Duly skip the lacklustre night slippers and pyjamas as gifts; your mum deserves much better than that. Take her to Prêt-a-Portea Afternoon Tea this Wednesday and you’ll score some serious brownie points, whilst conveniently avoiding the brunt of this Sunday’s mum-pleasers.

Tea service of this calibre dictates a pleasant and plush experience and here you’ll have it with an A-reserve view of that stunning Harbour of ours. Expect a welcome glass of Taittinger champagne on arrival, before a fashion show by luxe house Escada. The traditional crust-less sandwiches, savouries and calorific sweets will be served including a specially commissioned Lady grey and choc chip muffin by Alessandro Pavoni, executive chef of harbourkitchen&bar.

If you can’t make it this week Prêt-a-Portea will be held most months this year, featuring more delectable edibles and shows from leading designers Carla Zampatti and Kenzo. Collette Dinnigan will host the couture finale.

Remember, it’s customary to use only three fingers to pick up the sweet and savouries, and keep those pinkies curled under whilst sipping your tea. We wouldn’t want to be mistaken for the “working class”, now would we?

Prêt-a-Portea Afternoon Tea

harbourkitchen&bar, Park Hyatt Sydney

7 Hickson Road, The Rocks, Sydney 2000

2.30pm, Wednesday 7 May 2008. View full 2008 programme here.