While at Trader Joe’s, I picked up a few bunches of the most beautiful pink tulips, one of my favorite flowers, and they inspired me to set this beautiful and elegant tablescape for Mother’s Day. I love how the pink tones of the tablecloth perfectly match the Willow Rosa pink salad plates and the overall feminine aesthetic of the table. Just perfect for Mother’s Day!
WILLOW PATTERN HISTORY
This beautiful design is thought to be inspired by The Green Willow, a Japanese fairy tales of two thwarted lovers. In 1849, ‘The Story of the Common Willow Pattern Plate’ was published in The Family Friendly magazine and it set the narrative that has become the standard interpretation today. The story is about the daughter of a wealthy man who falls in love with his assistant. The father builds a great fence to keep them apart and arranges a marriage for his daughter with a Duke. As the two wealthy men get drunk, the assistant breaks in and escapes with the daughter. The live happily in a far away island and he becomes a writer. His fame reaches her father and he arranges to have him killed and burns their house down, killing his daughter too. God sees this and immortalizes them as two doves. You can see the various elements of the story, like the fence, the pursuit over the bridge, the boat reaching the island and the two doves flying together in the sky, in the pattern. This pattern comes in blue and pink.
HERE’S HOW I STYLED IT
I set this beautiful pink floral tablecloth with a green cabbage charger for a pop of color. A collection of milk glass vases are arranged down the center, each holding a single tulip. Tucked in the middle are two candle holders with pink candles. Since the tablecloth and plates both have a busy pattern, I wanted everything else to be clean and simple. The green is repeated in the leaves and charger plates while the white is repeated in the dinner plates, napkins and milk glass. As you can see, the three color palette works well together.
Simple flatware and clear glasses complete the overall look. A clear acrylic napkin ring holds the white vintage napkin and tulip tucked in the center. I love these acrylic napkin rings. They are so versatile and durable. I never have assigned seating at my table. I like my guests to feel at home and sit where they are most comfortable but, if you like assigned seating, a beautiful place card holder would look lovely.
The Willow pattern is a classic pattern that has graced many tables over the years. The other day I was watching an episode of The Andy Griffith Show and this pattern was on her table. Even in black and white, it was gorgeous. Whether you use it daily or just on special occasions, this pattern is a classic and one that will continue to be popular for many years to come. I hope you find inspiration in this tablescape to create your own.
SOURCING
Tablecloth – Williams-Sonoma Floral Blossoms, discontinued (a fabric store also has many wonderful options)
Charger – Bordallo Pinheiro cabbage pattern, can be sourced in various places including Amazon and eBay
Aspen Stainless Steel Flatware – Crate and Barrel
Napkin – vintage napkin with embroidered edges, can source in estate sales, antique stores, eBay and thrift stores
Acrylic Napkin Rings – Amazon, you can also find other shapes and designs
Schott Zwiesel® Sensa Wine Glass – Pottery Barn, you can also source on Amazon
French Wine Glass – Crate and Barrel I love their classic French design
Vintage Milk Glass Vases – can source in estate sales, antique stores, eBay and thrift stores
Vintage Fenton Silver Crest Candleholders – can source in estate sales, antique stores, eBay and thrift stores
