Are you planning a gathering this Mother’s Day? Do you need help with your menu or decor? Follow these 5 simple tips to host the best Mother’s Day luncheon that will have all of your guests talking.
*As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. My blog contains other affiliate links as well for your convenience. To learn more, you may read my Disclosure Policy. Thank you for supporting my blog!
Mother’s Day Luncheon
Is it just me, or does it feel like this spring is flying by? It’s hard to believe, but April is already coming to a close. And the end of the month means that it’s time to join my blogging friends Anne, AnnMarie, Michele, Rachel, and Stacy for our latest supper club.
This monthly blog series started more than two years ago during the height of the pandemic. Since we couldn’t gather in person, virtual parties were the next best thing. And so our little supper club was born.
Each month we share decorating ideas and recipes with you centered around a different theme.
And, since Mother’s Day is fast approaching, we are sharing decor ideas and tips to celebrate all the amazing moms in your life with a Mother’s Day luncheon.
Every month, we invite a guest blogger to join us, and I am happy to welcome Kate from Southern Home and Hospitality. Kate lives in Texas with her husband. And like the rest of the ladies in our supper club, she loves to share about “home,” including tips on decorating, hosting parties, cooking, crafting, and more!
I hope you will take a few minutes to swing by her blog, say hi, and see how she styled her pretty blue and white Mother’s Day tablescape.
Welcome To Midwest Life And Style
Whether you are an old friend or this is your first time visiting, I am so glad you found my little corner of the web.
For those who are new, here, welcome! And an extra special welcome to those who have joined me from my friend Michele’s blog, Vintage Home Designs.
I’m Jen, a wife, mom of two, and the one-woman show behind this blog. When I am not busy with mom or blog duties, I also work full-time as an event planner at a local university
Like most moms, I wear many hats, so caffeine is a must-have for me daily. I live on coffee (with a healthy amount of creamer) and Diet Dr Pepper. And I am not sure what I would do without my planner or sticky notes!
You will find a bit of everything here at MWLS. From thrifty DIYs to recipes, decor styling tips, and more. I love to share about all the things that make a house a home.
If you are not already a member of the MWLS family, I would love to have you subscribe and join me!
You will get emails and weekly updates on all the latest happenings here on the blog and on my other social channels. Plus you will get exclusive access to my full library of free printables.
But that’s enough about me. Let’s dive in and break down each of my 5 tips to host the best Mother’s Day luncheon.
5 Simple Tips To Host The Best Mother’s Day Luncheon
Tip 1: Choose A Theme & Color Palette
My first tip when planning a Mother’s Day luncheon is to start with a theme and color scheme in mind.
It doesn’t have to be kitschy or matchy-matchy. (Side note, I LOVE to mix colors and patterns whenever possible.) But starting with a theme mind will help all the elements of your get-together, from the invites to the tablescape and decor, look and feel cohesive.
The inspiration for my Mother’s Day tablescape came from this pale blue ticking stripe tablecloth. If you’re a frequent visitor here at MWLS, you might recognize it as the same tablecloth I used to style my recent spring garden tablescape.
But I love it so much I couldn’t bring myself to pack it away just yet. The color is perfect for spring, isn’t it?
And the blue in the tablecloth pairs well with pastel pink accents, which gives the table a feminine feel that is fitting for the occasion.
Tip 2: How To Set The Table
Once you’ve decided on a theme, it’s time to think about setting the table. You want your Mother’s Day tablescape to feel special and inviting without seeming over the top.
To achieve a warm and welcoming feeling with my tablescape, I focused on building layers and creating visual interest by mixing and matching textures and different materials.
After starting with my blue and white striped tablecloth, I centered a white runner on top running the length of the table.
Then, to add contrast and more color, I created a third layer and made a mini runner out of an old scrap of pink fabric with a delicate floral pattern.
Next, I placed simple woven charger plates at each place setting. Not only do I love the natural look of the material, but the texture of the chargers adds to the visual interest of the table.
For dishes, I opted for large dinner plates from my favorite cream-colored stoneware set. These dishes have appeared in many past tablescapes and are often my favorite go-to because of their versatility.
They’re great for everyday use, yet the scalloped pattern around the edges dresses them up just enough to make them ideal for more special occasions like this one.
On top of the cream-colored plates, I added some blue transferware dishes (an old thrift store find) and some smaller baby-blue-colored dessert plates.
To finish each place setting, I placed a pink linen napkin wrapped in a rattan ring on top of the plates.
For flatware, I chose these pretty gold utensils. They are a favorite of mine for holidays and special celebrations.
And last but not least, these pink hobnail vintage-looking drinking glasses complete the look.
How To Create A Spring Tulip Arrangement For Mother’s Day
You can easily create a spring tulip arrangement for Mother’s Day in under 10 minutes with a few bouquets of grocery store flowers, a planter, and some floral foam.
I was influenced by my good friend Kelly at The Tattered Pew to buy this white hobnail planter and I’m so glad I did! It made a great vase for these gorgeous pink peony tulips.
To make a spring tulip arrangement like this, simply place a brick of floral foam at the bottom of a planter or vase.
Then, add some water and cut each tulip stem to length. (I used 2 full bouquets of about 40 stems total.)
Next, gently press the tulips into the floral foam. (Tip: Start at the edges of the vase and work your way around and towards the center. Notice where there are large gaps, and fill in the empty spots as you go.)
You can add as many (or as few) tulips as you’d like, but honestly, who doesn’t love fresh flowers? The centerpiece could even double as a gift for one of your family members or friends after the luncheon is over.
Tip 3: Ways To Create A Memorable and Low-Stress Luncheon Menu
If you’ve ever hosted any gathering, then you know that planning is the key to a successful (and low-stress) party! And if your celebration happens to be early in the day, like brunch or lunch, this is especially true.
I don’t know about you, but time always has a way of creeping up on me. So planning your menu at least one week to a few days before is an easy way to knock something off your “to-do” list and eliminate the risk of feeling rushed.
And what about the menu? When it comes to what kind of food to serve for your Mother’s Day luncheon, my motto is simple is best.
Look for recipes that can be prepared in advance, either entirely or partially to help make sure you can spend less time in the kitchen during the party and more time making memories with your family and friends.
The food doesn’t have to be fancy to be good. Appetizers are always a smart idea and a welcoming way to greet your guests as they arrive.
And don’t forget to select a few sides and a dessert that pairs well with your main dish!
Mother’s Day Menu Ideas
If you need some suggestions, here are a few of my favorite springtime recipes that would be perfect for a Mother’s Day menu.
Appetizers
Spring Herb Dip | Deviled Eggs 2 Ways
Salads and Sides
Cucumber Pasta Salad | Creamy Broccoli Salad
Spinach and Berry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing | Classic Fruit Salad
Desserts
No-Bake Lemon Berry Cheesecake Cups | Berry Trifle
Strawberry Peach Crisp | Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Tip 4: Serve A Signature Drink
Make your Mother’s Day luncheon memorable with a signature cocktail or mocktail! Make some punch, make a pitcher of fruity sangria, or even serve a simple spritzer.
And if none of those drink suggestions float your boat, here are some other delicious options.
Lemonade Iced Tea | Spiked Strawberry Lemonade
Tip 5: Add Personal Touches
And the last of my five tips to host the best Mother’s Day luncheon is to add personal touches to help make your celebration extra special.
Try incorporating sentimental pieces, like heirloom china, into your tablescape. While I don’t have any family china, I do have these milk glass candlestick holders that once belonged to my great-grandmother.
I’m glad I could include them in my Mother’s Day tablescape centerpiece. And I love how the pretty hobnail detail perfectly complements the rectangular vase full of tulips.
Printable pieces, like menus and personalized place cards, are also easy and affordable ways to add a unique touch to each place setting.
I made these simple floral place cards on my computer. All it took was 15 minutes, and a bit of creativity.
Once the place cards were printed, I put each one in a small gold frame and set them at each place setting.
You could also incorporate old black-and-white family photographs in your tablescape decor.
Or include a special gift at each setting, like a packet of wildflower seeds, small potted herbs, scented sachets, or a personalized note sharing favorite stories and memories.
More Mother’s Day Inspiration From Midwest Life and Style
If you need more ideas for hosting a gathering or gift ideas for the favorite moms in your life, you might also enjoy these posts.
How To Host A Mother’s Day Tea | 6 Ideas To Celebrate Mother’s Day
20 Gift Ideas for Moms | Ultimate Gardening Gift Guide for Moms
5 Simple Tips To Host The Best Mother’s Day Luncheon
If you’d like to recreate the look, I’ve linked what I can below for easy shopping. Or, if you have questions about any of the items I used to style my table, leave me a message in the comments.
More Mother’s Day Tablescape Ideas
Thanks for stopping by! I hope that each of these 5 tips is helpful to you as a host and takes some of the stress out of planning a memorable Mother’s Day luncheon.
Next, visit my friends Anne and AnnMarie at Simply 2 Moms to see their ideas for styling a Mother’s Day table. And, as always, be sure to check out all of this month’s party inspiration, linked below.
Then don’t forget to see our Mother’s Day luncheon menu for more help planning your Mother’s Day menu!
Xo,
Inspiration For A Mother’s Day Luncheon
Vintage Home Designs / Midwest Life and Style / Simply 2 Moms
The Ponds Farmhouse / Southern Home and Hospitality / Bricks ‘n Blooms
Rachel-The Antiqued Journey says
Such a pretty table, Jen!! I adore how you played with colors and mixed and matched! Those baby blue plates are so lovely and those pink glasses are incredible. Milk glass is my favorite and I LOVE how you used it on your table as well. It’s all so perfect for a Spring occasion!!
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you so much, Rachel. I hope you had a happy Mother’s Day!
AnnMarie | Simply2Moms says
Love the color scheme of your pretty Mother’s Day table Jen…simply beautiful! And those peony tulips are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing all of your amazing tips. Pinned!
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you so much, friend. Wishing you a very Happy Mother’s Day!
Julie Briones says
I love all these tips and tricks, Jen! So glad you shared at TTA this past week! I’m so pleased to be featuring your post at Tuesday Turn About’s 200th party celebration! Pinned!
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you so much, Julie. I was on a bit of an impromptu blogging break due to our crazy schedules. But glad to be back in the swing and sharing on TTA. I appreciate the feature and look forward to swinging by the party to see the rest of this week’s inspiration!
Missy says
Such a beautiful table! I love how you mixed the colors and patterns with those amazing tulips in the center. And the framed place cards are perfect! Great job, Jen!
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you so much, Missy! I appreciate it!
Crissy says
Oh my gosh, Jen, I’m loving everything about this Mother’s Day table! I had to grab that hobnail vase and couldn’t believe what a bargain it was. It goes so well with your heirloom milk glass candleholders. Gorgeous!
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you so much, Crissy. I’m so glad you snagged the vase. It’s so classic and I know it will get a lot of use. I was so happy with how well it matched my great-grandmother’s milk glass pieces. I think it was meant to be.🥰
stacy says
Jen what a pretty table. I LOVE when tulips droop like that. They look so elegant.
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you so much, Stacy! I just love tulips. This peony variety is extra pretty when they bloom!
CoCo says
Love this tablescape so much, Jen! The pops of pink and dusty blue are gorgeous together. I love all the extra special details you added to make it feel really warm and inviting too. It’s perfection! Just pinned and can’t wait to share it tomorrow. Hugs, CoCo
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Coco! Hugs to you my friend! I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day!
Wendy McMonigle says
What a beautiful table Jen. I love the blue and white with the pink flowers. I always look forward to your monthly supper club.
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Wendy! I’m glad you enjoy our monthly parties. I really look forward to them and love sharing!
Kate @ Southern Home and Hospitality says
Jen, this tablescape is so lovely! I have that tablecloth saved in my lists from the last time you used it. And now I need to add the hobnail planter – that tulip centerpiece is so pretty and dramatic in it! I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of the dinner club this month with you and this talented bunch of bloggers!!
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Kate. I am so happy with the tablecloth purchase. I think it is even prettier in person than in the photos online. As for the planter, I was influenced by Kelly at the Tattered Pew. I fell in love when I saw it in her home, and I’m so happy I purchased it. Such a timeless-looking piece!
It was a pleasure having you join us this month. Hope you can do it again sometime!
Kim Waldorf says
Your Mother’s Day table looks fabulous! I am a huge fan of transferware and those dishes are so pretty. From the ticking table cloth to the tulips…well done, Jen!💙
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you so much, Kim. I LOVE the dishes. Would you believe they were a thrift store find? And I have found a store online that sells replacement china where I can get this exact pattern so I’m hoping to start collecting a few other pieces.
Wishing you a very Happy Mother’s Day!
Rachel Harper says
Jen,
Your table is so lovely, Those tulips are amazing. Such a great table.
Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns says
I love your beautiful Mother’s Day table! This is the perfect place to gather generations of women to celebrate how special they are in our lives. The weeping tulips look like a piece of living art. I love when they do that.
Just wanted to let you know the link for Vintage Home Designs doesn’t go to the table post.
Have a wonderful weekend.
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Elizabeth! I’m looking forward to a fun and relaxing Mother’s Day this year!