Hello sweet friends and Happy Monday! This coming Sunday, May 11th is Mother’s Day which has always been a very special day for our family!
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
Proverbs 31:26 (ESV)
I enjoy the simplicity of setting a table next to our woodlands. The trees provide a wonderful shade and most often it is breezy in our Appalachian Foothills!
Welcome to the May edition of Monday Morning Blooms with my friends Lidy and Mary. We are excited to welcome back Jennifer from Celebrating Everyday Life as our special guest today.
You will find the links for my friends’ beautiful flower and tabletop inspiration at the bottom of this post.
Typically in our Zone 8a garden, peonies begin blooming around the 20th of April through the first week of May or perhaps later. I was hopeful all the peonies would cooperate for me to use for Monday Morning Blooms. Of our three different varieties, Karl Rosenfield was the only one to cooperate on the only day that rain was not predicted. Karl Rosenfield is a large rose-shaped, double blossom peony. I think its color is stunning!
In my opinion, peonies are a perfect stand alone flower! I used a treasured keepsake pitcher that belonged to my paternal grandmother and more than likely was handed down from my great-grandmother. Who says you can’t place elegant blooms in a rustic pitcher on a humble picnic table?!
A beautiful floral tablecloth, ‘Lillianna’ by April Cornell elevated the status of the old picnic table.
The table was set in memory of my beautiful Mother, a Proverbs 31 woman. Long-time readers will probably remember the many blog posts that I have shared about her legendary hospitality. This table was also set in honor of my beautiful daughter-in-love. She is a loving wife to our son, a fabulous mother to our four precious grandchildren ages 9, 6, 4 and 2 1/2 months. She amazes me as she juggles homeschooling, ballet lessons, cooking healthy and nutritious meals, plus fun activities for the children! The other two place settings were set to honor two of my best friends who are great examples of motherhood.
“She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
Proverbs 31:27 (ESV)
I seemed to have inherited the collecting gene from my dear Mother. Many years ago, I began collecting bejeweled enamel boxes. I thought it would be fun to share several of the boxes for Mother’s Day!
My Mother loved serving others. Her Sunday lunches were known far and wide for the delicious food and more importantly for the love that every guest felt just sitting at her table. Our family was always included, but often those who were lonely, grieving, or just in need of a hug or encouragement shared the table with us.
“She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.”
Proverbs 31:20 (ESV)
I never remember a Sunday meal that Mother didn’t have the table set with neatly pressed linens and china. She never used a paper plate, napkin, or Solo cup. I stopped by almost daily and she was never without a home-baked dessert…cakes, pies, or cookies…often all three. She would make me a cup of coffee and never had to twist my arm to enjoy one of her homemade goodies.
My Mother’s tables were always beautiful but simple. She would have loved the ‘Famille Rose’ salad plates by Williams Sonoma and the majolica dinner plates!
Mother’s love reached far and wide. “If there is room in the heart, there is room at the table.” That was how my dear Mother’s gift of hospitality was practiced.
The table had a heavenly scent provided by Mock Orange blooms and honeysuckle vines that were cut next to the woodlands.
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.”
Proverbs 31:10-12 (ESV)
“All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.”
~Abraham Lincoln
I am grateful to have had a Godly mother who poured her life into me. I was overjoyed to become a mother after thirteen years of marriage. I was overwhelmed with joy to become a grandmother!
Mother loved sitting on her screened porch and watching the hummingbirds that flocked to the feeders. Often she would have a teen-age girl that she was mentoring or a young mother that she was encouraging sitting with her as she shared scriptures and prayed with them. Of course, she would always offer a delicious treat with a cup of coffee or iced tea!
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.”
Proverbs 31:25 (ESV)
Thank you for allowing me to share just a little about my gracious Mother with you. Even though she passed away 18 years ago, her legacy lives on.
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:”
Proverbs 31:28 (ESV)
You are in for a special treat as you visit Lidy, Mary, and Jennifer!
Lidy ~ French Garden House
Mary ~ Home Is Where the Boat Is
Jennifer ~ Celebrating Everyday Life
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. Perhaps there has been a lady other than your mother who has blessed you. May we all take time to thank and celebrate those wonderful women who have impacted our lives.
Thank you for your visit and gracious comments!
Linking with: Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
Test
Good morning Pam, What a beautiful table set in honor of your Mother and daughter-in-love! Your April Cornell Lillianna tablecloth provides a beautiful floral foundation for your Famille Rose plates. Your gorgeous peonies are ahead of ours…I know the fragrance must be heavenly between the peonies, honeysuckle and mock orange! Your enamel boxes are so dear, I love seeing all the pretty varieties from the birds, teapot and handbag. As always, it’s a joy to share some flower therapy with you. Wishing you a wonderful week ahead and Happy Mother’s Day celebration with your family! 🌸 💗
Thank you, Mary. I always enjoy our MMB’s🩷
Good Morning, sweet Pam. What a lovely table you have set outside by your woodlands to celebrate your Mom and your daughter in love. Your AC tablecloth and napkins are a beautiful foundation for your gorgeous plates and glassware. But your bejeweled trinket boxes are stealing the show for me. Each one is so special. It is because of you that I have started collecting them, and I also purchase them as gifts for special friends!
Thank you for sharing your dear memories of your beloved Mother. She sounds so special! ❤️
Happy Mother’s Day!
Thank you, Nancy! I am excited to know you started a collection of the bejeweled trinket boxes. You must share them!
Love your table. So pretty. Isn’t it great when our kids find great soul mates and we are blessed in our family. Your DIL sounds like a fabulous person. Have a fabulous new week.
Happy Mother’s Day a little early. Hugs. Kris
Yes, it is definitely a blessing! Wishing you a wonderful week!
Good morning Pam, I never tire of stories about your dear mother and would have loved to sit on her screen porch to talk about life. You are so blessed to have Allison as part of the family. She truly is a Proverbs 31 woman herself, just like you. I enjoyed seeing your enamel boxes, they are just beautiful. Happy Mother’s Day early, my precious friend.
Thank you, Roxanne. I sure hope your darling sister is improving every day under your amazing care!
Your Mother’s Day table is fabulous! The enamel treasures are beautiful. One of our peonies that bloomed is the color of yours which I love. A heartfelt tribute to the special mothers you know is so touching. Clara❤️
Thank you, Clara! So glad your peonies bloomed and I love that color!
Good morning dear friend. What a bright and cheerful table you have set with so much to love! From the floral April Cornell tablecloth to your dishes, those lovely goblets, your sweet jeweled treasures and of course, the peonies in the middle, all of them are beautiful!
We planted 3 peonies in our garden this year, fingers crossed they will do well, there are only a few kinds that can live in Southern California. It’s a blessing to share our Monday Morning Blooms with you today. xo Lidy 🌸
Thanks so much, Lidy. I certainly hope your peonies make it 🌸
What a beautiful lust honoring your own beloved mother and all women, Pam. The verses that you shared are so apropos in describing your mom. She sounded like such a godly woman. Your peonies are absolutely stunning and those bejeweled little boxes are darling. Happy Mother’s Day to you.
Oh my goodness, I meant beautiful post, not lust!
No problem!
Thanks so much, Kitty! I have way too many of the bejeweled boxes!
This table is stunning! My mother would have loved it. She will be gone 19 years on July 15th and I think about her and miss her every day. I am so thankful to God that he blessed me with my wonderful mother! She was caring and gracious and loved helping people. She loved to entertain and cook and bake and share with everyone she loved. Happy Mother’s Day Pam and thank you for sharing your mother with all of us.
Thank you, Lynda. Your mother and mine would have been friends if they had ever met! There is no replacement for a Godly 🩷
Oh Pam, your table is so, so lovely, and the stories of your mother’s hospitality absolutely brought tears to my eyes. A Proverbs 31 woman, indeed! And you know what? You are too, my wonderful friend! What a joyful table you’ve laid—she would be so proud. And those enamel boxes are utterly enchanting. Of course, I adore that April Cornell linen too! Everything is absolutely beautiful. I’m so honored to be blooming beside you today! 🌸💗
Jennifer, your sweet comments warm my heart dear one! It is a joy to have you as a special guest🩷
Beautiful table setting and sweet memories of your dear Mother. My Mother was a stay at home mom. She cooked 3 meals a day everyday. There was 5 of us children and my Dad. My Dad would not eat at restaurants. We had food from garden and our own meat animals. She was a dear Mother!
Nancy your mother sounds wonderful. My Mother was a stay at home mom who prepared meals daily. Thank you so much!
Another beautiful table and a beautiful setting, the Proverb verses are such sweet reminding of our mothers. I wish I could have met your mother. My mother graduated to Heaven 39 years ago at a young age. But she left me with many beauty tips and flowers arrangements. I love your enamel boxes. I can’t choose a favorite as they are all special. I’ll be in NC this Mother’s Day celebrating my sisters and my daughter’s birthday. I hope the yellow pitcher is indeed your great Grandmothers as I have seen many pitchers that old and shaped like yours. I love its color and pick and yellow are a favorite of mine.
Thank you Alice for your sweet comments. I am so glad you will be in NC on Mother’s Day to celebrate your daughter’s and sister’s birthdays. A special Mother’s Day wish for you to enjoy a lovely time in NC and safe travels!
How lovely to set such a gorgeous table and in honor of your mom. She would simply love it. That’s a wonderful idea. I think I’ll be alone for Mother’s Day — maybe I’ll do the same.
Thank you, Jeanie. Yes set a table in honor of your mom!
What treasured memories of your beloved Mother you have shared with us, Pam; such that we
have come to “know” her and cherish her, as well. Her Proverbs woman image has become an
inspiration worthy of imitation, especially her gift of hospitality. Both you and Allison do her
great honor in living as she taught. Your Mothers’ Day table is such a gracious tribute to all
women who endeavor to fulfill that blessed role. Just love the settings and that enviable collection
of jeweled boxes. A blessed day to you and all the Mothers in this loving circle.
Thanks so much, Mary! My Mother was definitely a Proverbs 31 woman. Wishing you a lovely Mother’s Day, Mary!
A beautiful post with treasured memories. Your mother’s legacy live on in you. The bejeweled boxes are gorgeous. Your table is lovely with pops of color perfect for Mother’s Day. The peonies are so lovely. Jain and I just visited a peony flower farm. Have a wonderful Mother’s day.
Thank you, Linda. How wonderful that you and Jain visited a peony farm. I would love it. Happy Mother’s Day to you!
Thinking of my own precious Mom today and missing her. I am SO eternally thankful to God that He sent Kevin and me a precious son of our own—like you, we waited a very long time. God is so good to have blessed us to become mothers! I am so grateful to Him. Happy Mothers Day!
I know you miss your precious mom, Cheryl! Happy Mother’s Day, my friend!
That is precious Pam to honor your mother and celebrate your daughter-in-love. I just love everything about your table setting. You always amaze me with your eye for color and detail. Happy Mother’s Day to you! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Cindy, thank you for your sweet comments! I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day with all of your family!
Enchantingly delightful! Happy Mother’s day!
Thank you, Gina! I hope you are doing well, my friend!
Ah, yes! The peonies in the pitcher is a beauty for so many reasons. May all those lovely memories bring joy and laughter as you celebrate this weekend, friend. God is good to have blessed us with mothers who loved us well.
Yes, God is so good for blessing us with mothers who loved us well. Thank you, Linda!
Dear Pam, this is such a beautiful and loving tribute to your mother, daughter-in-law, and friends. Your closing words are so thoughtfully written. The table set by the woodlands is gorgeous with my favorite Famille Rose dishes, April Cornell tablecloth, and stunning Peonies. Their color is breathtaking! I can just smell the heavenly scent of mock orange. It is a favorite of mine. My paternal grandmother had one in her yard, and every spring we would make the prettiest bouquets. I have looked for one in our local nurseries, but I have never found one to plant. It seems the old fashioned plants are always my favorites but are difficult to find. I’m so sorry I am late commenting. I hope you have a very happy and blessed Mother’s Day sweet friend!
Thank you, Shannon. I agree the old-fashioned plants are hard to find! Wishing you a Happy Mother’s Day? sweet friend’
Such a beautiful post Pam. I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day.
Blessings sweet friend, Jennifer
Thank you, Jennifer!
This table is just STUNNING!!! Those enamel boxes are so charming, and the peonies! Wow!
Thanks so much for your visit, Pattie!
Pam, your tribute to your mom and your daughter-in-law was lovely. You have been blessed by both. Happy Mother’s Day to another Proverbs 31 lady, you!
Thank you, Darlene! Wishing you a wonderful Mother’s Day, sweet lady!
Pam, what a lovely tribute to your wonderful Mother, Daughter-in-Love, and friends – they all sound like very special people! The AC Lilliana tablecloth is perfect for your Famille-Rose salad plates and Majolica dinner plates. Your collection of enamel jeweled boxes are darling. The peonies are stunning and I can only imaging the heavenly scents around the table. Wishing you a most glorious Mother’s Day!
Thanks so much, Kim. Wishing you a Happy Mother’s Day, my friend!
SO beautiful! I’d like that to be my everyday living!
Thanks so much, Jeanne!
Beautiful table and beautiful sentiment, Pam. And in a small way I believe you’re honoring your Daddy too. Didn’t he gift you the money for which you bought the Famille Rose salads? Your mother would be so proud of the Mother you are as well, and the influence you had on Seth choosing his life partner too.
Thank you, Rita. Yes, Daddy gave me the money that I bought the Famille Rose salads. I hope your Mother’s Day was wonderful!