Chronicle’s Guide To Showing Your Mom How Much You Appreciate All She Has Done For You
Mum’s the word in May. The English idiom expressed by William Shakespeare in Henry VI reminds us May 12 is Mother’s Day. It’s the special day when you get to celebrate your first best friend and the person you turn to when you need advice.
Mothers are like glue. Even when you can’t see them, they’re still holding the family together. For most women motherhood is a joy — a least some of the time. It is the catalyst that opens new connections as well as new stresses in a woman’s relationships with her partner, siblings and friends.
The idea of honoring mothers with a special day dates from the 19th century; In 1908, Anna Jarvis led a campaign to celebrate Mother’s Day in May. In 1914 a resolution by Congress and a presidential proclamation established the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. Here’s Chronicle’s guide for showing your mother, grandmothers, sisters, aunts and friends how special they are:
Afternoon Tea
Let mom relax in style at the Brown Palace’s Traditional Afternoon Tea in the historic hotel’s legendary atrium lobby. You’ll be served tea, scones, pastries and dainty sandwiches, all artfully prepared by the hotel’s culinary staff. More: She’ll enjoy the soothing sounds of a harp or pianist playing classical, jazz and pop standards. Information 303-297-3111.
Or, take her to Mother’s Day afternoon tea at the historic Molly Brown House where she will love the savory sandwiches, sweet treats and specially blended tea, plus a chance to stop in the museum store. Information: 303-832-4092.
Dining With Mom
Mother’s Day only happens once a year so it’s best to make the most of it by bringing the family together at the Monaco Inn Restaurant. A dining experience like no other, specials include Lamb Shank, Lamb Chop & Grilled Shrimp, New York Steak & Fried Shrimp and Grilled Trout all priced under $25. The regular dinner menu is also available for mom and the family. Brunch is being served from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Information: 303-320-1104.
Mother’s Day brunches are happening all over the city. A top choice is the Dom Perignon champagne brunch at Ellyngton’s in the Brown Palace downtown known for its carving stations and seafood selections. Information: 303-297-3111. Or, dazzle your mom this year at Dazzle Restaurant & Lounge on Curtis St. with live jazz performed by the Julie Monley Quartet from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Mother’s Day. Information: 303-839-5100. Other choices are the Tavern Lowry (303-366-0007) serving a brunch buffet from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and the Del Frisco’s Grill (303-320-8529) in Cherry Creek.
Flowers
Present mom with a fragrant bouquet of freshly cut, elegantly arranged flowers. Choose from these top floral shops that can help you find the perfect arrangement for mom:
Bloom — Upscale florist offering chic floral arrangements plus accessories for mom on 3rd Ave. at University Blvd. Information: 720-941-2862.
Bouquets — Located in lower downtown, it was named one of America’s top 10 florists by Bon Appetit Magazine. Information: 303-333-5500.
Flower Power — A cozy, unfussy Wash Park neighborhood florist offering a sizable selection of flowers. Information: 303-777-6266.
Perfect Petal — Creative Highlands florist providing custom arrangements plus a boutique section with gifts for mom. Information: 303-480-0966.
Theater
Treat mom to an afternoon of exhilarating musical theatre with Sweat or Wicked at the Denver Performing Arts Complex or indulge her love for classical music during a performance of Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique at Boettcher Concert Hall also in the DCPA. Information: 303-893-4100.
Or for a hilarious comedy both you and mom will enjoy, get tickets to Noel Coward’s silly, rebellious 1925 comedy Hay Fever. It opens Mother’s Day weekend and plays at the John Hand Theater in Lowry each weekend through June 8, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Information: 303-455-7108.