This Mother’s Day I wanted to create a minimal, sustainable and pretty table setting using only what I already owned, what could be composted or consumed, or what could be given away! I also didn’t want it to take more than 15 minutes to set up.

I love creating beautiful tablescapes and cozy, inviting moments in my home. But I don’t love clutter and I don’t love overspending every time there is a new holiday or event. The older I get, the more I value simplicity. Less is definitely more.

Here are my tips on How to Set a Minimal & Sustainable Mother’s Day Tablescape.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

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How do I Create a Beautiful Table Setting Without Overspending?

I used to think I needed options when it came to setting the table. Easter-themed dishes, Christmas-themed dishes, pastels for summer, dark and moody items for winter… you get the idea. But I realized that I was drowning in napkins and dishes and CLUTTER. I didn’t need all the things, have anywhere to store all the things, or even like all the things if I was being honest with myself. So I sold or donated about 80% of my collection and kept a few basics that I love and use over and over again.

Reuse Quality Basics

Linens

I kept a large white linen tablecloth and a couple of sets of linen napkins. I use them for every table setting. Linen washes well the white tablecloth is actually easier to keep clean since it can be bleached.

Dishes

I kept one set of favourite white dishes. They have a really interesting shape, but they are plain white, which lets the food be the star of the show.

Flatware

We use the same forks, knives etc… to set the table for special events that we use in everyday life. I don’t feel the need to have multiple sets.

Glassware

I have one set of nice wine glasses and then a few options for water glasses in clear, pale green and pink. This was one of the few areas I kept some options because I love pretty glass!

Chargers

I have a set of round seagrass chargers (go under the plates) that I use a lot. I’m not a fan of placemats, but if I feel the table needs an extra bit of something I’ll use these.

I use the basic items listed above as a blank canvas and then create a themed tablescape using accessories. I’ll dive into accessories more in a minute.

How do I make my Mother’s Day Tablescape feel welcoming?

Cozy Accessories

Whenever we are having a dinner party I always go around the house and drag in extra pillows, blankets etc… and make sure they are easily accessible if anyone needs some extra padding or a warm lap! There’s nothing worse than being cold at someone else’s house, amirite?!

Mood Lighting

Lighting is key. I always add candles to a table setting, but usually battery-operated ones. The ambiance of candles is so lovely, but I don’t love the fire hazard (especially if kids will be sharing the table). I use the same little battery-operated candles all over the house. There’s nothing better than twinkle!

My girls ask me if we can have candle-lit dinners all the time. Even if the house is a complete disaster around us from a busy week of school and activities, turning off the overhead lights, lighting a candle and eating in the small circle of candlelight can make even take out feel relaxing and special. (And bonus, the kids seem to complain less and eat more, because they are so happy about the “special dinner” #momhack).

I also love to add as much extra twinkle as I can. We strung patio lights across the screen room last year and I’m loving the summery vibe. You could add twinkle lights or patio lights to your dining room, outdoor table, or wherever your Mother’s Day tablescape is happening!

How do I make my Mother’s Day tablescape sustainable?

Like I mentioned before, I have basic items for setting the table that I use over and over again. It’s the accessories that I use to create the feeling and theme for each holiday or event. But I don’t want to collect or store a bunch of thematic accessories. I find that natural items create a more organic and luxe feeling table. Think more fresh flowers, less holiday-themed knick-knacks!

Shop Your Home

I borrow items from around the house depending on what holiday or event I’m setting up for. For Mother’s Day I added in a pretty silver watering can, a favourite art print, pink pillows from the living room and a few extra plants to add some greenery!

Green Mother’s Day Tablescape Accessories

For this Mother’s Day table I used twine to wind around the napkins (compostable), pretty pink tonic water bottles (consumable and recyclable), and stunning fresh flowers (giftable)! That’s it! It’s amazing how a few little touches can make the table feel different and new.

DIY Giftable Floral Arrangement

The fresh florals are a DIY arrangement that I would usually gift to my Mother or Mother in Law. (Since we are in lockdown this year I am gifting them to myself lol!) I love using florals as a gift because they can do double duty as a centerpiece first!

If you want the best tips ever on how to arrange flowers in an effortless, natural, Pinterest-worthy way like this you have to check out the full video tutorial on Instagram with my friend Anita from Florals by Anita. It has mind-blowing tips! I’ve definitely upped my floral game after learning from Anita!

I hope you’ve enjoyed these simple tips on how to set a minimal & sustainable Mother’s Day tablescape. You can set a pretty and Mother’s Day tablescape easily and without breaking the bank! You may also enjoy:

More Tablescape Ideas

• A Bunny Themed Kids Easter Tablescape
• A Pink Nutcracker Christmas Brunch Tablescape
• Thanksgiving Table with Printable Place Cards & Gift Tags
• A Simple Summer Tablescape for Summer Dining
• A Minimal & Modern Country Christmas Table Setting

More Mother’s Day Ideas

• 5 Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
• Mother’s Day Gift Guide – Presents for Every Mom