As we go into our second month of quarantine all the celebrations take on a different feel, but being together is what we really should be celebrating. Many things that one might usually want are not necessarily what we need or can use at this time. I've put together a few things to do and or buy for the Mom's out there.
While I will shortly be sending some ideas for tablecapes and menus ideas for Mother's Day Brunch and dinner I realize many will not be interested in cooking and or have the option to do so.
#1. First and foremost....
What will you be doing so Mom doesn't have to be in the kitchen and or think about what is being served?
My first and second suggestion for the ladies in your life is to "make it good, make it special, make it happen"!
You don't need to cook to do this.
We all ... guys, gals, children are sick of planning meals and cleaning up. I LOVE to cook and I am even getting tired of it. I read today in NY Times cooking by Sam Sifton "I’m kind of sick of cooking. Not every day, and not all of any day, but sometimes lately, yes, for a moment or two, cooking is a drag. There’s the tyranny of it, for one thing: three squares for four people, same as yesterday, same as tomorrow." If both a NY Times food writer and myself are getting tired of cooking I can only imagine what all of you are thinking?! Well, if you do want to cook I use NY Times Cooking for a reference quite often and they have some great suggestions for Mother's Day menus.
If you are NOT a cook, here is my #1 SUGGESTION;
I have many friends and colleagues who are providing meals TO GO and they deliver them to your doorstop. I posted about this in my Instagram, but if you missed it and do not want to cook and WANT TO ORDER FOR DELIVERY check out all these great caterers.
Normally these companies are providing food to the best of the best parties.
One GOOD thing that quarantine has brought us is their delicious food delivered to you at HOME, when normally they provide upscale, larger parties.
I have worked with all of them and can't speak highly enough about them all.
Check them out!! They all have special menus for Mother's Day and delivery. Some offer household goods as well. Many have various mixes for cocktails too to add to your delicious meals!
( these caterers delivery in the NY, CT, NJ surrounding areas)
MAKE SURE TO GET YOUR ORDERS IN THIS WEEK, THEY WILL LIKELY SELL OUT AND ONLY TAKE ORDERS UP UNTIL A CERTAIN DAY!
#2. Make it look pretty - Send Flowers
Order a "Box of Blooms" from some of the best of the best event designers in the country!
I'll be the first to admit I am a "flower girl" I have been buying flowers for my home on a regular basis since I was in high school, and I know I am not the norm, but I have never heard anyone say, "No, I don't want those flowers you sent me"!
I ordered last week from Belle Fleur, one of New York Premier florist and event designer. I ended up creating 5 various looks all over my house and changed up dinner each night. While I wouldn't expect anyone to change their flowers each day
( I'm just a crazy person and it was an experiment and a task to show you the various ways and things you can do with these blooms.)
they were gorgeous and you too can have an expertly styled table for the Mom's in your life.
The flowers are shipped direct Fed Ex from the growers from all of these designers so they can be sent anywhere in the country!
For a elegant diner look I mixed Herend china with Red Bliss Design placemats and family heirlooms. The stemware and linens were all passed down.
I mixed all the floral into a spring assortment.
I realize many people don't have or think they don't have the items to make these tables that we as event planners have on hand. Be creative, be spontaneous and think out of the box. I often use glasses for small vases. All that crystal you thought was fuddy duddy, take it out and fill it with flowers. Just do something opposite fancy with it to tone it down. Put a crystal vase with simple white dishes. You'll be surprised it will work out!:)
If you are interested in buying any vessels for styling I routinely rely on West Elm and Jamali Garden They are both great sources for various styles of candles and vases. I find anything and everything I need there for my arrangements. I am a huge fan of Target as well. They have small capsules of home goods that change often.
These dishes above are from Vista Alegre with the pink bows. My first set of dishes I got when I was 21. I mixed them with Limoge chargers and old Pottery Barn salad plates and I got the champagne stems years ago are from Anthropologie.
Don't be afraid to mix high and low as well. I do it all the time!
The box of blooms from Belle Fleur came with peonies (my favorite!), tulips and hyacinth. I styled them various ways but the first day stuck to clean and simple and used one flower per vase. The selections change each week check out their website for more details.
Another fantastic designer offering beautiful flowers shipped is Matthew Robbins. Inspired by one of their favorite destinations they bring beautiful curated blooms direct from Holland. Their inspiring florals will help you stay safe and home, healthy, and positive but you will feel you are in Provence when you see these gorgeous flowers! This first collection is limited to just 75, so be sure to order today for yourself as well as your friends and loved ones. This large shipment of blooms is more than enough to make a big beautiful arrangement with leftovers for smaller moments to put at your bedside or throughout your home. Each box of blooms includes:
(20) stems of champagne sweet peas
(10) stems of blush/cream “chiffon" garden roses
(10) stems of lush “bowl of cream" peonies
(10) stems of “butterfly" ranunculus
(10) stems of lavender clematis vine
Maybe you just want to order some GORGEOUS peonies or single style?!???
Ode à la ROSE has specially curated for you from the best Holland farmers, these flowers are the freshest you can get. Shortly after they are cut, they are hydrated, carefully packed, and sent right to your door from Holland!
Ovando In New York City is offering delivery in New York City Mother's day weekend of their gorgeous arrangements as well.Order must be in tomorrow! They also will be shipping boxes of blooms in the US anywhere. Check out these pretty flowers below and their website for more info.
#3 Pamper Mom...Spa items
I know a Spa Day is usually a top gift choice for Mom's out there, but with quarantine in the mix...not happening. I sure miss my massages and salon appointments! How about bringing some spa items home?
Start with this all organic face scrub from Trees and Flowers. They also have a calming face oil that is just as popular with men as it is with women! Steam your face and do an in home facial with this at home steam by top NYC dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross. The daily peel face pads are a staple of mine. I have used them for years. They are a go to in every beauty editor's list. These bath salts from Cuccio are one of my favorites. The milk bath is also excellent! This is my favorite new candle. Make sure to get Mom a soft and delicious scent and make the bath even more special with this Byredo scent. Not going to the nail salon is killing me and a few others so I am told. This is a great way to get salon success when doing and in home pedicure. i found this "foot bath" at Bed Bath & Beyond. Of course...all of these companies ship. Stay HOME!
#4. Stay at Home in Fashion and Comfort
Fashion and stay at home comfort have not always been 2 lines I have used together, but I have found some Spring items to make lounging and working at home a bit more stylish and comfortable. I have always been a fan of Eberjey lounge wear and this 2 pc top and bottom is currently on sale at Bloomingdales. Perfect for home and I love these fun slides from Ugg. They also come in black is you don't feel Mom will be daring wearing the yellow. Brochu Walker is known for stylish and comfy clothing and this layered look is great for a more polished look for WFH. My favorite T-shirts are from ATM and I love this pastel stripe I found at Intermix. I'm also a huge fan of Zadig & Voltaire knits they are super soft and comfy. I could "peace" out wearing this cute T anytime. Not really sure when I will get "dressed" again in a dress but this sure is cute from Ganni for the weekends and WFH. Also from Intermix.
#5. Make it Memorable and long lasting with a long lasting trinket
I saw that "lockets" had made a bit of a comeback lately and it occurred to me that this was the most meaningful jewelry I could imagine having at this time.
Why not hold a picture of those closest to you at your heart.
For those of us hunkered down in NY and CA it's not easy but as bad as the virus has been I couldn't be prouder to live anywhere else and have felt very safe and happy that our offspring are in the other side of the country with an eagle watch over them in CA. ( other states available too.) Or give Mom a chain with all the initials of her kids? All of these available from Vincent's Fine Jewelry.
Even in quarantine it's possible to make celebrations still great. Our "new norm" may take a bit getting used to but we're doing the best we can, making it good and making it happen!
Happy Mother's Day to ALL!
xoxox
