ODE TO MOM

Whether your mom is the type who likes to bake apple pies or the kind who makes reservations for dinner, she's done her best to prepare you for life and deserves a little bit of recognition on the day set aside to honor mothers everywhere.

Since 1914, the second Sunday in May has been designated as Mother's Day. The celebration itself can trace its origins to ancient Greece, which had a special holiday to honor Rhea, the mother of the gods.

In the United States, Julia Ward Howe, who wrote the words to "Battle Hymn of the Republic," began a campaign to honor mothers, women and peace in the 1870s as the country tried to rebuild after the Civil War. But it wasn't until the early 1900s when Anna Jarvis vowed to create a celebration to honor all mothers in memory of her own mother, who strived to improve health conditions for workers in West Virginia, that the holiday received national attention.

In 1908, a bill was presented to the Senate to establish the holiday. Although it was defeated, the following year there were celebrations in 46 states. West Virginia was the first state to adopt an official Mother's Day in 1912 and two years later President Woodrow Wilson signed a joint resolution from Congress to honor women's roles in the family.

Today, celebrations range from something as simple as a card or letting mom sleep in to elaborate brunches in her honor.

If brunch is in order, consider setting the table with an assortment of floral-patterned place settings and accent pieces, such as those provided by Bloomingdale's Home Store in an accompanying photograph. Surrounding the Tracy Porter Fleur patterned place settings are Glass Bead bowls by Ambiance, Silver Creek flatware by Reed & Barton, and Boston Green and Miss Desiree glassware by Villeroy & Boch.

For those moms who would rather entertain than be entertained, Ralph Lauren's Duke bar might be just the thing. The 1930s-inspired piece has a rosewood veneer and stainless steel accents. Special features include a removable stainless steel tray on top; three drawers, one of which has a fold-down front with a black mirror surface; and two end doors with storage shelves for beverages and glassware. The suggested retail price for the bar is $12,885; it is available at Bloomingdale's.

"You can wine and dine mom with everything from fine china, elegant crystal, home electronics or even a beautiful, soft bathrobe," said Mike Sacca, general manager of Bloomingdale's Home Store in Las Vegas, noting the store has the largest selection of luxury items under one roof as well as "personal shoppers and in-store specialists to help you select a one-of-a-kind gift."

Other options include flowers that can literally light up her life or are spun out of gold, sculptures that recreate special moments shared between a mother and child, books that offer stylish lessons and items that inspire visions of tropical vacations.

It's been said that a man is the king of his castle and that may be true. But, it's also likely that the woman will be the one decorating it. For those of you who might need some inspiration, here are a few ideas to help make your Mother's Day a memorable one.