A Mother's Day Backyard Cocktail Hour
Mother’s Day is just around the corner and like many of you, we will be celebrating at home this year instead of going out for our traditional family brunch.
Thankfully, it will be warmer here in New England and we can venture outside to have dessert and a cocktail or two after our lunch.
Did you know that Mother’s Day is celebrated in several countries around the world at different points during the year? For many countries, such as the United States and Canada, Mother's Day is held on the second Sunday in May. However, in some countries such as Argentina and Ethiopia mothers are celebrated in the fall.
““A mother is your first friend, your best friend, your forever friend.” ”
Although I no longer have my mother here with me, I still celebrate her in my own special way. She was always the heart and soul of our home. She always made special homemade cakes and breads that were wholesome and flavorful. She made home feel warm and welcoming, always bringing out her favorite serving pieces on days when we gathered at the table for special occasions. I now have the honor of using some of those same special serving pieces in my home.
On mother’s day this year, we will serve a delicious light cocktail and some beautiful Petit fours and madeleine cookies for dessert.
When the warm weather beckons us to go outside to entertain, I love the simple essence of uncomplicated yet elegant dining. I decorate using layers of vintage heirloom linens, an array of cozy chairs, sterling silver utensils and trays and antique serve ware that has a timeworn appeal. The kind of design that speaks to casual yet sophisticated entertaining.
My favorite go to flowers is always hydrangeas and peonies but it is still incredibly early in Spring and I must go with the colors of a beautiful spring day this time.
Nothing says spring like a lovely bouquet filled with blooms such as hyacinth, irises, daffodils, tulips, and roses. I used this simple white milk glass vase because I wanted the flowers to steal the show. The pops of color really highlight Mother’s Day
.
I love to have a cocktail on Mother’s Day to celebrate the day with my now grown daughter but must admit that I am not big on strong alcoholic beverages. I am a bit of a lightweight and so I created a light flavorful cocktail for those who appreciate the taste without all the alcohol.
“Why limit happy to an hour?”
Mother’s Day Cocktail - Super light and enjoyable
Easter or Mother’s Day Cocktail
Items you need:
(This makes about 2 cocktails)
2 cups ginger ale
1/2 jigger lavender simple sugar
1 jigger white rum. (You can add more to taste and use dark rum as well)
1 small scoop of lime sorbet or more if you wish.
Here is how to assemble your cocktail
Mix the ginger ale, lavender syrup, rum, and ice together (do not shake!) only stir.
Pour into your glass.
Add a small scoop of lime sorbet on top of the beverage.
Add Lime slices to decorate. I added a few slices and put them in the drink.
Enjoy!
This drink can be made without the alcohol. It is still delicious. This is more like a punch and sweet to the taste. Have fun with it with your children. You can add other types of sorbet if you like as well, depending on you children’s like and dislikes. Cheers!
““Cocktails are society’s most enduring invention!”
Garnishing with edible flowers is always a favorite of mine.
I added a sprig of lavender and a lovely viola bloom for garnish. I also added some additional blooms on top of the Petit fours and tiny cheesecakes to make them stand out and to coordinate them with the rest of my design.
My mother use to server her homemade cakes on her favorite dish, a green depression glass cake plate.
This little plate was from my husband’s great grandmother. It was hand-painted and used often in his home. I have been lucky enough to inherit it and I just love the delicate flowers on it. I bring it out only on occasions since it is incredibly old and delicate.
Pairing antique serveware with modern linens and glasses is such a lovely idea. It both warms up your table and keeps with a modern design. This monogrammed linen napkin is one of my favorites. I had the French bee motif added to the design to create a sweet accent to the napkin.
As with everything I post on my blogs, if you have any comments or questions, please leave them here or email me through my contact page. I would love to hear from you and welcome you anytime.
Design with your heart™️
“may your home be a place where friends meet, family gathers, and love grows.”
Happy Mother’s Day!
Happy entertaining my friends!
Mary
