Well friends, here we are again on the cusp of another holiday in a pandemic. This holiday also happens to my one of my personal favourites as a mother, with so many inspirational women in my life, whom I love to celebrate! As a “glass-half-full” gal, I have used the isolating events of the past year to refine my tablescaping skills and sharpen my knowledge of how to properly set the table, as it is indeed an art (if you don’t believe me, pick up a copy of Myka Meier’s “Modern Etiquette“). And how does this refinement help me? Well let’s just say I don’t need to shell out $$$ for someone else at a fancy restaurant to achieve what I, myself, can do! If you’re looking for some tips to help you set up the most charming, picturesque brunch for you and yours – look no further, I’ve got ya!
First…pick a colour scheme or theme. I LOVE bright whites in my kitchen, it rejuvenates my mood instantly and (for someone who doesn’t love to cook), it makes frying an egg bearable. That being said – I use special occasions, and most certainly “brunch” as an excuse to bring in some colour. For Mother’s Day, I recommend florals, pastel blue, mint, or light pink. The beautiful part about creating an exquisite table, is that this does not mean you need to go online and spend hundreds on new flatware, serveware etc. There are so many ways you can pull in pieces from your existing décor to complement your meal. If you begin with the essential items below, you can easily build your theme to fit…I recommend laying everything out – play around with different pieces.
THE STAPLES
- Dinner-sized plates – not moved by your existing dinnerware set? Try a cheaper (yet lasting) option: melamine!
- Appetizer-sized plates
- Water glasses or goblets
- Cutlery (fork, spoon, knife)
- Tea cups and plates
- Napkins – linen please…
- Napkin rings…here’s an opportunity to use some coloured ribbon to fit your theme/colour scheme
- Juice Carafe
- Water Pitcher
- Tablecloth and/or placemats
- Got kids? Try these guided placemats to help your littles assist in setting the table
Next…got your theme/colour scheme figured out? Perfect! Let’s pull it together with some ornaments and accompaniments. Here’s some ideas to help you tailor your table, you can customize these options to pull your masterpiece together using colour, glam, and even your outfit!
THE GARNISHES
- Flowers…the perfect finishing touch! (I recommend hydrangeas, tulips, or sunflowers)
- Tapered candles (with handle holders)
- Porcelain Salt and pepper shakers – a budget-friendly way to spruce things up!
- Card for mom placed neatly at her table setting
- Accent pillows for uncomfortable wooden chairs
- Colourful pastries – I prefer cupcakes!
- Balloons
- Banners
- Tiered serving tray
- Small plants or vases (1-3 flowers each) spread across table
Don’t forget…the food! As I noted, I don’t like to cook….to elaborate, the concept of carefully timing different dishes, cooked to perfection while served warm stresses me out. I also don’t use special occasions or holidays as an opportunity to sharpen my culinary abilities. I simply stick to what I know…and I keep it simple. Can you relate? Here’s my go-to brunch carte du jour:
THE FOOD
- Fresh fruit – I like bananas, strawberries, blackberries and blueberries
- Bacon and/or sausage
- Eggs (scrambled is easy!)
- Toast
- Pastries – I recommend streusel
- Fresh juice
- Coffee and/or tea
- Ice water
- Muffins
- Feeling fancy? Add some champagne to that OJ!
Last but not least…the presentation. Don’t worry too much about this part – Mother’s Day is all about celebrating you mama, so you do you when it comes to aesthetics. Of course, I’ll leave you with my best-loved suggestions should you choose to peruse:
THE LOOK
- Fork on the left side of the dinner plate
- Spoon/knife on the right side of the dinner plate (knife closest to the plate, blade always facing the plate)
- Napkin folded neatly under your fork
- Water glass in the upper right corner of each place setting
- Bread/bun small plate in the upper left corner of each place setting
- Coffee mug and saucer to the right of the knife and spoon
- Tapered candles on either end of the centrepiece/flower arrangement
- Serving trays and juice carafe to be placed around the centrepiece – as a general rule, I do not leave hot coffee/tea pots on the table due to reaching little hands
- Remember: only place utensils that will be used during the meal
- Optional: Flower arrangement centred in the table
Et voila! However you choose to celebrate this Mother’s Day, I hope you have a delightful day filled with good food (i.e. BRUNCH), and love. Looking to send a last minute hint to your other half? Check out Rachel’s Mother’s Day Gift Guide. Have a cherished suggestion/idea for tablescaping you don’t see above? Leave me a comment below!
