be mother

Pouring tea is traditionally the mother's role in a family setting.

• "Ah, here are the cakes and tea; shall I be mother?"
• "They went to a cafe and had afternoon tea. 'Shall l be mother?' Marcus said, lifting a utilitarian brown teapot, all cosied up in something that looked like a bobble hat."
• "'Be mother, will you, Charity? Teile and Letizia have a watered-down version.' So they had a pleasant tea, although Charity kept an anxious eye on the clock, keen not to outstay her welcome."

• do the honors
• mother-to-be