6 Creative and Affordable Ways to Decorate for Mother's Day
Mother's day table setting with Tulusa's Shibori Napkins in Orchid and a Shibori Runner in Purple Fissure
It's time for a toast because Mother's Day is just around the corner on Sunday, May 14th! For many of us, the occasion has come once again to create a memorable gathering to celebrate all the special moms in our lives. For others, it might be the first time hosting a family on Mother's Day. Whether you're planning an indoor affair with a beautiful meal or you’re taking your meal outside and having a picnic, don’t worry, Tulusa has you covered!
Setting a table for a special event is our favorite thing to do. We love getting creative and making our table-scapes beautiful and memorable. Below we are sharing six tips that will help you skip Amazon and set your mother's day table in ways not even dear mom may have thought of and, without breaking the bank, or sacrificing the beauty and warmth of this special day. From our linens, napkins and placemats, to going fully DIY, Tulusa has plenty of Mother's Day inspiration to share!
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Do it yourself on Mother's Day
Making do it yourself (DIY) table decorations for Mother's Day is an excellent chance to show the moms in your life just how much you care by adding a personal touch to your celebration. Fancy gifts, pearls, bath bombs and wall art are great—but the only gift mom really needs is your love and attention. It’s time to express your creativity and imagination and create a unique and memorable atmosphere for your Mother's Day celebration.
Below you’ll find our favorite ways to make a beautiful table that will show mom how much you care.
1. Get behind the power of flowers!
Get behind the power of flowers! No need to spend a ton of money on a fancy bouquet. Grab a bunch of flowers from the farmers market or Trader Joe's and make several petite arrangements in mason jars for a bright and rustic look. You could also just walk outside and find free blooms like lavender and rosemary. You could even make a rustic wreath with found flowers and ferns. But if you're looking for an upgrade, we've got you covered with our new Shibori dyed Flower Jackets. These beauties can slip right over a mason jar or glass for a quick upgrade and a more polished look. There are a couple of nice benefits to using our Flower Jackets. They can be flattened and put away without taking up much space and for bonus points you can gift one to Mom along with the mason jar and flowers so she'll have a lasting memory of her special day!
Mason Jar Shibori Flower Jackets in Purple Fissure, Adobe, and Twilight
2. Go beyond the bouquet
Ready to think outside the vase for mother's day gift ideas? Think about decorating with the things the guest of honor is known for. Is she an avid reader or does she love art, is she a poet? Does she love historical fiction? Create your centerpiece by stacking art books or her favorite titles in different heights along the table. She'll see that you've been paying attention and you might even get an impromptu reading out of her! Add votive candles in a variety of small glasses on top of the books to finish the look. You’ll want to use hardbound books that have similar colors and sizes stacked on top of each other for a cohesive look.
Tulusa Monstera Napkins in Forest Floor with Lotus Runner in Saffron
3. Bring in nature
If you didn't have time to go to Trader Joe's or to your local farmers market for some inexpensive blooms, no problem! You can still add decoration and some life to your table setting by using small plants in similar pots from around your house. We love to use succulents in small terra-cotta pots. An odd number of plants gives your table a balanced look. Three or five small plants in a variety of heights and textures, along the center of the table will create a beautiful display.
Adding natural elements to your table setting is a great way to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. If your thumb isn’t green and live plants aren’t your jam, you can also incorporate natural elements such as branches, leaves, and stones to enhance the visual appeal of your table. We love the idea of choosing a variety of leaves that are slightly varied in color. Start at one end of the table and lay them down in an ombre' style (lighter to darker or vice versa). The effect is beautiful, and can be topped off with tea lights or led fairy lights for a sweet glow.
Want to go all in with your nature inspired look? Find a long piece of wood for the center of the table and let that act as your table runner. It will give your table a grounded feel. Add branches, candles, and moss for contrast, interest, and texture. Nature is abundant so don't be skimpy with whatever elements you choose.
Tulusa's "On the Prowl Cheetah Napkin" in Forest Floor with plants and Stick Candles
4. Have fun with your favorite treasures
There is nothing we like better than a treasure hunt. In our family we also call that, "shopping at moms" (ours has everything you'd ever need, so it's our go to store:) Use this adventurous game and create an amazing table-scape by using your or mom's, favorite objects from around your home. It's the perfect way to add a personalized touch. Look for items that work with your color scheme and add a cool treasure-like feel to your table. Old linens with a few marks but tons of character work fine!
Crystals, rocks, glass orbs, shells or charms are great options that can make a big impact. Incorporating sculptural objects is a great way to add personality and interest to any space. Grandma's special placemats? Something made by the grandkids perhaps? When choosing objects, think about the colors and materials that will complement your existing decor along with the vibe of your event.
What are some mother's day gift ideas?
If you have a minimalist or modern decor, choose objects that are sleek and have a metallic or glass finish. On the other hand, if your decor is more rustic or bohemian, opt for natural materials like wood, stone, or woven fibers. You could use a few small sculptures or figurines that reflect moms personal interests or hobbies or just something that is her favorite color.
A few pieces of pop art, vintage toys, or small models of her favorite animal could be nestled along the table with your other elements. This isn't a time to hold back, you're putting funky things on your table after all so, Go For It and create the look with repetition and clusters of similar objects and colors that work together.
If you go with this funky treasure hunt inspired table-scape, you'll want to add some lighting that will go along with the style you choose. If your treasure hunt inspired a natural vibe with crystals and rocks perhaps the glow of candles is the route to take. If you went for the full on funk with pop art or vintage toys stacked on books, then maybe fairy lights would complement the look. There are no rules here, go with the flow and have fun.
5. Run Baby Run!
Runners can do wonders. A beautiful piece of fabric or a Shibori Runner will ground the space and give you a base to work from. A runner effectively ties all of your other elements together and unifies the scene. And no, it doesn't have to be fancy or expensive to capture the love. It's possible to create a custom table runner with materials like craft paper, get the kids involved by having them add personal messages or drawings or something special from their sticker collection for mom.
You can also use jute or burlap table runners, and placemats placed alongside each other can add a rustic touch to your decor while still being budget-friendly. Placemats can be paper and colored in by the kids. You could also consider adding some greenery to set the stage for the rest of your look. Below is an example of our Shibori Runner in Pearl. See how it elevates the table and gives the rest of the elements we used a stage to stand on?
Tulusa's Shibori Napkins and Runner in Pearl
6. Get the glow
Fairy lights running down the center of the table and woven in with your other elements can create a beautiful scene. We also use candles quite a bit around here. Candlelight adds a warm and inviting ambiance to any table setting. Shown in the image below, Stick Candles and candles from Olive and Loom are two great companies that offer beautiful color, natural and sculptural elements, they’ll also add a perfect amount of glow to your scene.
A fun fact: Our mom has always told us that when you see the whites of your guests' eyes, it's time to light the candles! Candlelight is a classic and timeless way to add a touch of elegance and warmth to any table setting. They are often just inches away. It doesn’t have to be dark out to light them. Any brunch, lunch or dinner is made special by adding candle light. You can find some great candle holders in thrift stores, a cost effective way to get the look you want.
If you’re using candles that have a flat bottom and you don’t have a candle holder to support, go ahead and use a long plate, or tray and line them up or cluster them together or use smaller plates to create more visual interest.
Candlelight fixes every thing wellness after a long day.
Tea lights or votive candles bring the vibe and are a great option for smaller tables, or adding accents to a larger centerpiece. They also work well if you are using the example that we mentioned above and using books for your centerpieces. You’ll want them to be protected and free of any possible drips that tapered candles leave when burned. Votives come in a variety of colors and scents, and can be placed in pretty holders or even floating in water.
One weekend I found myself in the mountains of Utah with a group of friends. It was our turn to host the other friends staying on the ranch and my friend and I decided we needed a beautiful table-scape to go along with our yummy meal so out into the forest we went gathering smooth wooden branches, wildflowers and interesting rocks. We found some votives in a drawer at the house and placed them along the branches making a rustic table-scape in no time at all. It was easy, and fun and the guests appreciated the extra love we put into the evening.
One note about candles, when we are serving food we try to shy away from scented candles. We want the aroma of the food to be the star of the show so if you can, save scented candles for hanging out in the living room or for a long hot bath.
Shibori Napkins and Runner along with Olive and Loom Palm Candle and Maple Candles from Stick Candles
Pull it all together
Once you have found all your goodies, put on your cozy slippers and get ready to decorate the table, it's time to lay down your favorite dishes—china, glassware, silverware, and of course, linens. For a splurge, our Highbrow Hippie Shibori Napkins in Orchid are a great option for spring and can easily transition your table setting into summer and beyond.
Our current favorite color combination is Orchid and Indigo. They’re both great colors to incorporate into your mother's day gift ideas—and they help to create a calming and serene atmosphere while also adding a pop of color. If you have these colors in other pieces like candles or vases, use them in accents throughout your table. That said, the skies the limit when it comes to color so don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different shades and textures with whatever hues and elements you choose to make your Mother's Day celebration extra special.
A Few More Quick Tips for Mother’s Day
Mix and match:
You don't need to have a complete set of matching dinnerware and silverware to create a stylish table setting. Mix and match different pieces that you already have, or consider purchasing inexpensive sets from thrift stores or discount retailers. One creative idea to show appreciation for grandma, and keep her away from house keeping, is to create a personalized photo album of cherished memories with her. Another thoughtful gift is a custom-made piece of jewelry that features the birthstones of all her grandchildren—more personal than an initial necklace. You can also surprise her with a home-cooked meal or a spa day at home.
Add a little elegance:
If you want to elevate your table setting, consider investing in a few key pieces such as polished silverware or a statement centerpiece. These items can be used over and over again and will add refinement to any table. Our favorite source for these pieces are local thrift stores and estate sales. You can find some true gems that won’t cost you very much money at all.
Frame with beauty:
Use decorative elements such as candles, flowers, or greenery to frame your table setting and create a cohesive look. You can find affordable candles and flowers at most grocery stores, and even use branches or leaves from your own backyard. Remember, it's likely that you have everything you need to set a beautiful table.
Choose versatile linens:
Linens are our jam. They set the stage for a beautiful table. We use them every-single day around here and haven’t bought paper napkins in years. When you use cloth napkins you are using something that is not only beautiful and will always make your table a special place to be, you’re using something that is eco-friendly and will last a lifetime.
Embrace the season
One more way to add a pop of color and texture to your table setting, is to incorporate seasonal elements such as fresh fruit, vegetables. You can use them for your Mother’s Day celebration and have them for lunch the next day! It’s a win-win that will save you money and create a fresh and vibrant look. Slice citrus in half and lay it out down the center of the table or create a long cheeseboard runner with dried fruit, grapes, cheese, and whatever else your posse loves to eat. It would make a delicious and beautiful centerpiece and of course it's both a runner and your meal!
Wrap Up a Perfect Mother’s Day
By incorporating simple and affordable ideas like using a tablecloth or runner, adding pops of color with napkins and flowers, incorporating sculptural objects and candlelight, you can transform your table into a beautiful and memorable experience for your loved ones. One of the great things about these ideas is that they are easy to customize to your personal style and budget. You can mix and match different elements, experiment with colors and textures, and find creative ways to repurpose items you already have at home.
Remember, hosting on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing style or quality. With a little bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you can create a beautiful and memorable Mother's Day celebration for your loved ones that they will cherish for years to come. So, embrace your inner creativity and have fun with your table setting!
We’d love to see your mother’s day tables-capes! Please email us a picture to info@tulusa.com and tag @tulusa.goods on instagram and we’ll be happy to repost your inspired table.
Mother's Day is a special occasion to show appreciation towards your mother. It is always a good idea to think outside the box when it comes to a mother's day gift. You can plan a casual picnic in the park, create DIY personalized gifts or choose creative and unique presents that she will adore. For example, you can opt for customized photo books, prints, or wall art that feature your family memories together. The key is to make her feel special and loved on this day.