Flowers are lovely. Boxes tied with ribbon are also lovely. But Mother’s Day, at its best, is really about time — the sort that stretches out pleasantly over lunch, theatre intervals, second pots of tea and slow walks through Chelsea streets in spring. It is less about the thing you give than the memory you make together: a shared afternoon, an indulgent dinner, a small ritual that turns an ordinary Sunday into something a little more special.

Fortunately, Sloane Street and its elegant Chelsea orbit provide endless inspiration for precisely this sort of day. Whether your mother prefers theatre or tea, flowers or facials, sushi or shopping, here are five thoughtful ways to spoil her properly.

Few experiences feel more celebratory — or more indulgent — than afternoon tea. It is, after all, a ritual designed entirely around pleasure: delicate sandwiches, warm scones, cakes that look like small works of art and the gentle encouragement to sit for a while and talk.

Chelsea excels at it. Within a few minutes’ stroll of Sloane Street you will find an entire constellation of beautiful drawing rooms and cafés serving their own interpretations of the great British tradition, each one a slightly different mood. Some lean classic — silver teapots, starched linen, impeccable scones — while others take a more playful approach.

For something playful, try Anya’s Wishing Tea at the Anya Café on Pont Street, where sculptural stands arrive laden with whimsical patisserie (raspberry caterpillar tart included) alongside classic sandwiches and scones. Elsewhere, Sir Frank’s Bar at Beaverbrook Town House offers a Sweet & Savoury Japanese Afternoon Tea of temaki, harumaki and elegant pastries; 11 Cadogan Gardens serves the tradition in classic Chelsea drawing-room style; and The Rosebery at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park remains one of London’s most polished takes on the ritual.

If your mother prefers a curtain rising to a cake stand, consider an evening out instead. Chelsea has long been one of London’s most compelling cultural corners, and this year the Royal Court Theatre celebrates its 70th anniversary with a particularly ambitious programme of new writing and landmark productions.

Just around the corner, Cadogan Hall offers something equally tempting for music lovers, with orchestras, visiting performers and concerts that range from classical to contemporary. Whether her tastes lean towards theatre or music, there is almost certainly something worth booking.

Make a night of it by arriving early for dinner on Sloane Street. Cantinetta Antinori is a perennial favourite, its Tuscan menu and warm interiors lending themselves perfectly to celebratory suppers. Or try Azzurra, whose elegant seafood dishes feel tailor-made for the sort of evening that unfolds leisurely over good conversation and excellent wine.

For mothers who appreciate precision — culinary or otherwise — the omakase experience at Fuji Grill offers something rather memorable. Begin the evening with cocktails at Sir Frank’s Bar, then move through to the counter where the chefs prepare each course in front of you.

Omakase translates loosely as “I leave it to you”, and that spirit defines the entire experience. Each dish appears at the chef’s chosen moment, revealing the best seasonal ingredients through beautifully composed bites. Make full use of the sommelier, who can suggest the perfect sake pairing to accompany every creation.

May in Chelsea brings two of the neighbourhood’s most joyful rituals: the Chelsea Flower Show and Chelsea in Bloom. Spend a morning wandering the extraordinary show gardens and take in the horticultural artistry before heading to Sloane Street for lunch — Anya Cafe, Cantinetta Antinori or Three Darlings all make excellent stops.

Afterwards, continue the floral immersion with Chelsea in Bloom, let yourselves be awed by the phenomenal fresh flower displays transforming the neighbourhood’s streets and shopfronts. This year’s theme, Out of This World, promises displays with a distinctly cosmic imagination. Add a little browsing along Sloane Street’s boutiques, and you have the makings of a rather perfect day.

For mothers who deserve to be properly indulged — which is to say, all of them — book an afternoon at one of London’s most serene urban retreats, Talise Spa within The Carlton Tower Jumeirah’s Peak Fitness Club.

Consider the Signature Talise Massage, which focuses on easing deep muscular tension, or the Rose Radiance Facial, a restorative treatment that leaves skin noticeably brighter. Afterwards, continue the celebration with afternoon tea in the hotel’s Garden Rooms. For Mother’s Day, the experience includes a limited-edition cake created in collaboration with Lebanese jewellery designer Nada Ghazal — a sculptural creation layered with orange blossom, pistachio cream and crisp cashew filo.

However you choose to celebrate, the real gift is the time spent together — ideally somewhere lovely. For more inspiration, follow @SloaneStreetSW1 on Instagram, for the latest places, events and neighbourhood discoveries worth knowing about.