A Pretty Mother's Day Table

HOME & DECOR

May 3

Usually in our household Mother’s Day is forgotten (as is Father’s Day). If I’m lucky I might get a couple of hastily scratched out homemade cards - biro on a piece of printer paper folded over. That type of thing. The sentiment will always be lovely but quite honestly, the kids could just say these nice things to me and I’d be just as happy.

In some ways I am thankful for the lack of effort on Mother’s Day - we are a low key family and the idea of lying upstairs in bed while the kids and my husband try and pull together “breakfast in bed for Mummy”, fills me with dread. Perhaps now that they are older it would be OK, but even then, I am sure I would descend the stairs to the kitchen to find various items out on the side and a level of mess that I’d really rather not have to deal with on a Sunday morning.

Also, can we talk for a minute about eating in bed? I know it’s a movie-scene moment that’s meant to represent the ultimate in luxury and being pampered, but once I wake up, after some general scrolling on my phone, I like to get up. I don’t want to lie about in bed all morning and I really really don’t want to eat in my bed. Beds are for sleeping in. There is nothing luxurious about trying to balance a plate of scrambled eggs on your knees while still under the covers…bits of toast dusting the duvet. It just seems grotty.

On the other hand…nothing on Mother’s Day, zero acknowledgement of the efforts you are making in your biggest job ever, is also a bit sad. So, whilst it’s a “no” from me on breakfast in bed, it is a big “yes” for a prettily laid table - some fresh flowers in a jar, a gorgeous linen tablecloth, a little love and some store bought croissants - this makes for a happy Mother’s Day breakfast…at the table.

So with this in mind (and with no small hint to my husband and kids who have seen me pull this blog post together) I am giving you today my version of a lovely Mother’s Day table. It is the simplest of styling to pull together and come Sunday morning, I would be thrilled to find this waiting for me downstairs.

For breakfast I would have some fresh pastries from Culina (the coconut croissants are my favourite), our usual homemade granola with yoghurt (you can find the recipe I use here) and a coffee. That’s it. No mess in the kitchen - and delicious.

So if you too are dreading the possible “no no Mummy stay in bed, we have a suprise for you” (queue the sound of a cup of tea smashing on the floor) then can I suggest you forward this on to your other half and / or older children if they are of reading age, to give them a nudge towards a Mother’s Day breakfast that might fill you with joy.

fresh flowers in a jar, a gorgeous linen tablecloth, a little love and some store bought croissants…at the table.

My favourite kind of styling is when the finished product looks fancy, but very little effort has actually gone into it. Which is exactly what this table look is. I have intentionally kept it simple so that even the kids can have a go at recreating this look - or at least a similar one. Rather than fancy vases, use jam jars and little bottles (we often clean out jars once the contents have been used, to keep as vases).

STYLING TIPS

Use a clash of patterns. Combine a minimalistic grid pattern tablecloth with a sweet floral napkin in bright tangerine and pinks.
Elevate the everyday. Lay the table with beautiful everyday pieces that feel special. Handmade ceramic plates including this lace side plate elevate the everyday.
Keep it classic. The Sabre vintage cream handled cutlery is a classic addition to any table - but I really love it for breakfast.
Add a touch of metallic. Small brass coasters for the water glasses and little tea caddy spoons which can be used for jam, add a different material to the table look.

HOW TO…

Have the kids lay the tablecloth (no need for ironing out creases) and then place your crockery (plates, side plates, bowls) on top
Fold the napkin in thirds lengthways, and then fold it over one third of the way down and let it fall unevenly.
Place your brass coasters, glassware, cutlery and condiment dishes on the table and then get to work with the flowers.

FLOWER STYLING TIPS

Choose a palette. Go for two flowers with a medium bloom in a similar colour (I used peach carnations and pale pink tulips) then add in a pop of bright (in this case yellow Freesias) and one slightly darker shade (in this case purple Erica) to stop everything from feeling too washed out and pastel.
Variety is the spice of life. Go for flowers that have slight variations in their looks - the carnation is frilly and has a multi layered bloom, where as the tulip is simple and smooth. The yellow Freesias have a pod shape and the Erica has tiny flowers that you can use to fill in the gaps.
Size doesn’t matter. All of these blooms come on long stems - but it doesn’t mean they should stay that way. Cut them down short to go in glass jam jars on the table. Tall flowers have no place on a table if you actually feel like seeing the person on the other side. When chopping them shorter, go slowly. Start by cutting half the stem, stand it in the glass jar and then judge how much more needs to be chopped.
Keep the water clean. Make sure you strip off any leaves from the part of the stem that will be in the water.