Memories of Mom Tablescape
If you are looking for a special way to celebrate Mother’s Day, maybe you’d like to honor the memories of the moms who are no longer with us. I’m sharing how I set an alfresco Mother’s Day table with memories of Mom!
Since this is my first Mother’s Day without my Mom, I wanted to create a tablescape to remind me of all the wonderful meals I had as a child. These last few months have been about cleaning out her home and bringing home treasured pieces of her life.
Today I’m honoring her memory by setting the table using a set of dishes like she used when I was a little girl.
I recently shared how to use those treasured old family photos.
The Perfect Setting
I decided to place my tablescape on our pier.
I remember my Mom taking us to The Ponds and letting us fish while she planted flowers around the little cabin. We couldn’t fish off the pier because she was afraid we’d fall into the pond.
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The Dishes – Memories of Mom Tablescape
So you’re probably asking yourself, “Where did these dishes come from?” Well, I never forgot these fun Boutonniere plates, although they had long been gone from my Mom’s table.
We were out yard sailing, as I like to call it, one weekend, and there they were! A whole set for only $10.00. Because I needed more dishes, wink-wink, home with me, they came. This inspired the idea to use these dishes in memory of my Mom this Mother’s Day!
Boutonniere
From Taylor, Smith & Taylor
My mom never had fine china, and what she did have was used daily. We grew up with three home-cooked meals a day. Needless to say, when we cleaned out my mom’s house, we only found one heavily chipped Boutonniere plate.
Thankfully, this set of dishes was perfectly preserved to allow me to create this Memories of Mom Tablescape Tour.
These Dishes hold a special childhood Memory of my Mom for me
I vividly remember one wonderful summer that seemed to last forever. I was probably 9 or 10, and we played outside every day, and it was perfect. Every day that summer, my mom would cook us a fabulous lunch.
The garden produced well that summer. We had green beans, cantaloupe, corn, potatoes, and always homemade biscuits. But the one thing that sticks in my memory about that summer is eating from these sweet dishes. I think it’s where my obsession with dishes began.
Mother’s Day Brunch ideas
If you are looking for a perfect brunch menu, check out these “so easy even I’ll make it recipes.” If you like planning outdoor dining, here are my 9 Best Outdoor Dining Ideas.
Napkins from Pier One Imports
Last summer, I ran across the glasses to match at a thrift store, and you guessed it. I was thrilled.
There’s just something special about those childhood memories that come flooding back whenever I look at these dishes. I know that their value is in their age and my memories. My mom probably got hers as a bonus for grocery shopping or collected green stamps to get them.
As we packed away my Mom’s possessions, we didn’t bring home many valuable antiques or family heirlooms. But we brought home memories of a life well lived—memories of a childhood filled with love, a home-cooked meal, and a Mom who would give you the shirt off her back if you asked for it.
Memories of Mom!
You could say this post isn’t so much about my tablescape as it is about remembering our Mothers on their special day.
My mom lived to be 98 years old. I was so blessed to have her in my life for so many years. So, with tears in my eyes, I’ll say, treasure your moments with your loved ones! And Happy Mother’s Day!
The new pier was built in 2010
Thanks for stopping by. Be sure to HOP over and check out these other fabulous Spring Tablescapes.
Follow the Tour
Stacy at Bricks n Bloom
Ann at Dabbling and Decorating
Kim at Shiplap and Shells
Kristin at White Arrows Home
Pin It To Remember It
Good Morning Rachel
Wow, this blog post made me cry. What memories* I love cherished memories like you spoke about, love how something as simple as dishes can make us remember. Your photos are beautiful, loved the old ones of your Mom and Dad. I lost my Mom also so this was just beautiful as I remember summer days also. Oh yes this is a tablescape post* Your dishes and glasses and just everything is just beautiful, and so dreamy on the dock. Loving the wisteria* have a great day Rachel, I enjoyed this so much
deezie
Deezie,
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I’m glad this post spoke to you. It’s definitely from my heart. You have a blessed day and a Happy Mother’s Day.
Rachel
I love your story about you mom and the meals she prepared for y’all. It really shows her love. What a sweet way to honor her. My mom is 88 and I pray I have her 10 more years at least!
—Jan de la Rosa @dreamsin2boxes
Jan,
Thanks so much for commenting. This was a very heartfelt post. I appreciate you for reading and your support.
Rachel
Rachel those plates are wonderful. I adore the blue pattern and learning all about your parents too. Pinned🙌🏻
Ann,
Thanks for your sweet comments.
I miss my Mother every day. She drove a schoolbus, loved to fish and water ski in the lake and Fry Crappy that my Dad caught. I am 69 and feeling very nostalgic. Thanks for your beautiful post.
Beverly,
Thank you for saying this. I’m especially emotional and seriously shed many tears just writing this. We never really get over the loss of our moms. Even though we know they are in a better place, it’s very hard.
I hope you have a blessed Mother’s Day!
Rachel
Rachel this is beautiful – I love that it is in honor of your mom!
Stacy,
Thanks for taking the time to respond. I appreciate you and your support so very much. Have a blessed Mother’s Day.
Rachel
Wow!!! This was so beautiful and sweet 💗… It made me think of how much I miss my mom😢.. She passed away 12/31/2016.. I can simply be making homemade biscuits and she crosses my mind.. I was blessed with a wonderful mom to.. She always loved sitting o the porch and I guess that’s where my love of that comes from😋.. The dishes are beautiful and my mom to always loved pretty dishes💕.. I do to!!! 🤷🏻♀️Thank you for the sweet memories and I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day…It’s funny how the simple things of life remind of us how special our MOMS really are❤️
Jan,
I appreciate your comments so much. Yes, our memories are triggered by so many small things. Have a blessed Mother’s Day. I appreciate you so much.
Rachel
Oh, Rachel, I loved this post! The dishes are so pretty, with their pop of turquoise, but I really loved reading about your memories of your mom! And the old photos were the perfect touch!
Molly,
I’m so glad you liked my post. It was a very heart felt message.
Rachel
What an amazing post Rachel! I loved reading about your amazing mom and seeing photos of her from your dock all those years ago!! Those dishes are so pretty! I love the pattern and I can’t believe you ran across it! It was meant to be with you! And then finding the glasses to match!! And I love that you ate three home cooked meals a day!
Kristin,
I appreciate you so much. You are such an inspiration and help to me.
Rachel
I absolutely loved your gorgeous blog post Rachel! You have honored your mom so beautifully my friend. And I love the picture of her out on the pier. Very heartfelt!
Kim,
I really appreciate your sweet compliments.
Rachel
Your beautiful post and tribute has really lifted my spirits. This will be the 1st Mothers Day except 1 without my mom. At almost 92 she died of the coronavirus 10 days ago. I’m so happy to see you found your childhood table ware. My love of dishes also comes from my mom. I will set a simple table with dishes that honor her this year. Thank you very much.
Pameal,
I am so sorry to hear this. My mom was 98 and regardless of their age, it’s so hard to be without them. I’m so glad this post lifted your spirits. I hope you have a blessed day. Rachel
Well. This is my first visit. I loved this story. I grew up in the 50’s, so it is wonderful to hear about your mom. Pretty dishes, and wonderful you were able to find them so well priced. And glasses too!
LOL. green stamps. It was my job to put them in the book and I also spent time dreaming in the catalog. I will be back to peruse other blog stories. Where are the ponds? (What state?) Your style is right up my alley….and don’t get me started on the sweet adorable Ruby. Cute cute cute.
Jillian,
Thank you so much for your sweet comments. I’m in central NC. I look forward to sharing more and your continued support. Thanks for stopping by.
Rachel
Absolutely amazing post!Thank you for sharing.Hugs and blessings.
Maristella,
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I’m so glad you liked it.
Rachel
That’s so sweet Rachel – such a beautiful table and wonderful memories! You’ve inspired me once again as this is our first Mother’s Day without my mom. Thanks so much!
Barbara,
Thanks so much for sharing. I appreciate you input.
I love the way you honored your mom with this table setting. Congratulations, your post was most clicked at the Friday with Friends link party!
Thank you for sharing this with everyone at the party.
RR
Oh Rachelle
I am so honored. Thanks so much.
What a beautiful tribute to your mom! I love the fact that this is set up on the pier where you have so many memories!
Thanks so much Susan!