Mother’s Day Tablescape + Bagel Bar.

Mother’s Day Tablescape + Bagel Bar

I wanted to do something nice for my mom and my sister for Mother’s Day and decided to host brunch for my family. I had every intention of cooking something more elaborate. A strata… maybe overnight french toast… something more effortful. Over time it became pretty clear that everyone really just wanted good bagels, so that is what we did! One thing that has impressed me about Charleston over the past few years is all of the good bagel spots that have opened up. A few years ago, I remember ordering Ess-a-Bagel from New York via Goldbelly. No longer necessary. In case helpful: my first choice is Ruby’s, then Spreads, then Holey City.

I love how the table turned out! I had ordered these Ginori dinner plates from Houses & Parties back in December and they just arrived. They are so special. My plan is to collect a full set of Ginori in different colors but the pieces are very splurgy so that will take years to do. I was pleasantly surprised to see how well the plates pair with my vintage malachite placemats (an all time favorite vintage score; I included the listing but they are hard to find. They were originally nearly $1900 for the set but got marked down to $320 and that’s when I pounced). Also vintage: my Vaseline glass pitcher (an ebay find) and the violet Limoges platters (my family china!). I love how well my new plates mix and match with everything I already have.

PS – If you are looking for more entertaining inspiration: all of my previous tablescapes!

My best advice with tabletop stuff is a) to start slow and collect things bit by bit. I have a lot of great stuff but I am in my forties and have been collecting these things for years. The other thing is, vintage and secondhand sites. Once you know what you want and have your search terms (vaseline glass, malachite placemat, Limoges violet…) take it to Ebay, Chairish, Etsy, 1st Dibs… you can find great stuff.

Menu

Someone asked me to share the menu so here goes (it is very simple!)

• Green salad with homemade dressing
• Berry salad
• Bagels (here in CHS I go to Ruby’s!)
• Cream cheeses: I did plain, veggie, and lox.
• Smoked salmon (I bought it from Whole Foods)
• 1/2 red onion, chopped!
• Capers

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