To create the perfect table setting and menu for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day you must embrace the unique essence of each occasion.

Mother’s Day calls for an elegant and charming tablescape filled with fresh florals and delicate touches, complemented by a light menu. This one features Caesar salad, caviar with all the accoutrements, dainty tea sandwiches, and an assortment of sweet treats.

On the other hand, Father’s Day calls for a masculine and sophisticated approach, a rich color palette of blues and greens, wooden accents, and bourbon-inspired details. The meal I curated is bold and hearty, featuring stuffed flank steak, baked Yukon gold potatoes, and a fresh squash salad—paired with a well-crafted bourbon cocktail.

Whether you’re honoring Mom or Dad, these tablescapes and menus will create the perfect atmosphere for a heartfelt and memorable celebration!

MOTHER’S DAY TABLE SETTING

Setting this table to be visually stunning, warm and welcoming will evoke the love and appreciation for the mother in your life.

Cabbage Plates as the Star Cabbage plates bring a touch of timeless charm, organic shape and delicate texture. If you don’t have cabbage plates, look for ceramic or earthenware pieces with textured details to achieve a similar effect.

Blues, Yellows and a Variety of Patterns Layer in blue-and-white patterned table linens or delicate floral prints. Complement with yellow napkins or small accents like lemon place cards, gold-rimmed glasses, or embroidered linens. The contrast of these colors creates a bright and airy tablescape that feels both traditional and fresh. Elevate your tablescape through layered patterns. Mix and match different motifs. Balance the heavily patterned with solid colors. If your dishware features intricate details, opt for a understated table runner or placemats to keep the overall look cohesive.

Fresh Flowers for a Natural Touch A Mother’s Day table wouldn’t be complete without fresh flowers. Instead of one large arrangement, creat a series of smaller bouquets in different vessels—mixing vases, teapots, or small pitchers for a collected feel.

THE MENU

Caesar Salad A crisp and refreshing Caesar salad made with gems, lettuce, your favorite Caesar dressing, parmesan, and croutons. For an elevated touch, add anchovies or capers.

Caviar A luxurious and modern approach to serving caviar, go beyond the traditional blinis and chopped boiled eggs. Set out a high-quality caviar with accompaniments: salt and

vinegar kettle chips, crème fraîche, Humboldt fog, shallots, and fresh chives. Mix and match different pairings for a playful, interactive experience.

Tea Sandwiches & Sweet Treats A timeless addition offers a variety of flavors to cater different tastes.

Olive Spread Nostalgic yet sophisticated flavor, green olives and cream cheese at the forefront making it perfectly briny and creamy.

Egg Salad Classic and comforting, served on pumpernickel and cornichon garnish.

Serve sandwiches in playful shapes that add to the elegance of the presentation.

Finish the meal with an assortment of beautifully crafted desserts. A mix of flavors, textures, and colors ensures that there’s something for everyone. For a final touch, serve these sweets and tea sandwiches on a tiered tray or cake stand to enhance the aesthetics of your table setting.

FATHER’S DAY TABLE SETTING

With a Bourbon & Bow Ties theme, this tablescape will set the stage for a sophisticated and heartfelt celebration, blending classic charm with masculine elegance. A refined color palette of blue and green brings a fresh yet timeless feel, while varied wood tones add warmth and depth.

Bow tie Refined and Rich

Soft blues and fresh greens provide a crisp, refined contrast against the rich, natural hues of wood. Layer these colors through linens, dinnerware, and small decorative accents for a cohesive look. Bow Tie Napkin Holders—nothing says Father’s Day quite like a nod to classic menswear! Using napkin rings mimicking a bow tie or napkins folded into classic bow tie shapes and secured with leather, metal, or wooden napkin rings. For a unique touch, use real bow ties as napkin holders, adding a personalized element to the setting. Mix different wood elements—walnut chargers and oak serving boards create a layered, organic look that feels both rustic and refined.

Guy Florals Keep the floral arrangements minimal by focusing on lush greenery such as eucalyptus, ferns, and magnolia leaves. Add subtle florals to soften the arrangement while keeping it masculine.

Accent with His Favorite Libation

Bourbon-inspired accents, such as vintage whiskey glasses or cut-crystal tumblers enhance the bourbon theme. A curated bourbon tasting station adds a fun, interactive touch.

THE MENU

Stuffed Flank Steak Butterflied and stuffed with a blend of garlic, spinach, and melted cheese, rolled, seared, and roasted to perfection.

Baked Yukon Gold Potatoes A creamy, buttery texture that pairs well with steak. Elevate them with a crispy herb butter crust.

Zucchini, Squash & Pea Salad Balance the richness of the main course with fresh, crisp flavors.

With its deep blues, natural textures, bourbon-inspired elements, and a menu of bold, hearty flavors, this Bourbon & Bow Ties Father’s Day celebration strikes the perfect balance between refined and rugged. It’s a gathering designed to make Dad feel appreciated, celebrated, and indulged—just as he deserves.

Olive Spread Tea Sandwiches

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup green olives, finely chopped (stuffed with pimentos for extra flavor)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup mayonnaise (Duke’s is preferred for a true Southern touch)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
• White or wheat sandwich bread, crusts removed

METHOD

• Make the Spread: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using). Mix until smooth.
• Gently stir in the chopped green olives, ensuring an even distribution throughout the spread.
• Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a generous layer of the olive mixture onto one slice of bread, then top with another. Press gently to seal.
• Trim & Cut: Remove the crusts for a polished look, then cut the sandwiches into dainty squares, triangles, or finger-sized strips.
• Chill Before Serving: Let the sandwiches sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes them easier to slice cleanly.

ZUCCHINI SQUASH & SALAD

INGREDIENTS

Salad Ingredients

• 1 zucchini, spiralized or thinly sliced
• 1 yellow squash, spiralized or thinly sliced
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
• ½ cup shaved Parmesan
• Fresh herbs: basil, parsley, and or dill

Dressing Ingredients

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp plain Greek Yogurt
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD

• Toss zucchini, squash, and peas together in a large bowl.
• Whisk dressing ingredients together and drizzle over salad.
• Top with Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Stuffed Flank Steak

INGREDIENTS

• 2 lbs flank steak, butterflied and pounded to an even thickness
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, chopped
• ½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Butcher’s twine (for tying)

Bleu Cheese Peppercorn Sauce Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup crumbled bleu cheese
• 1 tbsp cracked black peppercorns
• ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt to taste

METHOD

• Preheat your oven to 375°F
• Lay butterflied flank steak flat, season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• In a small pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Remove from heat.
• Spread chopped spinach evenly over the steak, followed by the roasted red peppers and shredded Swiss cheese.
• Carefully roll the steak tightly, starting from the longer edge, creating a log shape. Secure with butcher’s twine every 2 inches to hold together.

Cooking the Steak method

• Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil.
• Sear the rolled steak on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
• Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 130-135°F (medium-rare) or 140-145°F (medium).
• Remove from oven, tent with foil, let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Bleu Cheese Peppercorn Sauce method

• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic for about 1 minute.
• Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Stir in bleu cheese, black peppercorns, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed.

Serve & Garnish

• Cut the stuffed flank steak into 1-inch medallions, removing twine as you go.
• Arrange on a serving platter and spoon warm bleu cheese peppercorn sauce over top.
• Garnish with extra crumbled bleu cheese and fresh chopped parsley for a finishing touch.