8 Tabletop Design Ideas for a Mother's Day Luncheon

From Bluebird Productions, an event-planning firm based in Aspen, Colo., is "Bluebird in a Box." Officially launched last fall, the company offers a variety of seasonal "event kits" with various themes such as "Squeeze the Day" (pictured)—which features, you guessed it, lemonades. The kits are primed for virtual Mother's Day gatherings, with the ability to send one to family members to set up at their own homes–leaving a spot on the table for the laptop, of course! In each box, hosts will find menus with recipes and shopping lists, paired cocktail ideas, customized playlists, style guides, timelines and checklists, decor and styling tips and suggestions, entertainment ideas, etiquette advice, and editable printables for invitations, menus, place cards and more.

If you're the type to let the dishware do the talking, try out a colorful arrangement of plates and bowls, as Benjamin Moore did at DIFFA's Dining by Design event in New York in 2017. The table highlighted the spectrum of rich colors in the company’s then-recently launched Century paint collection. See more: 22 Imaginative Dining and Tabletop Ideas

A lesson in less is more, this tablescape at DIFFA's Dining by Design event in New York in 2019 by Students from the Parsons School of Design aimed to illustrate how small changes can add up to make a big difference. The subtle yet sophisticated setup lends itself well to those who enjoy a more modern tablescape.

Another inspiration tabletop spotted at DIFFA's annual event, this ethereal display marries feminine hues with metallic touches for a showstopping setting—certainly better suited for those with a go-big-or-go-home mindset. See more: 18 Dining and Tabletop Ideas From Diffa's 2019 Dining by Design

For a Mother's Day meal shared virtually, Hestia Harlow's Party in a Box concept can help bridge the digital gap. The Washington, D.C.-based company creates stylish, ready-to-go tablescapes for micro-events. Customers pick a theme (like coastal, pictured here), add a centerpiece and select a station, and then items are shipped directly to doorsteps along with how-to-host instructions and a return shipping label. See more: Planning a Small Event at Home? Try These Turnkey Solutions for Decor, Catering, and More

In the wake of COVID-19, Beverly Hills-based boutique event agency Plan A pivoted from producing large-scale events to curating designs that could work for smaller functions. One of which included this Asian Serenity-themed tablescape made up of a medley of calming blues with metallic accents. See more: 6 Stylish Tabletop Looks to Inspire Your Small Dinner Parties

A tabletop design idea not meant for the faint of heart, this inspirational floral-clad tablescape was seen at Luxe Linen's Luxe Launch event in 2018. Celebrate Flowers and Invitations designed elegant pink and white florals for the table, and Luxe’s Pink Beads napkins completed the look. Recreating the scene at home or virtually? Opt for artificial flowers that can be shipped to family members for decorating their tablescapes without worrying about wilting blooms. See more: Get Inspired by 15 Colorful Twists on a Tropical Theme

For a more dark and moody tabletop design, pull inspo from this Beauty and the Beast-inspired display curated by Rheefined Company as part of the Toast & Tour showcase in 2017. Designer Dana created elegant multicolored floral looks, while elegant, gilded plateware, glassware and flatware suggesting royalty came from Town & Country Event Rentals. See more: 8 Ideas for a Grown-Up Tabletop Inspired by 'Beauty and the Beast'