She stuck all your most lurid artworks on the fridge, she proudly took your hand in public even when you’d chosen your own outfits, and she always let you lick the bowl. She thanked you — and she really meant it — when you presented her breakfast in bed with soggy toast and overly sweet tea, so show her you care with something other than bath salts this Mother’s Day.

For a feast that’ll really impress, spoil her in style with an industrial-chic high tea at Wooloomooloo’s WaterBar ($69). Be welcomed with a glass of Moët & Chandon Impérial before moving on to a delicious array of gourmet delights. Atone for soggy toast with smoked salmon and dill crème fraîche sandwiches, followed by scones fluffier than her own mother made, and satisfy her sweet tooth with a Sparkle Cupcake Tower and Max Brenner chocolate fountain. Tea Drop’s Tea Sommelier will guide you from chai to chrysanthemum, and the Groove Academy will supply the sounds.

For tea with a touch of nostalgic royalty, head to The Observatory Hotel & Royal Albert Mothers Day event at the mother of all hotel restaurants. Their fit-for-a-queen feast ($89) at Galileo Restaurant comes served up on the latest Royal Albert accessories and in grand British tradition, with sumptuous cakes and charming sandwiches tempting you from lofty three-tiered stands. $89 includes a glass of champagne and a Royal Albert gift bag, the deluxe package ($129) a teacup and saucer set with which to attempt recreating the magic at home, or give in to the ensuing sugar coma in style with an overnight mother and daughter stay ($250).

Kick off your heels and don something more sensible for Historic Houses’ Mother’s Day guided garden tour (free with museum entry). Take a turn in the gardens at Vaucluse House, put her own plights into perspective with stories of its former mistress’ struggle to bring up 10 children in the face of social ostracism and wander through the estate’s heirloom kitchen garden. Afterwards hearken back to the Vaucluse House Tearooms to indulge Mum in a beautiful breakfast, lunch or high tea (bookings required).

Start off on an even higher note at Dining With the Divas, a tribute concert featuring the best of popular opera arias from Carmen to La Boheme. This lighthearted introduction to the world of opera will raise the roof of the Verbrugghen Hall with breathtaking voices and high glamour from The 7 Sopranos, and a delicious post-performance high tea at the Sofitel gives Mum the chance to rub shoulders with the stars.   

If Mum would rather take her tea alfresco then head to Moore Park’s Entertainment Quarter for a Royal Picnic that’s light on the wallet and on the conscience. The Royal Hospital for Women Foundation will be handing out free coffee and cupcakes in exchange for a voluntary gold coin donation. Afterwards put the kids on a Pixar CARS Truck Tour and indulge in live entertainment, gourmet treats in the Market Village, a Wine Tasting Marquee and a Royal Pamper Lounge — it’s all for a good cause.