How to Plan a Mother's Day Dinner at a Restaurant

Leave the work to someone else and create a memorable evening for Mom.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Mother's Day Greeting Cards
• Flowers
• chocolates

1. Determine the number of people you want to invite and how much money you want to spend.
2. Be sneaky. Discover Mom's favorite restaurant, her cuisine of choice or the place she's been itching to get to. Make a reservation.
3. Consider the type of atmosphere Mom enjoys. Select a place that fits her taste and desires. Remember, it's her night, not yours.
4. Call ahead and find out if the restaurant has planned any specials for the occasion. Do they have a fixed-price menu? Is the chef creating special selections for the evening?
5. Rent the room. If you've got a huge group of people, you may consider paying the restaurant to reserve an entire section of tables or a separate room for your guests.
6. Drive Mom to the restaurant. If you live in an urban area and Mom is accustomed to walking, join her and enjoy the stroll before and after dinner.
7. Treat Mom as your guest. Open the door for her, take her coat and offer her a cocktail or a glass of wine.
8. Smile. Be genuine and loving and you'll all have a great time.
9. Shower Mom with gifts and/or cards.
10. Make a toast. Tell your mother how much you appreciate her generosity, warmth and love. Tell her how great she is. Encourage everyone to share Mom-related stories and memories.
11. Take your time eating. Savor your food and this time with her.
12. Offer Mom an extravagant and/or healthy dessert, coffee and port.
13. Pay the check.
14. Walk arm-in-arm with Mom out of the restaurant.

Tips & Warnings

• Have fun planning the evening. Put love into your efforts.
• Make reservations well in advance. Restaurants (especially family-oriented establishments) can get very busy on Mother's Day.
• Consider sharing the tab with your siblings and/or relatives, especially if you have a large family.
• Don't blow your budget, but treat Mom like a queen every step of the way.