Hello sweet friends and Happy May! Can you believe that one third of 2023 is now history?
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
Proverbs 31:26
What a delightful way to celebrate the first day of May as I join my fellow flower enthusiasts and friends, Lidy and Mary for Monday Morning Blooms! We are excited to welcome a special first time guest that you are sure to enjoy! Just a little hint, she has joined Mary and me for a couple of Tea on Tuesdays!
Our common theme for this edition is Mother’s Day. Long-time readers know that I often share memories of my precious Mother!
The links for my friends’ beautiful floral inspiration are at the bottom of this post!
Joining us today is Jennifer who blogs at Celebrating Everyday Life. She is passionate about sharing recipes, decorating ideas, DIY projects, and lots of ideas for making your next celebration special and memorable! You will love her stunning table!
Once again I have set a table next to our woodlands due to the cooler and wetter April that has my garden falling a little behind schedule. My gorgeous peonies began opening up and blooming profusely a week ago. Their bloom time is very brief, so they take center stage on the table. Their blooms are so fabulous that I think they are proud and quite aware of their beauty. In order not to offend them, I only added a few sprigs of gold mound spirea that couldn’t possibly compete with them!
Left to right: stunning Sarah Bernhardt, gorgeous Karl Rosenfield, and ever so fragrant Festiva Maxima. I am estimating that I have had over one hundred blooms from my four peony bushes! I have been overwhelmed with their loveliness and performance this year.
I set a sweet table in memory of my beloved Mother. She was a Godly mother and a wonderful example of a Proverbs 31 woman!
Mother had the special gift of hospitality and loved serving others. As I have often mentioned, her delicious food is legendary to this day. She once had her infamous red velvet cake bring $1000.00 at a charity auction. Friends still ask me for her recipes and share with me how much they enjoyed invitations for dinner or her renowned Sunday lunches. She always set her table with a neatly pressed tablecloth, napkins, and china. I never remember a paper plate or paper napkin being used. Everyone was welcome at her table…whether a single mom with small children, a grieving widow, or a lonely young lady in need of encouragement and a hug. Her love reached far and wide. She said, “if there is room in the heart, there is room at the table”! All who ever entered her door or sat at her table knew they were loved. That is true hospitality!
There was a brief time frame in which to set my table with the rainy days and other things that needed my attention. I placed everything for the table, including a framed photo of Mother and me, on the counter in the Sunshine Cottage. Somehow, I missed grabbing the photo and didn’t notice that it was missing until I started reviewing my photos the next day. I was not happy with myself that I had not placed the photo on the table. Not to be outdone, I am sharing one of my favorite photos!
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
Proverbs 31:26
“Charming”, an English-country style floral tablecloth by April Cornell lives up to its name. Woven placemats offer texture and a foundation for the plates. Blushing pink dinner plates are a Hobby Lobby find several years ago. The salad/luncheon plates are among my favorites…Crown Ducal from Nancy’s Daily Dish. Each plate is beautifully hand-painted with a different flower…camellias, hydrangeas, poppies, and chrysanthemums! Rachel Ashwell yellow fringed napkins, Noritake “Reverie” stemware, and wedding silver-plate flatware complete the place settings.
“Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”
Proverbs 31:29
This past Saturday (April 29) was the 16th anniversary of my dearly loved Mother’s home-going. Two years ago on April 29, our precious grandson was born. We celebrated his birthday Saturday with a fun party and I couldn’t help but think the day that had brought sadness each year was now a celebration. God is so merciful and gracious for redeeming the day. As much as she loved her three grandchildren, I can just imagine how she would have loved and spoiled her eight great-grands!
Flanking the large vase are small Tracy Porter bud vases, each with a fragrant Festiva Maxima peony. Their scent is heavenly!
I have often shared Mother’s handiwork, especially at Christmas. Not only was she a fabulous cook, but she made gorgeous quilts and ceramics. I wish I knew how many quilts she made and gave away or how many old world Santas and nativities that she made with the purpose of giving them away. She did not live to see her three grandchildren marry, but their handmade gifts were left to be given to them at the time of their marriage. At my son’s and daughter-in-love’s bridal shower, I had the honor to wrap and present them with the most gorgeous quilt that was cross-stitched and hand quilted by Mother, also known as Nanny. Needless to say there weren’t any dry eyes!
“She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
Proverbs 31:27
“Moms are like buttons, they hold it all together.”
~Unknown
You all know I am a collector. One collection is tiny jeweled boxes that sometimes come out of hiding and find a special spot on a table.
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Proverbs 31:30
For beautiful tables and Mother’s Day inspiration, be sure to click on the links below!
Lidy ~ French Garden House
Mary ~ Home Is Where The Boat Is
Jennifer ~ Celebrating Everyday Life
A couple of days later, the peonies had opened up more!
Thank you for your visit and gracious comments. Wishing you a joy filled week!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
Good Morning Pam, I’m swooning over your peonies at your table! Your garden is ahead of ours here in NC by a couple of weeks. You’re right, your peonies deserve to be celebrated and featured with their wonderful fragrance and brief bloom time. I adore your Crown Ducal plates and your April Cornell ‘Charming’ tablecloth sets them off beautifully. I love the petite Tracy Porter bud vases flanking your centerpiece vase and the shot of your table with the vivid green grass in the background. Last but not least, I love the photo of you and your sweet mom. We had another very wet and blustery week here and hope to enjoy some alfresco dining soon.
As always, it’s a treat to have a virtual seat at your table and join you for some flower therapy. Happy May! ♥
Thank you, Mary. I cut 20 blooms today, all the Karl Rosenfield. I wish they would last longer, but will enjoy while I can!
Your table setting and flowers are elegant and beautiful. I am inspired by the good works and kindness of your Mother. Thank you!
Thank you so much. She is still inspiring me with the legacy she left behind!
Those peonies and your setting are beautiful. So is that photo of you and your mom — who sounds like a tremendous, kind and creative woman. Don’t you wish you could just have her sitting at that table with you while you fill her in on all the lovely things that have happened in your life since she left? And thank her again for all she did to help make you the person you are? I love this post, Pam — not just for the beauty of the photos but the beauty of you and your mum.
Thank you, Jeanie. It would be wonderful to just talk to her. I know you feel the same about your mom!
Your mom was a very pretty lady. She had pretty hands and beautiful white hair. And I believe good moms are like buttons as they hold everything together. My mom was a great cook. I have the one and only cookbook she ever owned along with a few of her handwritten receipts. She graduated to heaven at age 68 and never met my husband but I know she would have approved of our union. Your table in honor of your mom is outstanding. Love the color, the flowers, the bud vases and the pretty little boxes. Happy May Day!
Thank you, dearest Alice. Your mom passed away young. I know you treasure her cookbook. Wishing you a blessed week!
Good Morning. Your peonies are gorgeous and your table is beautiful in honor of your mother. What a beautiful soul she had to entertain and always welcome everyone to her table and her delicious food. Happy first of May. Hugs. Kris
Thank you, Kris! You are so sweet!
Good morning, Pam, Your story of your mom is so sweet and lovely. What a wonderful woman she was. I love her heart for hospitality! She has certainly passed this gift on to you!! Your table is so beautiful and those Peonies!!! Oh my goodness, gracious!!! They are divine. I love that green linen too! I haven’t seen that one before. It’s so fresh and vibrant! Thank you for allowing me to celebrate Mother’s Day with you! What a joy!! Sending hugs ~ Jennifer @ Celebrating Everyday Life
You are a sweetheart, Jennifer. Sending hugs back to you!
What a beautiful role model your beloved Mother portrays for women who wish to
fulfill Proverbs 31. She was, indeed, so very special and blessed you were to have her. Your table in tribute to her checks off all the boxes and the peonies top off the list of Mothers’ Day essentials. She would be proud of the beauty of it all from your hand and the Mother and Grandmother you have become.
You are so sweet dear one. I was definitely blessed to have my sweet Mother. Sending love and hugs!
Oh how amazing to have those stunning peonies at the tips of your fingers in your garden! They are such stunning flowers and the simple arrangement shows off their beauty! The handpainted plates are indeed a treasure, and your vases and jeweled boxes are a lovely addition to your beautiful table in your woodland setting! Your mother sounds like such an amazing woman, and your memories and thoughts are so loving~ you are following right along in her footsteps with your love of your family and meals at your table. I hope your month of May is filled with many blessings!
Thank you, Jenna. I have been amazed with the peonies this year. I cut at least twenty blooms today. Wishing you a wonderful week filled with sweet blessings!
Pam, a beautiful tribute to your Mother. This table is over the top with these beautiful peonies and hand painted plates and yes the AC tablecloth. I have counted 61 buds on my peonies. Can’t wait for them to bloom. Your Mother sounds so much like my mother. On Thanksgiving one year she presented my brother and me and our children handmade quilts. I treasure mine and often display them on my blog. Thank you for the beauty and the quotes from Proverbs. Happy May treasured friend.
Thank you, Dianne. I know my Mother and your Mother would have been friends if they had ever met. You must do a table sharing your peonies when they bloom. I know you treasure the quilt, just as I do the ones my Mother made me. Wishing you a lovely week!
Pam, I hope you never feel like my comment is trite when I say gorgeous, beautiful on repeat. It just is. The peonies are spectacular. Your mother in that photo exudes a warm, loving soul, and the way you two are hugging is just full of the love you speak of. What a blessing to have WL on her home going day. This table is a beautiful tribute to the flowers and your love for your mother. The trinket boxes are such a sweet collection. Happy May, Pam!
Rita, your comments are so gracious and kind. As you know so well the effort we put into our tablescapes, and it makes it worthwhile when people enjoy our hard work! I have been over the moon with my peonies this year, they have really put on a show. My Mother and I were very close. I went by almost every day and even though 16 years have passed, I think of her every day and will always miss her.
Good Morning Pam, oh those peonies! Your beautiful peonies deserve to be center stage, they never cease to delight me! Your table setting with the Crown Ducal plates, charming Tracy Porter vases and garden colors make for such a pretty table on your tablecloth.
Thank you for sharing that darling picture of you and your Mom. My Mom has been gone for 10 years this May, and it seems I miss her more and more. What a legacy both our Moms left for their families, it’s my prayer to do so, myself too. As always, it’s a blessing to have a virtual seat at your table and join you for some flower therapy. Happy May! xo Lidy
Thank you, Lidy. We were blessed with wonderful mothers. I am so grateful for my Mother!
Sorry, I am late today! I am sitting in the Dallas airport on a layover to Colorado. It was an early 4am this morning to drive to Pensacola to catch the plane.
I am so glad to see the beauty of your gorgeous peonies! They are stunning and how I wish I could smell their beautiful fragrance! You are indeed blessed! I would be ecstatic over that many blooms!
Your china, tablecloth, crystal, silverware, and napkins are lovely. I especially love the sweet Tracey Porter vases and the gorgeous bird porcelain pieces.
You honor your sweet and gracious mother so beautifully. I know she would be honored with your memories and beautiful table in her honor.
Happy Mother’s Day to you soon.
Your travel day sounds very long, Bonnie! Thank you for your sweet comments. They warm my heart!
I love your table Pam. So very pretty and your mom would be so honored! You apparently was a chip off the old block as they say. Or as I say, the apple doesn’t fall from the tree. I would have loved your mom! I loved reading what you have written about your mom. I can never EVER remember a time that my grandmother didn’t use REAL DISHES as she called them to serve my papa his meals! I do use paper plates a lot when having my tribe over for Sunday dinner as there are so many of us. However, I use my REAL DISHES throughout the week to serve Marty his meals and his dad when he eats with us on Tuesday nights. I love peonies. One of daughters recently gave me Peony candle and oh my! Happy May to you. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Thank you for your sweet comments that are heartwarming, Cindy! I can imagine the peony candle’s scent is heavenly!
Pam, I truly love hearing stories about your beautiful mother. I know she is always close in your heart and that she would be so proud of you because you also are a Proverbs 31 woman. My Daddy’s birthday was also on April 29. We lost him to his 8th heart attack when I was 22 and he was only 58. Not a single day goes by that I don’t miss him.
Your dad was so young and I know you must miss him terribly.
Thank you, Roxanne 💕
To plan gifts for grandchildren’s future marriages is truly thoughtful. What a joy your mother must have been. I love everything about this beautiful table.
Thank you, Leslie Anne!
This Mother’s Day will be bittersweet for me too. I am sure that your grands would have wanted to spend so much time with your mom. She is their Guardian Angel. Beautiful table and flowers as always Pam!!! Happy May!
Thinking of you, Shirley. Thank you and Happy May!
A one-of-a-kind tribute to your beautiful mother! And the tablescapes and flowers just gorgeous!
Thank you, Mary!
How adorable your post is…Stunning tablescape and precious remembrances. Your post warmed my heart .
Thanks so much, sweet friend!
Rita, your comments are so gracious and kind. As you know so well the effort we put into our tablescapes, and it makes it worthwhile when people enjoy our hard work! I have been over the moon with my peonies this year, they have really put on a show. My Mother and I were very close. I went by almost every day and even though 16 years have passed, I think of her every day and will always miss her.
Pam, Your table is gorgeous! Love the tablecloth and the beautiful colors. Your peonies are magnificent! You have such a lovely woodland setting. Memories of our mothers sustain us throughout our lives. I love the pic of you and your Mom. You can see the love you have for her and vice versa. Enjoy your week! Clara❤️
Thank you, Clara. I always look forward to your comments ♥️
Beautiful post Pam & I love the photo of your Mum & you! I’m known as Nanny to my grandchildren too 🥰
Blessings sweet friend, Jennifer ❤️
Thank you, my friend ♥️
I enjoy your posts and flowers! So thankful for your having a godly mother and special
memories. Mine passed away when I was 12 so I do not have those memories. The date was
always a sad one for me, then my special needs son was born on that day and so I relate to what you say! God bless and happy Mothers Day!
Thank you, Karen for your sweet comments. I am so very sorry your Mom passed away when you were so young. How beautiful that your son was born on that day. Blessings and Happy Mother’s Day to you!
So beautiful, but the shot of you and your mother just radiates!!
Thank you so much, Jain!
Good Morning Pam. I enjoyed hearing all about your Mom. She sounds like a wonderful woman. You wrote a beautiful tribute to her. The photo of you and your adoring Mother is so charming.💗
I enjoyed the peonies on your table. They are quite stunning. I always enjoy seeing my neighbors in Pennsylvania come June. Your table setting with the pink flowered plates is lovely along with your bejeweled birds.
Thank you for such lovely inspiration!
Enjoy your week ahead!
Thank you, Nancy. Wishing you a lovely week!
thank you Pam for sharing your mother with us as well as the beautiful, peonies. It is no wonder you are such a good friend when you had your dear Godly mother as a teacher. What wonderful memories you have. hugs and blessings always,
Kari
Thank you, Kari. Hugs and blessing to you my friend!
So, SO beautiful. I loved getting a glimpse of the beautiful mother who served as your mentor and inspiration for life and all things lovely. That photo of the two of you is priceless! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much, Cindie!
Oh Pam, what a stunning table you have set in honor of your dear mother. I always enjoy reading about your precious memories of her. By reading about her grace and love, I know she must have left such a lasting impression on so many hearts. Your peonies are absolutely breathtaking! What a beautiful centerpiece they make! I always admire those pretty floral plates when you use them. They are perfect for this occasion. The AC tablecloth adds the perfect finishing touch. Happy May, dear friend!
Thanks so much, Shannon. Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Pam your tablescape is breath taking. Love the photo of your mom. The plates with flowers on them are lovely. The flowers are a burst of loveliness and beauty. Thank you for sharing.
Marilyn,Joan and Marion
Thanks so much sweet friends!
Such a beautiful table. Love the brilliant green tablecloth and the dishes. I adore peonies and can’t wait for them to bloom here! That’s a beautiful picture of you and your mom, she sounds like she was a wonderful person!
Thank you, Liz. I hope you are enjoying a beautiful weekend!
What a sweet remembrance of your mum! And wouldn’t it be wonderful if all of us could be remembered with peonies!
Thank you so much, Michele!
WOW so many awesome peonies and arrangements and all in remembrance of your mom. Love the pic of the two of you.
I visited you via TFT ( Thursday Favorite Things) number 607
If you are not already part of SSPS, this is a personal invite to hop over and come and share your posts with us at Senior Salon Pit Stop, every Monday to Saturday.
See my entries: 51+52 and then navigate to the bottom of my page for the Senior Salon Pit Stop linkup, we hope to meet you there virtually.
Your tablescapes are always so beautiful, I could spend hours looking at them and every little detail so perfect. No wonder you are such a loving person, you had a great example to follow.
I had the best example. Thank you, Nonie!
What a beautiful table Pam and such a lovely tribute to your mother! Those peonies – oh my – I can just imagine their gorgeous smell. The AC tablecloth is so pretty with the yellow napkins and the salad plates are just beautiful. I can see why that photo is a favorite of yours – so very special and what a lovely picture of you both. She sounds like an amazing woman. Wishing you a very happy Mother’s day!
Thank you sweet Kim!
Your mom sounds like such a lovely lady, and so much of her lives on in you, sweet friend. I can only imagine how proud of you she was, and I believe she is looking down smiling at seeing how many of us you bless with your blog and stories of her. I think it is just astounding that God sent little Wyatt to you on the very day of the anniversary of your mom’s homegoing. He has turned your weeping into joy. That is just like our God! As you said, He redeems the day. God bless you always!
You are so sweet, Cheryl. Thank you my friend!
This is truly lovely in so many ways. I love all the sentiments about your mom and she sounds like a fabulous soul. You honored her wonderfully. The table is stunning and those peonies are everything. The tablecloth, the plates, and all the great details. Thanks for the inspiration and Happy Mother’s Day. XO- MaryJo