A “Happy Mother’s Day Table” for Those Who “mother” with Love

My YouTube Video for

“Mom Means Love” Tablescape

Happy Mother’s Day!!

A Tablescape for All the “Mothers” in our Lives

I have been planning this table for a long time, and am so happy to finally get to share it!!! I wanted this table to honor all the “mothers” in our lives – whether they are moms, step-moms, foster moms, mother-in-laws, or special friends or relatives who have blessed us by “mothering” us with love. Sadly, my own mom, who was an absolutely wonderful mom, passed away almost 3 decades ago, so I cannot celebrate with her “in person”. However, I am looking forward to making up for that with lots of heavenly celebrations in the future! Happily, I will get to celebrate with my son this year, and I’m greatly looking forward to that! He has promised to cook this year, as he has done in most of our recent celebrations! So in addition to getting to visit with him, which is always special, I will also get a gourmet meal, as cooking is one of his gifts (and, before you ask, it was not inherited from his mother).

Will you be celebrating Mother’s Day this year? What are your plans? Who are the “moms” you celebrate with, and who are the ones you will be remembering with a thankful heart?

Also, I just wanted to mention, if you are not hosting Mother’s day for your family this year, this table and the “Mom Means Love” plates will work equally as well for Mom’s Birthday!

The Featured Plate

I first saw this “Mom Means Love” plate on eBay when I was looking for other tablescape items, and decided I wanted to build a tablescape around it. It was sold as a plate or a wall hanging, and the back contains holes for picture hanging wire, but I thought it would be beautiful on a table. These plates are marked “Omnibus” which is a division of Fitz and Floyd. It has taken me a few years of intermittent searches on eBay and Etsy to get the number of plates I wanted.

As this plate has a raised design, I don’t plan to use it to serve anything that needs to be cut but rather I will likely use it as a bread/roll plate. Some of these specially designed decorative plates are not safe to use due to the paint or dyes, but this one is not marked “not for food use” so I have decided to assume it will be OK.

I love the old-fashioned sewing sampler look of this plate, and that it is heart shaped.

Planning the Tablescape

I originally envisioned using the “Mom means Love” plates with the Bordallo Leaf Chargers I have, but I wasn’t sure what dinner plates to use. However, as I was searching for some plates on Amazon, I came across a set of purple dishes, that were on clearance and being sold for a very reasonable price ($39.99 for a 16 piece set). I decided to purchase them for a Mardi Gras table I was making, and when they arrived I was thrilled to see that they would go perfectly with my Mother’s day plates too.

Yesterday, I got a couple of alternative plates out to see what looked best with the new pink tablecloth and napkins.

I liked both looks above, but they made me realize that ideally I would like to use both ivory and green colors in my tablescape with the pink and purple, so I tried the below, and decided to go with that. I like how the green coordinates with the leaves in the flower arrangement. I’m also a fan of the “pierced” chargers. (They were a one time find on eBay, but I would absolutely love to find more of them.)

Of the above three plate stacks, which one to you like the best? Is there one you think I should go with next year?

The Plate Stack

The plate stack consists of the following.

A Pier 1 leaf placemat is the first item in the plate stack. It is followed by a Cream/ivory colored charger (aka reticulated charger) from eBay. The dinner plate is from the purple dinnerware set (Elama Embossed) that I purchased on Amazon. The featured plate – “Mom Means Love” by Omnibus/Fitz and Floyd 1996 is on the top of the stack.

Napkin Rings

I chose some purple and pink flower napkin rings from my Pia/Philippines collection. They were purchased from eBay and Etsy. I alternated the pink and purple napkin rings around the table.

I use the Pia/Philippines napkin rings often. Most recently they were used in the tablescape “A Special Spring Table for Someone Special” Post, which shows others in my flower napkin ring collection.

A Special Spring Table for Someone Special

Candles and Candle Holders

For centerpieces, I decided to use my new-to-me vintage Imperial Crystal Double Heart candlesticks. These are depression uranium glass, and I love the way their heart shape compliments the featured “mom plate”.

Note: Uranium glass is radioactive in varying degrees. I have made a personal decision to use some uranium glass items but with caution. For more about this topic, please see my Valentine’s Post, which contains depression glass as well, and if you have any input you would like to share on this subject, I would love to read your comments.

“Will you Be My Valentine?” Romantic Valentine’s Day Tablescape

The “Candles” are Moving Flame (aka Moving Wick) tapers from Amazon. As some of you may be aware, our family switched to almost all battery operated candles after 2 friends our age started home fires by leaving candles lit. Fortunately neither of them were hurt, but we decided to use the realistic “moving wick” tapers and pillars wherever possible. We like that the only cost for forgetting to turn them off is the need to purchase additional batteries. An added benefit is that they don’t have to be replaced because their height has burned down. I have had some challenges finding the tapers in various colors, at a reasonable price, but I am very happy with these new pink and purple ones. (scroll to bottom of post for “Table Details and Origins” if you are interested in the purchasing information. Also, please note the white bases in these. If this bothers you, you may prefer the more expensive Luminara brand which usually has bases the color of the taper itself. )

I love the tapers with a remote – as the remote is so much easier to use than the on/off button on the bottom of the candle base. If you turn that candle base button on when setting up, from that point on you should be able to control them with the remote. However, you may notice that the tapers often go “off” a little harder than they go “on”. It seems there is a “magic” spot on the taper to aim the remote at – but once you find that spot – they work really well.

Flowers and Vase

The “vase” used on the table has a bit of a story. I purchased it at a local thrift shop that was dimly lit. It has 2 pieces (see photos below) which I thought was rather cool as it gives you a shorter vase or a taller vase, depending on whether you use the base or not. However, when I got home from the store, I noticed that the “vase” has a hole in the bottom, because it is actually a hurricane type candle holder and not a vase at all. It was rather shocking to realize I hadn’t even seen that hole when I was in the store. But that said, I decided to use it as a vase anyway as I am using silk flowers for this tablescape, so the hole in the bottom doesn’t matter.

I arranged some silk hydrangeas in the “vase” in various shades of purple and pink. The hydrangeas were purchased from Hobby Lobby and Michaels this year.

Have you ever purchased something at a vintage shop that did not turn out as expected. Have you ever seen something at a vintage/antique shop that you had no idea what it was? Recently I went to some great vintage shops and took some pics while I shopped. I photographed things that I used as a child but that today’s kids and young adults may have never seen. It was fun to ask some of my younger family members what they thought it was and how it worked. It surprised me to realize that an old fashioned metal ice cube tray is as puzzling to operate for today’s youth, as a butter churn was to my generation.

Wishing You a Wonderful Mother’s Day!!!

Addendum

The day I finished photographing the table, and writing my post, and the day that marked the beginning of Mother’s Day weekend, I looked out the window and saw a Momma Mallard duck, leading her seven very young ducklings in the lake, swimming past our dining room window and our dock. This was the first time this Spring that I have seen such young ducklings on our side of the lake. What a welcome sight, and so appropriate for Mother’s Day Weekend!!!

Table Details and Origins 

for 

A “Happy Mother’s Day Table”

for 

Those Who “mother” with Love 

Imperial Double Heart Candle Holders – eBay

Purple Elama Embossed Dinnerware – Amazon

Leaf Placemats – Pier 1 (back in the day – before Pier 1 stores closed)

Oneida Community Golden Affection – discontinued pattern sometimes available on eBay

Acrylic Purple Goblets – Homegoods (in 2022) 

Incredle Moving Flame Lavender Tapers – Amazon 

Incredle Moving Flame Pink Tapers – Amazon 

Silk Hydrangea flowers – Michaels’ and Hobby Lobby (in 2023)

Vase/ Hurricane Candle Holder – Local Thrift Store 

Chargers – eBay – Ivory Reticulated/Pierced Charger 

Assorted Flower Napkin Rings – eBay – search suggestions “Pia napkin rings” Philippines Napkin Rings” “Bone China flower napkin rings”

“Mom Means Love” Omnibus/Fitz and Floyd 1996 plates – eBay and Etsy – search “omnibus Mother’s day plate” “Omnibus mom means love plate” “Fitz and Floyd Mother’s Day Plate” “Fitz Floyd Mom means love plate” “omnibus China 1996 plate”

Saro lifestyle pink Tablecloth With Hemstitched Border Design – Overstock 

Saro Lifestyle Pink Napkins with Hemstiched Border Design – Overstock 

Lit Raz Imports Birch Tree with colored lights – Amazon 

Posts I Hope You Will Like

If you are looking for a fun post, I hope you will check out the following post for my puppies first birthday, first party, and first “pup-cakes”.

Two fun Tablescapes for My Puppy’s 1st Birthday – one for Our People Friends and One for Our Dog Friends!!

If you enjoyed the view out of the window in this post, you may enjoy the following two Sunset Posts.

A Glorious Sunset on the Lake – April 15, 2023

If you enjoyed the Mother’s Day Post, you may also enjoy the following tablescapes with a flower theme

Frolicking Fitz and Floyd Bunnies Fill our Easter Tablescape with Fun and Flowers

A Special Spring Table for Someone Special

Hummingbird Tablescape for Fall and Spring

April Showers Bring May Flowers!! But Do They Also Bring Ducks with Umbrellas????

Peter Rabbit Happily Hops into our Easter Tablescape

Link Parties

Following is a list of websites I really like!  They are listed under the day of the week where they also host a Family Friendly “Link Parties” aka “Blog Hops”.

If you click on the name of the blog (in blue) on the evening of the day of the week they are listed under, it should take you to the Link Party, where many bloggers have joined with them to share their own ideas.  I love how the link parties connect you with both a great blog, and other blogger’s ideas as well!  Many thanks to all these bloggers for bringing so many ideas to all of us!!! 

You can actually find these link parties any day of the week, by clicking on the website name below, but once you click, you may need to scroll thru a few entries to find the link party you are looking for. 

Sunday 

Life as a Leo wife (Nikki), Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly),  Décor Craft Design (Mel) ,A Labour of Life (Linda),  Ducks ‘n a Row (Sinea),  Love My Messy Messy Mess (Katie)   host “Happiness is Homemade” Link Party.  I love checking out the home decor, holiday decorations and current projects of all the hostesses as well as the ideas from their link party ! 

Life and Linda hosts “Love Your Creativity Link Party”.  I love checking out Linda’s gorgeous holiday decorations and tablescapes, and her chandelier decorations are a beautiful finishing touch!!

The House on Silverado  hosts – “Sundays on Silverado” link party. I am fairly new to Niky’s site but am loving her holiday decorating and her new grandma stories!!

Ridge Haven Homestead  – “Sunday Sunshine” Blog Hop.  In addition to the blog hop, I am enjoying reading about Laurie’s homestead, the “off the grid” lifestyle they are living and the cabin they are building. 

April J Harris – hosts Hearth and Soul Link Party monthly on the first Sunday of the month. I am enjoying reading about April’s traveling adventures, as well as her projects at home!  

Monday

Life Tales Books Blogspot  hosts Will Blog for Comments Link Party. Jennifer is a Photos and Story Treasures Consultant, and I am enjoying her ideas on photos and memory books, as well as her link party!  

Holly-Pink Lady(Holly) and Sunshine and books blog (Sarah) host “Hello Monday Link Party”. In addition to the link party, I am enjoying Sarah’s book recommendations, and Holly’s recipes and party ideas.  

Between Naps on the Porch hosts  “Metamorphosis Monday” posts, which are all about “Befores and Afters”. I love seeing Susan’s amazing home projects which are very inspiring!! I always come away with some great ideas from her posts and from those who have linked up!! 

The following link, Senior Salon Pit Stop will get you to the link party on Esme’s site as well as getting you to some great recipes and other ideas!

Charlene at A Pinch of Joy hosts “Busy Mondays”. Charlene’s website is all about home decorating, and holiday decorations and recipes. The first two things are things I love to do and the Recipes are things I like to eat!

Good random fun blogspot hosts The Good.Random.Fun. link party  Tamar’s website has some great photography, interesting places to visit, and thoughts on many things. Recently, I enjoyed reading about Hanukkah celebrations! 

Beverly at Eclectic Red Barn, Nicky at  Life as a Leo Wife, Michelle at  Moms are frugal and a few other hostesses host “You’re the Star Blog Hop” I love checking out these websites and the link party for holiday decor, crafts, money saving ideas and tablescapes. 

Tuesday

A Stroll Thru Life   hosts  the “Inspire me Tuesday” link party. Marty has an eye for design and decorating, and turning your house into a home. I always enjoy reading about her projects. 

Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly)  and Penny’s Passion (Penny) host the “Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop” which often opens on Tuesday evenings. I have enjoyed Beverly’s Red Barn project and her projects and decorating . Penny’s website has both projects and recipes I have enjoyed reading about – and more – see “Thinking Out Loud” under “Thursday” in this list. 

Jenerally Informed  hosts the “Happy Now Link Party”. Jen from Jenerally informed and Leslie from playmates to parties host “happy now” which brings many craft and decorating ideas and recipes for fun holiday foods. 

Perfectly Imperfect-LWL hosts the “Tell It To Me Tuesday Link Party” which brings many decorating ideas, recipes, and ideas for family activities. 

Kim and Cassie from Lou Lou Girls host the the “Fabulous Party”. Lou Lou Girls post unique recipes, family activities, DIY and party ideas! 

Marci at Stone Cottage Adventures hosts “Tuesdays with a Twist”. Marci posts on gardening, sewing, recipes, crafts and books! Marci’s link party contains many other fun ideas as well. 

My Wee Abode (Julie) hosts the “Tuesday Turn About” Link Party. Julie is turning her small home into a charming coastal farmhouse home. Her website and link party include great home decorating, DIY, craft projects and recipes.

Wednesday

Karin’s Kottage hosts the “Karin’s Kottage Link party”.  I am also enjoying keeping up with Karin’s Italian Palace remodel! as well as her decorating ideas, crafts, grandchild activities and home projects. 

French Ethereal hosts a “Share Your Style”  link party where decorating, recipes, fashion, tablescape styles are all shared. 

Esme Salon recently began hosting a “Wordless Wednesday” photography link party – I can’t wait to link up!

Creatively Beth  hosts the “Creatively Crafty” Link Party. Beth’s website contains wonderful craft posts, including amazing up-cycle, from scratch, and Dollar Store Crafts. Beth’s link party contains a variety of family friendly posts including recipes, crafts, and holiday decor. 

Ridge Haven Homestead hosts the Homestead Blog Hop.  I am also enjoying reading about the off the grid home that Laurie and her family are building. 

Karin at Fifth Sparrow No More, hosts “Whimsy Home Link Party”. Karin posts about Finding the Beauty – in decorating, travel and faith and family! 

Cecelia at My Thrift Store Addiction hosts “Vintage Charm” link party. What Cecelia does with her thrift store finds is so creative!

Lydia at  Pandora and Max hosts the “All Seasons” Link Party. Lydia’s recent blog entry was all about her trip – and the sunsets are a “must see” – fabulous!

Thursdays

I often participate in Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday. I have been following Susan for quite a long time, and absolutely love her Tablescapes!!! I also love the ideas shared on her Tablescape Thursday link party! 

Katherine’s corner hosts the  “TFT – Thursday Favorite Things” blog hop.  I love the assortment of wonderful decorating, recipe, tablescape, and inspirational ideas found here. 

Southern Sunflowers   hosts their “Home Matters Link Party” at 8 CT on Thursday.  I have really enjoyed linking to their link party and the various decorating, recipe, tablescape and craft ideas found on this website and their “Home Matters” Link Party. 

Penny’s Passion  hosts the “Thinking Out Loud Link Party” which often begins on Thursday. Thinking out Loud is a great post published each Thursday, and covers many interesting topics. Today the topic was “elf on the shelf – for empty nesters” and I love the traditions Penny has started in her home. So cute!

Roentare.zenfolio blog hosts a photography link party each week.  The photography is absolutely gorgeous, as are the places he and his wife photograph! 

Good Random Fun  hosts the “Little Things” link party, which I enjoy. Its a place for sharing and reading about lots of different topics and ideas. 

Marsha in the Middle and Melynda, from Scratch Made Food for Hungry People, and Lisa, from Boondock Ramblings host “Weekend Traffic Jam” which goes live on Thursday at 8:30 pm CT. Marsha posts about Fashion and the link party contains holiday decorations, fashion, and recipes (to name a few of the family friendly links). 

Friday

Stephanie at Crazy Little Lovebirds hosts the “Crazy Little Lovebirds link party.” It is a gathering for home decor ideas, recipes, tablescapes, reflections, etc. I am enjoying being a part fo this group. 

Building Our Hive hosts the “Funtastic Friday” Link Party which includes recipes, home decor, tablescapes, crafts, travel and other family friendly posts. 

Cindy at County Road 407  hosts the “Farmhouse Friday” Link Party, which begins at 6:30 am CT each Friday and features home decor – all styles; holiday decorating, tablescapes, crafts, etc. 

Andrea at The Cottage Market hosts “A Morning Cup of Joe” link party. Both the website and the link party feature DIY projects, Recipes, home decor, crafts and holiday decorations. 

Erika at A Little Bit of Everything and Andrea at Momfessionals, host “Friday Favorites”. Both websites and the link party feature family activities, home decor, fashion, entertaining, recipes, and holiday decorations and traditions. 

At Lou Lou Girls Kim, Cassie and Amber bring lots of good recipes and family activities to us and also host “Fabulous Friday” a link party that brings us recipes, holiday decor, family activities and many other family friendly ideas! 

Saturday

Pieced Pastimes  Hosts “Saturday Sparks Party”  which includes home decors, recipes and holiday fun foods, tablescapes, crafts, etc. Among the many things I appreciate at Pieced Pastimes is the first picture of many posts, where Suzanne shows her current view at home (in New Hampshire) I love her wonderful view in all weather!

To All Who “Mother” With Love,

I Wish You a Happy Mother’s Day!!!

Comments

I’d love to hear from you! You may comment about the post of course, and I’d also love to hear about any of your memorable Mother’s Day’s in the past or any plans you have for this year. And of course I’d love to hear about your mother, or anyone who has been a mom to you! To reach the comment section, scroll down to the very bottom of this post. Your email address will not be seen by anyone but me. I treasure your comments, and I will answer each one. Thank you!