A Thankful and Thoughtful Mother's Day

– By April Miller –

Despite all that mothers do for us, there is only one day officially dedicated to celebrating them. This Mother's Day, do something special.
If you want to thank her for all those years of slaving over a hot stove:
In this economy, whisking Mom away to France might be out of the question. But brunch at La Panetière is the next best thing. From noon to 8 p.m. on May 11, the restaurant is offering a five-course prix fixe menu, with an optional wine pairing. Moms will also be presented with a box of chocolates.
Another great option for the foodie mother is a cooking class for the two of you. Some nearby options are Pacifico in Port Chester, where master chef Rafael Palomino will teach you the basics of Nuevo Latino cooking; and MacMenamin's Grill in New Rochelle, where you'll have a hard time choosing among classes like Traditional Thai, Havana Heat Wave and Taste of Italy.
If you still feel guilt for giving her premature grays:
Book mom one of two escape packages at the Ritz-Carlton Westchester in White Plains. The Special Mother's Day Overnight Package includes chocolates and champagne on arrival and only gets better from there. The Mother's Day Spa Escape offers customized spa treatments, including a facial and hour-long massage in a luxurious setting.
Closer to home is Blush Beauty Bar at 34 Purchase St. There, mom can choose among services including facials, eyebrow shaping and make-up application (perfect for moms who've been wearing the same lipstick shade since the 1970's).
If she insists she already has everything she could want:
Take mom on a day trip somewhere nearby. In New York City, start at a museum. Everywhere from the Met to the Morgan has exhibits opening this month. Finish the afternoon off with High Tea at the Plaza Hotel's newly reopened Palm Court.
For moms who love the great outdoors, consider Metro-North railroad's one-day getaways to the Hudson Valley to hike and bike.
Books make a perfect gift, even for busy moms, so Arcade Books compiled a list of new titles that would fit nicely on any shelf. Among the recommended reads are "Unaccustomed Earth" by Jhumpa Lahiri, "Audition" by Barbara Walters and "People of the Book", by Geraldine Brooks.
Because diamonds are a mom's best friend too:
Should you visit R&M Woodrow Jewelers, be sure to check out DiModolo's line of contemporary-looking earrings in 18-karat white or yellow gold. And hand-painted porcelain by the Hungarian brand Herend always makes a great gift, says Robert Woodrow, especially when the kids pick out the figurine and dad pays.
This is a great season for bracelets, says Hanni Ackerman of Hanni Fine Jewelry, who recommends any type of bracelet, from one that can be personalized for mom with a lovely engraving, up to an 18K bangle with rose cut diamonds or sapphires as shown in the photo.  Kathy Zaltas of Zaltas Gallery in Mamaroneck suggests fun, springtime colors like pink, blue and green for stones and enamel. She also encourages mixing silver and gold jewelry to keep the cost down and create a fresh look.
Skylark Jewelry carries earrings in every price range, but Copenhagen designer Julie Sandlau's line featuring a leaf motif is striking and different. And just for Mother's Day, Royal Copenhagen is 20% off.
Because flowers make every mom feel good:
Greene Willow in Rye, McArdle's Florist and Garden Center in Greenwich, and Nabel's Nurseries in White Plains offer stunning ready-made bouquets or let you choose your own blooms to present to mom.
Once you've decided on the ideal gift, pick out a Mother's Day card at the Rye Stationer or Papyrus. And don't forget to write "I Love You."