A ROMANTIC MOTHER’S DAY TABLESCAPE

The varying hues of pink in this Mother’s Day setting are sweet and a bit romantic. From the salad plates and taper candles to the centerpiece’s flowers and glass-beads, this setting thoughtfully plays with subtle continuity of color. As I wanted the unique floral, pink salad plates to take center stage, I chose a very simple backdrop—a white linen tablecloth and a simple, woven table mat.

Did you know that there are certain guidelines to choosing tablecloths? Obviously, you need to consider table type: round or rectangular. But beyond the geometrics, it’s important to choose a tablecloth that matches the occasion. For example, formal settings require a drop of 15 inches to reflect elegance and formality while more casual events allow for a drop of just 6-8 inches. I chose a 15-inch drop to mirror the importance of the day and honor those who were celebrated.

There are a couple of other design choices in this setting that are intimately connected to my guests’ experience at the table. First, the centerpiece. The table’s centerpiece, composed of a floral arrangement and succession of tapered candles, is stunning but could interfere with conversation once everyone is seated. That’s perfectly fine! You don’t need to sacrifice extravagance for practically as you can always choose to interact with your setting throughout the night! This particular setting serves as a great conversation starter when guests first gather; but when dinner begins, the host can graciously move it to the sideboard. With the centerpiece’s beauty relocated instead of entirely removed, it still remains present within the night’s celebration.

Finally, I cannot emphasize enough how much I love menus. Menus have such power to transform a guest’s experience, and in reality, menus should always be found on formal tables—historically, they have! Nowadays, you can find an endless selection of editable templates on Etsy. You only need a printer and card stock. Personally, I like to keep a full stock of pure white card paper in my craft room. Though simple, menus elevate the tone of the dinner party and make your guests feel appreciated.