter Tea with an Alice in Wonderland-inspired theme and the Heritage Tea, both paired with a flute of R de Ruinart Champagne.

The Tea Room, Queen Victoria Building - dine in flair in the restaurant of the original Grand Ballroom of this spectacular heritage building with chandeliers hanging from high ceilings, plush chairs and a light, airy atmosphere. Fluffy pastries and tasty sandwiches, scones and sweet treats will gracefully be served on classic Royal Albert china with authentic British silverware. Perhaps a spot of shopping too, either before an afternoon tea or after the morning tea.

A bit further afield in Pokolbin, the Hunter Valley Gardens are having a Mother's Day High Tea in their Garden Terrace restaurant which overlooks the Oriental Garden. Combine the high tea with a walk around the ten themed gardens and it makes for a nice day out.

In a different direction, Lilianfels at Katoomba has a high tea where you can get your tea leaves read. They also have a day spa onsite. Both would be a nice treat for mum. Over at the refurbished Hydro Majestic at Medlow Bath in the Blue Mountains is a high tea in the Wintergarden with views overlooking the majestic Megalong Valley. Plush elegance awaits with charming artworks and a fireplace. Another option at the Hydro is a lunch time concert, Simply Sinatra, featuring Tom Burlinson (The Man from Snowy River) singing 'Ol Blue Eyes' hits celebrating his career. The lunch begins at 12pm and the concert follows at 3pm.

The best Mother's Day doesn't necessarily have to involve expensive or elaborate planning. It could be a simple picnic in the park or on the beach. For younger children, most primary schools have Mother's Day stalls where parents donate items to be sold on the Friday. They even wrap the gifts for the kids. This was my favourite time when my son was given $5-10 and used to buy that little present of something he chose. It was always special unwrapping it. You never knew what you would get and it was interesting to find out what he had picked. I got some fabulous little candles and decorative notepads as well as an unusual green rose, which I still have and will treasure forever.

Have a Happy Mother's Day wherever you are and whatever you do.

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