How to Create a Memorable Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day has had a lot of ways to celebrate during my lifetime. Celebrating mothers and grandmothers and mothers in laws has ALWAYS been a part of my life. Yours, too?

As long as I can remember, we drove to my grandmother’s farm. The Mother’s Day celebration began with her preparation of that farmhouse meal that was memorable and soothing and comforting.

When I married, celebrations for Mother’s Day always began at my mother-in-law’s. She was a fabulous cook. She would have an amazing spread around a perfectly appointed dining room table for her mother and mother in law and children. Tables were added to that dining room table that extended well into the living room to hold all of us and our families. Glorious was the food. Always.

My husband always went to work at the family business immediately following that meal. But, for me, I traveled with my boys another 30 minutes to celebrate my mother.

This happened like clockwork for years.

Until it didn’t.

When the grandmothers passed away; and the mothers passed away; and my boys married; Mother’s Day looks a bit different now.

And life moved on.

Celebrations have taken a different role and look than my childhood days when everyone lived closer and celebrations for every holiday, including Mother’s Day, were placed in permanent ink in the calendars.

A new look for Mother’s Day may happen this year.

Last year, there were feet under my table for those whose mother was in Alaska or a mother was no longer with us.

This year, my table will be set for those and a few more added who don’t have children or mothers close by.

There are years that I have traveled to Los Angeles or Boise or Lexington or Atlanta for Mother’s Day with my boys and their families. Times that were precious.

But, most years are spent here. At home. Most of my family members are all busy with their children in celebration. I miss those celebrations of years past. Are you like that?

So, as I was rearranging china and pulling out tablescape ideas, it hit me.

Maybe there are others who are alone on Mother’s Day like me?

With children living far from moms and time from work doesn’t allow them to travel? Who just need a bit of time to celebrate motherhood and friendship and fellowship and laughter?

Party planning began.

I looked at dates on my calendar. Perhaps a different morning other than Mother’s Day would work.

A guest list was made of what sweet friends might want to join in the fun; and, if that list gets too long, maybe we do more than one?!

Invitation creating ensued.

Brunch? Lunch? Which menu would be best?

A tablescape of dishes and linens and flowers and place settings and decorations began flowing.

Let’s look at the weather forecast to see if it can be moved to the screened porch…how fun would that be? The first meal of the season there.

With a screened porch came more hydrangea inspiration, bee glassware, rattan placemats and a new tablecloth. Simply shop my ideas at the end of the post!

Can you tell I am in my happy place?

You see, there was a wonderful Sunday School teacher. She was the mother of a dear friend who truly shared with me about motherhood as a new mother. She was gracious and hospitable and full of life, laughter and joy. All of her children lived close by and they gathered often. This so reminded me of dinners on the farm with grandparents and the farm friends who became my family.

She was the one who “gifted” that precious cookbook that included the french muffins. That recipe that is also printed on my plate rack wall.

Tucked into the pages of that tiny book is a wonderful recipe for those chicken crepes.

With that in mind, my menu planning took me to this recipe for Chicken Crepes.

They bring back memories of sharing them for special occasions.

So, why not bring them back for a great Mother’s Day menu with friends and family?

A Perfect Lunch Menu was created.

Spring lettuces, fresh fruit, House Tea and strawberry shortcake were added to the chicken crepes entree. Looking back over gatherings, these French muffins are perfect additions, as well.

With fresh mint gloriously up and ready for use…adding mint to the tea was the perfect choice.

Mother’s Day Lunch…

I’m always in for having more feet under my table. This seemed the perfect solution for so many who may feel a little lost on that day, as well.

Think of those around you who may be in that same boat of no kids around for time spent around a table. Perhaps, you could make someone else’s day a little brighter.

A time of celebration a little sweeter.

I’m so very thankful for my mother and other mothers who mentored me along the way. For those “children” who also had their feet under my table for a bit of “mothering”, too.

If you are celebrating with loved ones on Mother’s Day, or choosing to lift other friends and family up who may not have others to celebrate with…here’s a bit of inspiration that went in to my planning.

Planning made easier for you at no extra cost. See my disclosure policy. Simply click on the photo to find more great inspiration for feet under your table.

Happy Mother’s Day

To all who are mothers or celebrating your mother or others who have “mothered” you…may the celebrations bring joy to all!