Host a Multigenerational Mother's Day Lunch

This Mother's Day, invite family over for a vintage-inspired lunch to celebrate special women of all generations. Display family heirlooms to set the perfect tone for honoring mothers and grandmothers from past to present.

Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these links.

June 03, 2015

By: Katie Meyers

Related To:

A Three-Generation Mother's Day

Mother's Day is all about showing Mom just how special she is. This year, expand that gratitude to your grandmother, too. Plan a homemade lunch complete with all their favorite recipes, then let Grandma and Mom share their favorite stories for a sweet, nostalgic day that's all about them.

From: Katie Meyers

Set the Scene

Cover the table with a white linen tablecloth, then add a burlap runner topped with lace as a subtle nod to the vintage-inspired theme. Add a feminine touch by building on a foundation of pretty pastel hues.

From: Katie Meyers

Eclectic Mix

Pull out antique china, tea cups and glassware passed down from previous generations. Get creative by mixing and matching different patterns and settings. The more eclectic and colorful, the better.

From: Katie Meyers

Pretty Place Settings

Stack plates with antique silver flatware passed down from Grandma, or pick up some budget-friendly serving pieces from a local flea market to add into your existing modern mix. Here, we used family heirlooms that stem back four generations.

From: Katie Meyers

Lovely Details

Tying a simple ribbon around flatware adds a special touch to any traditional setting. Take it to the next level by tucking in a sprig of lavender or any small flower to coordinate with the pastel color palette and reap the added benefit of a beautiful fragrance in the room.

From: Katie Meyers

Special Servers

Display family heirlooms on the buffet even if they serve a completely different purpose. An antique silver pitcher can act as a beautiful vase for spring florals.

From: Katie Meyers

Antique Accents

Collect old-fashioned items from around the house and put them to use as a reminder of previous generations. Great Grandma's button collection can be repurposed as vase embellishments. To give a small glass vase a vintage feel, simply wrap jute twine around a glass and secure with tape. Using a hot-glue gun, fasten buttons to the outside of the twine.

From: Katie Meyers

Dress the Part

Little ones will love wearing vintage-inspired aprons to match Mom and Grandma when rolling out dough or mixing up fresh ingredients.

From: Katie Meyers

Easy Apps

Create a menu that's chock-full of delicious appetizers. Modern crostini takes the place of traditional cheese and crackers. Not only do crostini get little ones involved by sprinkling simple ingredients on top, but these bite-sized portions won't ruin anyone's appetite. Get the recipe >>

From: Katie Meyers

Quality Time

Get Grandma's help with the cooking by asking her to share beloved family recipes that can continue being passed down for years to come. Then, allow the entire family to get in on the cooking.

From: Katie Meyers

Mini Fruit Cobblers

A favorite family recipe like triple berry cobbler can be made into miniature portions by baking in individual ramekins. Get the recipe >>

From: Katie Meyers

Simple Sweets

Save yourself some time and serve a few store-bought treats in addition to your favorite family recipe. Sweets get dressed up when displayed on pretty serving pieces such as vintage cake stands or saucers.

From: Katie Meyers

Lavender Lemonade

A simple lemonade bar is instantly dressed up by adding just one thing — lavender sprigs. Try serving lemonade and sparkling soda in vintage carafes or milk bottles that keep in line with the vintage theme.

From: Katie Meyers

Peek at the Past

Now's the perfect time to pull out old family photographs from generations past. Everyone can gather around and listen to family stories as Grandma and Mom pour through photos, notes and old mementos.

From: Katie Meyers

Craft Time

Enlist Dad to help make centerpiece vases that double as a tribute to Mom for her special day. Get the step-by-step instructions >>

From: Katie Meyers

Vases for Mom

Vibrant spring flowers become the star of the show when displayed in handmade vases for Mom. Pick up a ready-made bouquet from the local flower market, or form your own arrangement to add a splash of color to the table. Get the step-by-step instructions >>

From: Katie Meyers

Make It Meaningful

Create a special gift for Mom by framing a special handwritten recipe card from her mom or grandmother. If you don't have an old family recipe, download our free printable recipe card and fill it in with a family-favorite dish. Get the step-by-step instructions >>

From: Katie Meyers

Special Surprise

Surprise Mom with her framed recipe card all wrapped up and embellished with a bow. Display Mom's new special keepsake somewhere prominent so she is reminded of her favorite cooking memories every time she enters the kitchen.

From: Katie Meyers

Sweet Reminder

Display Mom's new special keepsake somewhere prominent so she is reminded of her favorite cooking memories every time she enters the kitchen.

From: Katie Meyers

HGTV Urban Oasis 2021

HGTV Designer of the Year Awards

Help! I Wrecked My House

Fall Decorating Ideas

Pumpkin-Carving Templates

Gorgeous Fire Pit Designs

Host a Multigenerational Mother's Day Lunch

Related To:

A Three-Generation Mother's Day

Set the Scene

Eclectic Mix

Pretty Place Settings

Lovely Details

Special Servers

Antique Accents

Dress the Part

Easy Apps

Quality Time

Mini Fruit Cobblers

Simple Sweets

Lavender Lemonade

Peek at the Past

Craft Time

Vases for Mom

Make It Meaningful

Special Surprise

Sweet Reminder

Shop This Look

Mother's Day

How to Arrange Grocery Store Orchids Like a Pro (and Keep Them Alive) 18 Photos

How to Make a Framed Child's Silhouette

7 Tips for Creating Beautiful Flower Arrangements at Home 7 Photos

Throw Mom a Colorful Alfresco Lunch 13 Photos

40 Easy Father's Day Recipes to Celebrate Dad 41 Photos

How to Make Tissue Paper Flowers 15 Photos