If you’ve ever tried to make Mother’s Day brunch reservations, you’re well aware that restaurants start filling up weeks in advance – if not earlier. An elegant brunch is a great way to treat your mother to a bit of well-deserved indulgence, but crowded restaurants and long waits dull the appeal. Instead, opt to create a beautiful brunch at home to celebrate Mom.

Making the effort to create a beautiful brunch event at home is a great way to show your mother just how much she means to you. It definitely takes more coordination than showing up at a restaurant, but after all the effort she put into raising you it’s a nice way to show your appreciation.

It’s a special day, so taking it beyond the average casual gathering is definitely in order. Use these tips to plan a memorable Mother’s Day event.

* Setting the scene: Don’t let yourself be outdone by restaurant decor – pay attention to every detail. Bring out table linens and give them a good airing and ironing before placing them on the table. Add some extra color and appeal to the tablescape with fresh Mother’s Day flowers. Using a service like 1-800-Flowers.com can help to save time – simply order an arrangement featuring your mother’s favorite blooms and it will arrive healthy and ready to set out on the table. To finish off an elegant table, bring out your good china and silverware and arrange them in classic table settings. Check an etiquette book for tips if you’re unsure of where each item goes.

* Menu planning: Don’t leave this all-important element to the last minute. Start by drawing up a list of your mother’s favorite flavors and food items. That will act as your menu-planning guide and you can search cookbooks and recipe sites on the Web to finalize your menu. However, keeping the menu manageable is important – select some dishes that can be partially prepared in advance to give yourself some breathing room. And keep flavor balance in mind, both across dishes and the drinks you’ll serve with them.

* Dress code: Jeans and T-shirts might work at a backyard barbecue, but a little more dignified dress is in order for Mother’s Day. You’ll likely be doing some work on the morning of the brunch, so dress accordingly – but have a pre-arranged outfit set out so that you can change quickly. Since the day is celebratory and falls in the heart of spring, wearing light tones or even bright colors is a better option than black. If possible, incorporate something your mother has given you as a gift in the past.

* Gift giving: For all the work she’s done, Mom deserves a little token of your appreciation. If she is the woman who has everything, consider giving her something that will bring a smile to a face without cluttering up her house. A bouquet of Mother’s Day flowers which she can take home with her is always a good idea. Consider adding to it with a small box of gourmet candies, a gift membership to a local museum or certificate good for a spa visit – depending on her tastes.