My Mother’s Birthday Table – Blush Pink and Terracotta
A friend recommended that we have a “pink party” for my mother, Louise’s 95th birthday. Great idea as Mom looks pretty in pink and I always like a theme! Mom lives with my sister, Teresa in San Diego where the weather is pretty great in February!
I brought my blush pink napkins (made from remnant linen fabric) with me from San Francisco. While at their house, I proceeded to rummage around their garden and garage for ideas.
Terracotta Pots, Greens From The Garden and Grocery Store Roses
Teresa had lots of empty terracotta pots leftover from orchid plants. I love the warm terracotta color against the cooler pink shades.
I washed the pots, put jars inside them to hold water and proceeded to clip rosemary and those little flowers from her garden.
Then, I added small and regular sized blush pink grocery store roses to the mix…easy and not expensive!
Scarf As A Runner
Teresa has a blush wool scarf that I thought would make a perfect runner for the table. She said she didn’t care if we used it and if it got stained, she would just wash it (thankfully it didn’t–and there was some red wine consumed).
On the dining table, we used her whitewashed rattan placemats, silver napkin rings, place tags (given to Teresa with other goodies from her nephew, Thomas at Christmas)…and a sprig of fresh rosemary (sort of my sister’s signature–it grows all over her neighborhood).
Throw Blankets As Table Toppers
We also had two additional round tables that we covered with pretty, soft linen throws from Target as table toppers.
We will have celebrations like this again…
The Pink Party! Happy birthday, Mom.



What a beautiful table…your mom must have felt very special! I had the same idea to use a scarf as a table runner. It was a cheap one discounted at H&M. Love Extraordinary Desserts…we are due for a visit. Guess it will have to wait. :o)
After pricing floral arrangements for my daughter’s “Sprinkle” baby shower I ended up making my own using grocery store roses and alstroemeria. I bought some terrazzo pots from Pigment and the arrangements were given out as part of a raffle instead of having games.
Hope you are staying healthy…I read something online today that California and Washington are doing a great job at keeping the coronavirus cases down by staying home and practicing social distancing, and that we are a model for other states to follow. Go California!!
Linda
Forgot to mention I loved the group photo. That is definitely one for framing! Who had the pink hair??
My sister’s work associate/friend…her name is also Linda!!
LOVED THE GROUP SHOT!
THE MEN WITH ONE EXCEPTION DID PINK or a close VERSION!!!
YOU KNOW THE FUNNEST PEOPLE!
HAPPY YEAR TO YOUR MOTHER…………95!!AND STANDING!!!
BEAUTIFUL TABLE AND I LOVE THAT YOU GRABBED YOUR SISTERS SCARF!!!!!!!!
XX
Your mom is adorable! Happy belated birthday! How wonderful that you got to celebrate her before this lockdown. My dad turns 93 tomorrow and sadly, he doesn’t want us to visit him, even from a distance, as he’s so fearful of getting this dreaded virus. BTW, your table is stunning and I love your pink theme. So cute how everyone dressed in pink.
Well, the whole family looks pretty in pink! So intimate, thoughtful, charming and fun. It seems like a scene from another time…another world. So glad your mom had this special day.
Mary Ann- What a beautiful celebration for your sweet mom! I love that you designed this lovely celebration around your mom’s favorite color, pink! The flowers in terra-cotta pots (with a glass inside- brilliant) are wonderful. The mix of grocery store roses, Theresa’s signature rosemary, and tiny wax flowers make such beautiful centerpieces! I love that Howard is wearing an apron! Always the chef! You have a beautiful family and how can your mom be 95? She looks so beautiful and I’m sure this filled her with joy! I hope you get to hug her soon!
xo
Annie
That’s what they are called…wax flowers. I love free garden flowers 🙂 That’s funny you noticed Howard wearing an apron, too. Your post was so good, my friend!
How fun Mary Ann!
I love all the elements you used for this table especially the flowers with the rosemary and the pretty pink scarf running down the center of the table.
Thanks so much for including me in this Spring edition of Project Design.
xoxoxo
We love having you, Claudia…LOVED your post.
My favorite photo was the family photo! It just made me smile. And, I loved the idea of not only using a scarf for a runner (I own tons of scarves), but the blankets as a table cover! Glad you birthday party for your mom was a great success!
Thanks, Patricia…it was a fun time 🙂
Mary Ann, Wow what a sweet party for your lovely mom. She’s adorable. I love the theme and that you all dressed in pink! The napkins are lovely and those throws made the cutest table toppers. I never thought of using my terra-cotta pots for flowers, and it looks so good with the pink. When I first put my table together, I tried a scarf like you, and I wasn’t sure. I love it here and will try that again! Always good inspiration from you. I want to do a pink theme party someday. Thank you Mary Ann for asking me to join. I enjoyed the idea of using what we have now to uplift us in our homes. Important to do right now with all that is going on around us. xo
Loved your creative, lovely table, Kim. Thanks for doing this with us!
Oh my god. Is that your Mom? She is so darn cute. And tiny too, just like mine. This entire event is so beautiful, especially because I’m such a pink person. As usual your table is filled with so much care to details. Thanks for sharing this and sending such happy vibes out to the world during such a serious time. Stay safe and healthy and hopefully when this is all over, I have to meet up with you and Cindy. And Elizabeth, right?!
sending love,
Leslie
I would love together, Leslie…something to look forward to!
RIGHT LESLIE!!!!!!!DON T FORGET ME!!!!!!!!
What a wonderful celebration MaryAnn! And 95!!! Wow, amazing! You’ve got some great genes my friend 😉
The table looks beautiful and I’m sure she enjoyed it. Love the scarf/runner idea, too!
Thanks so much for having me again:)
Sheila
xo
Thanks, Sheila…loved your gorgeous table. You are always so reliable and fun.
This is so gorgeous! I am sure your mom was thrilled. That cake! Wow every detail was perfect. Your mom looks amazing, and you have such a beautiful family! Well done!