A Brunch for Mother's Day

Today I thought I'd share a table I've set for a Mother's Day brunch. Although we are more than a week away from Mother's Day, we will be traveling that day so we're celebrating early.

I designed this table to honor my mother, who passed away when Miss J was small. I wish she could have known her. Grandmothers are so important in a child's life.

To begin, I selected this pretty table runner in white and... well I'm not sure what I'll call this shade of blue. (Google was no help, lol!)  I found it and the coordinating napkins last fall when I was looking for something completely different. Isn't that the way it works out for you?

In the center I placed Siberian irises I gathered this morning from my front garden. Their intense color was a nice contrast to the fabrics'.

The china was my mother's wedding china, and was used for every special occasion celebrated at my parents' house. My sister and I each received half of her set; since then I've added to mine through Replacements and eBay. 

For chargers I used round silverplate trays. I have a dozen that can serve this purpose, as well as several larger round or rectangular ones. Why so many? Several were received as gifts but most were found inexpensively at antique/thrift stores. They add a bit of glam when we host large gatherings (and make the most mundane appetizers seem special).

Somehow the glassware bought 20 years ago has that same shade of blue in the stem as the table runner. 

I have recently become entranced with salt cellars. These have dainty feet and cobalt glass inserts to protect the silver. Another touch of elegance for Mom's table.

From the photos you can't really tell how delicate this china is. Called 'Nautilus Eggshell', its body is composed of a lighter-weight clay than bone china. It has the ungainly pattern name of N1829. Although lighter in weight, it handily survived a family of five plus innumerable guests.

I've always loved the design. The leaves are midway between blue and gray with a hint of green. The flowers are white and ivory with touches of coral.

For the casual brunch menu, I've used Mom's pedestal plate, small bowl with underplate and covered vegetable bowl. I added my English silverplate covered dish because it's a special day.

I bought this pitcher at the Vintage Glassware show we attended last summer. 

I think Mom would be pleased!

The irises growing in the front garden. This photo is deceiving, suggesting they are a violet-blue. Their color is truer to the photos above. Purple (and blue) flowers are notoriously difficult to photograph accurately. Apparently digital sensors have a difficult time seeing, rendering and processing purple because the color is made up of red and blue, located on opposite ends of the color spectrum. So sometimes the sensors decree the flower is blue instead. 

Iris sibirica "Caesar's Brother"

Resources
Dishes | Homer Laughlin 'Nautilus N1829'
Wine glasses used for juice | Schott-Zwiesel 'Conte Sapphire'
Pedestal, bowl/underplate | New Martinsville 'Prelude"
Pitcher | Jeannette 'Floragold'