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Mother's Day Luncheon |
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Recipes for this Story
Raspberry-Champagne Sparkler
Roasted Asparagus Soup
Salade Niçoise
Frozen Chocolate Nougat Mousse
Photographs by Mark Edward Harris
Text by Krissa Rossbund
Although sentimental heirlooms like wedding china or a piece of jewelry handed down from mothers and grandmothers are treasured, it's those practical pieces of motherly advice that are the most useful: Don't slouch. Always write a thank-you note. Never chew gum in public. Remember who you are. Never be too proud to pick up a penny. The best way to make a friend is to be one. I'll always love you the most. So for a Mother's Day luncheon, party planners Catherine Bailly Dunne and Tanis McGregor of Door Couture let those words of wisdom inspire a celebration where guests span generations, from toddlers to grandmothers.
"A mother's advice is special because you don't realize how poignant it is until later in life when you've had your own experiences and discover that you are repeating your mother's or grandmother's words," says Catherine.
To establish a visual theme for an elegant event, elaborate calligraphy and monogramming dress up the invitations, the decoration hung on the door to welcome guests, and the place cards carefully set around the table.
The table achieves an ultrafeminine look courtesy of the green, blue, and coral pink vine-and-bow motif of the dinner plates paired with the lacy blue pattern of the service plates. Gold accents on both plates complement the gold-leaf screen in the corner of the room. A variety of embellishments distinguishes a trio of mismatched crystal glasses: One stem is cut crystal, one is elegantly etched, and one is classically unadorned. In addition to visual interest, the stemware offers a solution to the problem of broken sets--making the different patterns seem a choice, not a necessity. Table linens are restrained in color but not style. White hemstitched linen place mats quietly anchor the dinnerware ensemble, while hand-crocheted pearl trim bejewels plain linen napkins.
The center of the table amplifies the beauty of the settings, with matching floral arrangements that mix fresh white flowers with white porcelain objects from the homeowners' collection.
To top off a meal of Salade Niçoise, a pink Depression-glass cake stand elevates a tower of pink and green macaroons to special-occasion-dessert status. Keepsake boxes, wrapped in white paper and festooned with oversize bows of dupioni silk ribbon in alternating coral pink and celery green, cradle more macaroons, to be taken home and enjoyed later.
Further sweetening the occasion, and keeping the mood of the formal luncheon light, each guest gets a card reading, "My mother always told me" with a blank space where she can add her own pearl of wisdom.
The conversation-starter brings a bit of fun, but it also reminds young guests about the importance of family--and a shared history. As Tanis says, "Those pieces of advice that are handed down transcend generations because they are usually universal truths."
Sources:
"Festivite" porcelain dinner plate by Raynaud through Devine Corp. (devinecorp.net).
"Blue Lace" service plate from Mottahedeh (mottahedeh.com).
"Obsession" linen napkin with pearl trim from Nuko Creations (732/542-0200).
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