Haute Hostess Christine Chiu's Guide To Throwing The Most Fabulous Fête

My favorite Mother’s Day was during lockdown last year. We were very limited and sometimes that’s when things are the most special. It was just me, Dr. Chiu, and Baby G and they actually did everything. They put together a beautiful afternoon tea. They took out of all the China that I didn’t know I had, put it all together, made little desserts that looked lopsided but tasted delicious. Then Dr. Chiu brought out a bottle of champagne from probably like, the renaissance, it was so old. And I loved it, it was all very special.

We'll be filming Season 2 this Mother's Day, but I really want to do something for single moms. Just having my son and my husband celebrate me the way that they did last year meant the world to me. And when you have that love pouring out, you don’t really need anything else. It’s been a tough year for most people, but probably even more so for single moms who've had to juggle everything. I really couldn’t even imagine. I would love to celebrate those moms who are so brave, hardworking, and deserving of celebration and relaxation and applause. 

As for making the moms in your life feel special? Give the gift that they would feel guilty buying themselves. I think moms feel selfish getting something for their own beauty or wellness, like Botox. Why don’t we get mom a gift certificate to a wellness center or medspa, where we can invest in her looking and feeling great.

The second idea is a unique experience. I’m always more interested in experiences than things. I recommend going onto charity auction sites. A lot of times galas or charity auctions will put things on auction that are really priceless. Say a Zoom with Oprah! Or a coffee date with Jane Goodall! Or a walk-on role on her favorite soap opera! Some type of fun, unique, experience that’s irreplaceable.

And of course any type of vacation or staycation. The trick here is that it’s not money-dependent, it’s “not having to plan” dependent. So as long as dad or kids are doing all the planning and logistics, whether it’s making reservations for dinner or activities, just not having to plan anything is a gift for mom. She just has to show up and go - which is usually the luxury dads have!