Hello sweet friends! The month of May is my favorite spring month with all of its blooming beauty and fun celebrations! May often brings on heat and humidity in our Appalachian Foothills. This week we will be in the mid to upper 80’s, it will feel like summer!
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Proverbs 31:30 (ESV)
“She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.””
Proverbs 31:27-29 (ESV)
Welcome to the May edition of Monday Morning Blooms
Mary, Lidy, and I are excited to welcome back Shannon from Belle Bleu Interiors as our special guest! Not only is she a sweetheart, Shannon has a beautiful home that she designed in her signature French style. You will find links for Mary, Lidy, and Shannon at the bottom of this post!
Our common theme is Mother’s Day. My table is set in memory of my beloved Mother. She was a Godly mother and a wonderful example of the Proverbs 31 woman. Oh, how she would have loved the peonies!
Our peonies began blooming a couple of weeks ago. I am estimating a total of 160 blooms from the four peony bushes! Sarah Bernhardt is a pastel pink with large double flowers…Festiva Maxima is a pure white double peony with an amazing fragrance…Karl Rosenfield is a large rose-shaped, vibrant cherry-red, double blossom peony! These three varieties fill my favorite English blue and white vase, a gift many, many years ago from my friend, Patti. The peonies are now waning! In case you missed the garden post that highlighted the peonies, click here!
I chose to keep the table simple to give the peonies their rightful place as the stars of this setting next to our woodlands! Since peonies are gorgeous stand alone flowers, no other flowers were added. The April Cornell blue ‘Forget Me Not’ tablecloth provides a sweet foundation for the peonies and dishware.
As long-time readers know, my Mother had the gift of hospitality and she thrived when she was serving others! Her food is legendary as were her Sunday lunches that not only included family, but often those who were lonely, grieving, or in need of encouragement and a hug! I have often shared her many talents with you, my sweet readers. I don’t think I have ever shared this lovely ceramic piece that she made in 1980! I almost placed peonies in it, but there is crazing on the inside and I didn’t want to risk any damage. This lovely piece sits in my bookcase behind glass doors for its protection!
The photo of mother and daughter was taken on Mother’s Day probably 35 years ago. She had the most beautiful white hair!
Mother always set her table with a neatly pressed tablecloth, napkins, and china. I never remember a paper plate, napkin, or Solo cup being used! I stopped by almost daily and she was never without a home-baked dessert…cakes, pies, or cookies…often all three! She would insist that I have a cup of coffee and dessert. She never really had to insist, I am not known for turning down a dessert!
Mother’s love reached far and wide. “If there is room in the heart, there is room at the table.” That was how my mother’s gift of hospitality was practiced! There is a vast difference in hospitality and entertaining!
“She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.”
Proverbs 31:20 (ESV
This is an angle that I have never shown. The old stairs to the second floor of RM’s workshop were recently replaced! They are now safe so I can see all of the stuff that is hidden away. RM could possibly be called a hoarder because he has a hard time parting with anything!
My Mother’s tables were always beautiful but simple. She would have loved Williams Sonoma ‘Famille Rose’ dinner and salad plates that I purchased with Christmas money from my Daddy. Godinger Dublin iced tea stemware, vintage silver-plate flatware, April Cornell ‘Lillianna’ napkins, and woven placemats complete each place setting!
“Moms are like buttons, they hold it all together.”
~Unknown
Not thinking that I would ever be a mother, our greatest blessing after almost thirteen years of marriage, was the birth of our son! From that most wonderful of blessings came our beautiful daughter-in-love and three precious grandchildren! What joy and thanksgiving fills my heart!
This is my prayer as a mother and grandmother:
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
Proverbs 31:26 (ESV)
For beautiful tables and Mother’s Day inspiration, visit my friends by clicking on the links below!
Mary ~ Home Is Where the Boat Is
Lidy ~ French Garden House
Shannon ~ Belle Bleu Interiors
Happy Mother’s Day! I know many readers’ mothers have passed away, I understand that loss that no one can fill. Many of you don’t have children of your own, but you have made a positive impact on precious children that have been a part of your life. And, perhaps there has been a woman other than your mother who has blessed you and encouraged you along the way? In all cases I hope we will take time to recognize and celebrate the “motherly”!
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,
Life and Linda
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I have tears in my eyes reading this. How special was your mama and how well she taught her daughter. I am believing that you share the same gifts with others that she did. Your tables are always welcoming and inviting. You share your beauty with others who become inspired by it. You are a very lucky woman to have had your mother and I am certain your daughter in law, son, and grands feel the same way.
Ruthie, you are so sweet. Your comments warmed my heart. Thank you and have a wonderful week!
Beautiful post Pam! So heartfelt and touching.
Your peonies are gorgeous and they do stand alone. How marvelous to have had so many blooms. They have such exquisite features. Your table is indeed lovely from A to Z. I love the APC tablecloth and the Lillianna napkins.
The button quote is neat and so true. My favorite pic of the post is that one.
I would have loved to have known your mother but I suspect knowing you is like knowing her.
I found a small bouquet of peonies at our Publix and they have opened up so beautifully. I forgot to spray them with Crowning Glory until this morning. Wish I had Saturday!
Have a great week.
Thank you, Bonnie! You are so sweet and I am so glad that blogging brought us together and gave the opportunity for our special friendship!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories of your sweet mom Pam. What a loving legacy she passed on to those whose lives she touched with her gift of service and hospitality. Her painted ceramic piece is beautiful, I can see why you keep in protected and behind glass. Your peonies are stunning! Ours are a little behind yours. I cut some the other day before the storms moved through and was so glad I did as the large flower heads were saturated and took a beating from the heavy rain. I’ve long admired your Famille Rose pattern, so beautiful, as are your April Cornell linens. As always, it’s a treat to start my day and share blooms with you! Wishing you a wonderful week ahead and Happy Mother’s Day. ♥
Thanks so much, Mary! My peonies are gone as of today. They are so beautiful but short-lived. I might have a couple more blooms from the Festiva Maxima. I love sharing blooms with you, my friend 🩷
Good Morning Pam. What a lovely tribute to your beautiful Mother. I believe you have learned well from her special talents. All the tables you share with us are stunning, as is this one.
The peonies are gorgeous but your Mom’s ceramic piece steals the show. It is exquisite!
Happy Mother’s Day to you dear friend.
Thank you, Nancy! I love sharing about my Mother, she was a Godly example not only to me, but everyone that knew her!
Happy early Mother’s Day to you Pam. Wonderful memories you have shared with us of your mother. Reminds me of my mother who is 90 years young, our house was always filled with family and friends who would come for an afternoon visit which would turn into them staying for dinner. I honestly don’t know how she did it with 5 kids of her own and working full time.
Thank you, Rita. Your mother sounds so lovely. That generation could do the seemingly impossible with such ease and grace!
Dearest Pam, this is such a beautiful tribute to your mother. I know you miss her every single day. And I am positive she is looking down on you every day and continues to bless your life. You definitely learned the ways of a Proverbs 31 woman from her and are now passing that on to EM and EK. It always warms my heart when you say “daughter-in-love” too. Enjoy your Mother’s Day as you are showered with extra love that day.
Thank you, sweet friend. I know that your mother and mine would have been great friends. Thank you for always reading and commenting, it warms my heart!
Happy early Mother’s Day Pam. Your tribute to your dear mother is so full of love. Her painted ceramic piece is priceless and a beautiful heirloom. You have taken after your sweet mother with beautiful hospitality. I love that you include your sweet grandchildren for get togethers. Your peonies are gorgeous. I don’t grow any, but I sure can appreciate yours.
I have always loved your Famille Rose pattern plates. So delicate and pretty. A beautiful table to celebrate moms.
Thank you, Linda for your sweet comments! Happy Mother’s Day, dear one!
Your mother is smiling down on you Pam, she is is happy she passed her love of hospitality and beautiful tables to you! The peonies are incredible, and they look beautiful with your “Famille Rose” china. The photographs of you with your mom and you with your son add a very special touch to your table. The tablecloth is so pretty, you are a master at combining different patterns. Thank you for sharing your precious memories of your mother, you are an inspiration. I know you will have a wonderful Mother’s Day with your family~
Your comments are so sweet, Jenna and make me a little misty-eyed! I love sharing my memories of my mother. They are all still very vivid!
The peonies are so pretty. I’ve never grown them, but recently saw that our local florist has them. I think I need some for my mother’s day table, don’t you agree? Your table is lovely. I’ll try my best to not let you down! Thanks for the ideas.
Buy the peonies and your table will be beautiful!
Pam, this post gave me tears and mom chills. The photos of you and your Mom and you and your son touch my heart. I think of you daily. You bring such beauty to our world. I know that you are celebrating your Mom in heaven; and no doubt, she is proud of you and the Mom and Grandma you are. What a reunion that will be!
The peonies are stunning. The Famille Rose is my favorite set that you’ve bought (perhaps behind the reason and the funds, too?). Your mom’s ceramic piece is amazing; what a gifted woman. I see clearly why you are the way you are-a very special, gifted, and loving woman of God! Like Mother, like daughter!
Happy Mother’s Day, Pam. I love you and pray God continues to bless you all (and for good health for Butch and all of you).
Dearest Karla, you are a sweetheart with comments that warm my heart. My precious mother loved so well and everyone loved her. I shared her with so many women that didn’t have a role model in their lives. She was truly a Proverbs 31 woman.
I love you and you are always in my prayers dear one 🙏🏻Happy Mother’s Day 🩷
Good morning, Pam! The peony blooms are so striking as the centerpiece to your table. They look so lovely in the blue and white pitcher. The April Cornell tablecloth and napkins are so pretty. I just love her linens! Your Famille Rose dinnerware pairs so wonderfully with the tablecloth. The ceramic piece your mother made is beautiful! I thought it was an antique piece of china. I can see why your treasure it so. I always enjoy reading about the memories you share of your precious mother. Reading about her, I know why you are such a beautiful and gracious person. Adding the photos of both your mother and you to the table is such a special touch. My dear friend, it has been such a joy to join you today. I hope you have a most happy Mother’s Day!
Thank you sweet, Shannon! I was so thrilled that my peonies had so many big, beautiful blooms this year. I just wish they lasted a little longer. I cherish all the beautiful things that my Mother made and will hand them down to my grandchildren! It is always a treat for you to join us for Monday Morning Blooms. Happy Mother’s Day, my friend 🩷
Pam, Your tribute to your sweet Mom is so touching. You have followed in her footsteps with your caring about others and loving thoughtfulness. Your table is magazine worthy! It’s a beautiful combination of lovely dishes and linens. The ceramic piece your Mom crafted is very special indeed! It pairs so well with your WS Famille plate stack that are special also because of your sweet Daddy’s Christmas gift money. How nice to have something special from him on the table as well to celebrate your Mom. Your peonies are gorgeous! Enjoy your day. Clara❤️
Thank you, sweet Clara. Your comments are so sweet and thoughtful. Thank you for being a lovely and faithful reader❤️ Wishing you a lovely week, my friend!
What beautiful sentiment and a table that matches, Pam. Your peonies outdid themselves this year! My Itoh peonies are mostly waning, but my Karl Rosenfield and Chestine Gowdy are at peak. Yours make a beautifully full bouquet in the blue &white pitcher. I had to do a double take on that beautiful ceramic your Mother made! The way she painted the lid and body are so pretty! Was that a transfer or hand-painted florals? How special! Beautiful Famille Rose choice, perfect for Mother’s Day. Happy Monday Morning Blooms!
Thank you, Rita! The peonies had their best showing this year. I have a small vase of Karl Rosenfield in the kitchen and there might be 2 or 3 Festiva Maxima in a day or two and poof they are all gone! Yes, it is was a transfer! Ella Mae has spoken for it, but she asks for everything, sweet girl! Happy Mother’s Day to you!
I love the idea of setting a table in honor of your mom! It’s all beautiful but the photo is an especially nice touch.
Thank you, Jeanie!
Pam, what a thoughtful and beautiful post. Those peonies steal the show, but it’s your memories and your heart that comes through most in this special post.
We miss our moms, and it sounds like yours was such an inspiration. Much like YOU are! Thank you for sharing your sweet Mom with all of us, and the special love you have for her. Always a blessing to join together for our Monday Morning Blooms! xo Lidy
Thanks so much, Lidy! Your sweet comments warm my heart! Happy Mother’s Day, my friend!
All the blooms are gorgeous. Sounds like your mom was a very special women. Have a great week. Hugs, Kris
Thanks so much, Kris! Happy Mother’s Day 🩷
Thank you for this adorable post! Such beauty and inspiration… Heartfelt tribute to your darling mother. Gorgeous painted porcelain and stunning flowers. Hugs and blessings.
Thank you, sweet friend! Hugs and blessings always🩷
I think our two mothers would have been friends, Pam, had they known each other. My mother was gifted with hospitality also. She loved gathering people around our table. In the early days of my parents’ marriage, she served inexpensive fare like spaghetti, but Mom didn’t worry about that at all. The important factor was making people feel at home, showing interest in each guest and providing lots of good cheer. P.S. She would have loved your tablescapes, Pam, just like I do!
Yes, Nancy our mothers would have been friends. Your mother sounds so lovely with a heart full of love! Thank you!
Yesterday, our Pastor preached on Luke 14 story of the huge banquet and everyone was to busy to attend…your description of your mother’s hospitality reminded me of that lesson we all should practice. You have that gift my friend.
Luke 14:12-24
But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Thank you for sharing and God Bless you.
Thank you, Kari for sharing the Luke passage. What a wonderful passage to hear a sermon preached from. My mother invited the poor and those that never could never do anything in return which she never wanted anyone to do anything for her. She loved serving God and others! Thanks again, my friend!
Proverb 31 is scripture to be remembered. It is a favorite. Your mother was a very special mother. I would have loved to meet her. She taught you well. Her hair is beautiful. I too wish mine would have stayed white as it was after surgery but woe is me is turned an ugly grey. She made a beautiful piece and I know you treasure it. Love v your “simple” table.
Thank you, dearest Alice. You and my Mother would have been friends. I treasure all of her beautiful handmade gifts. I will pass them to my grands and hope they will love them as much as I do!
A delightful post sweet friend of the sweetest memories of your Mum. The vase & peonies are absolutley stunnning!
I pray you have a wonderful Mother’s Day Pam. I’m missing you all!
Blessings, Jennifer
Jennifer, we are missing you! Thank you for your precious comments. Enjoy the respite, my friend!
Pam, I so enjoyed reading this post. I feel as if I know your mother with your beautiful words. I appreciate you commenting about hospitality rather than entertaining. That is exactly what Monnie and I strived to offer. We wished for others to feel welcome in our home and around our table, sharing what ever we might have. At Thanksgiving, Monnie would make a point to invite those who didn’t have an opportunity to gather with family. Often guests at our table included those we had met by chance and learned they had no where special to go for Thanksgiving. Some years it was six around our dining table, other years we could have as many as a dozen or more guests. I would often rent extra tables and set them up in the sunroom or out on the terrace. Yes, hospitality rather than entertaining. Thank you!
The beautiful Famille Rose dishes set such an elegant table. I treated myself to more of the salads to complete a set of 8. I think it’s going on the third year, and I fear they may discontinue the pattern. I notice that they have added more pieces this year, so perhaps not. I sure do like the new additions.
Your peonies are stunning! Enjoy your spring weather. We’ve had some much needed rain, but I think things may be heating up this week. I’m not ready for summer weather!
Thanks so much, Sarah. I know that you have the gift of hospitality, and so did your beloved Monnie. Thank you for sharing how you two would celebrate Thanksgiving. My Mother could not allow anyone to be alone on a holiday, so holidays and Sunday lunches might be a hodgepodge of people. It was always fun to see who would show up. She had a smaller home, but that was never an excuse that she used. Happy Tuesday, dear one!
Beautiful post, Pam. I was so privileged to be able to eat at your mom’s (Shirshee to Tara and me!) table many times. Those were precious days, and they laid the foundation for so many wonderful memories. And the blue and white vase with the peonies is so beautiful; sweet of you to mention me!
Yes, we shared many delicious meals at my Mother’s! I love the vase and use it often and I am always reminded of you and the years of friendship!
The legacy of your Mother’s giving spirit continues in that of her Daughter. Your blog brings her to life,
Pam, and the reminders of her giftedness are a testimony to what is possible when one places oneself fully in the Will of the Lord. The Mothers’ Day table is so beautiful and the pictures are perfect appointments of the day. The Famille Rose completes the elegance set by your Mom’s lovely piece.
What an aura has been cast by all the love and beauty you share this special day.
Mary, your comments warm my heart. You would have loved my Mother and she would have loved you. She was genuine through and through. Because she loved the Lord, she loved others so well.
Happy Mother’s Day, my friend!
Oh, Pam, I appreciated the lovely tribute to your dear mother, and this is so special, “. . .my mother had the gift of hospitality and she thrived when she was serving others! Her food is legendary as were her Sunday lunches that not only included family, but often those who were lonely, grieving, or in need of encouragement and a hug!”
Thank you, Mary! She had the lovely gift of hospitality❤️
Pam Thank You for sharing your Peonies. They are gorgeous as are the salad and dinner plates and the beautiful ceramic bowl your mother made.
Happy Mother's Day
Marilyn,Joan and Marion
Thanks so much, sweet friends!
Lovely table Pam, and a beautiful tribute to your mom – she sounds like a wonderful woman. Every time I read about her, I learn something more about the wonderful daughter she rasied! Thanks so much for sharing the love and the inspiration!
ah … to have a photo at each place setting would spark all kinds of memories and conversation, laughter, and maybe a few tears. your creativity sparks creativity in others, friend. i am so grateful to be one of those whose life is richer because you’re in it.
bless you.
Your sweet comments warm my heart, Linda! Happy Mother’s Day!
Pam, this is such a beautiful table in memory of your mom. She sounds like a very special woman indeed and I think she lives on in you lovely lady! The photos are so precious. The peonies are just gorgeous in the pretty vase and I can only imagine their fragrance. The ceramic that she painted is so intricate and delicate – so lovely and the perfect touch on your table. It sounds like she would have loved the Famille Rose pattern that you chose for the table. Wishing you a beautiful and blessed Mother’s Day!
Kim, your comments are heartwarming, thank you! Wishing you a blessed Mother’s Day, sweet friend!
My mother passed somewhat unexpectedly just a couple of weeks ago. She was in her 90’s but she was actually out in her garden just three weeks ago checking in on her own peonies. They were her favorite flower. It’s been stressful and sad couple of weeks to say the least. Between throwing together a funeral, to cleaning out her house, and even having to find a professional carpet cleaner to come deep clean the house to put it on the market, it’s been a lot. You sharing just a little thing about your peonies growing has helped me take a second to relax and focus on the simple beautiful things of life.
Oh, Alicia I am so very sorry! When passing comes unexpectedly, it is such a shock! It is heartwarming that my little post has helped you to take a moment and relax and focus on the simple and beautiful things of life. Sending hugs and prayers!
I just read this beautiful blog entry this morning, and it made me cry. Specifically about thinking you would never be a mother, and then after being married 13 years having your son!
It just reminds us that we must wait on God’s perfect timing. Ecclesiastes 3:1 “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaves”.
Maureen, thank you! God’s timing is always perfect!
The peonies were absolutely gorgeous! And the stem ware is so pretty! I am so happy to have time to sit down and try to catch up on your beautiful blog today. You are such an encouragement to me. I hope you are doing well and that you had a wonderful Mother’s Day!
Cheryl, you are so sweet! God bless you, sweet friend!