Mother's Day is coming up, and you don't know what to give your dear mom as a gift? Don't panic! I'm here to help, with 10 decorating ideas that will inspire you.
What can you give to a mother who already has everything? Many people ask themselves this question… My answer: we give beauty. It’s a universal law: everyone loves beauty!
And I would add that if the object has a little something special – an original look, a story – it’s even better. That way, your mom will think of you every time she sees it or uses it.
Some of the selected products are the work of local artisans. While visiting their website (just click on the links in bold below), take the opportunity to look at their other creations – there is a lot of beauty being made in Quebec!
Prices* range from $20 to $95… Don't hesitate to ask your brother and/or sister to join you if your budget is limited, they will surely be delighted.
End of the preamble, here are my 10 decorative ideas to give as gifts for Mother's Day.
1 – Amber glass sculptural vase, 4.75 x 10 in, $28 at Simons
If you're going for a classic bouquet of flowers (always a good idea), why not also give a pretty vase like this one, inspired by vintage? Your mom probably already knows this, but remind her that she can dry your flowers and incorporate them into her decor later – it's very trendy.
2 – Vanessa Throw, 60 x 50 in, $78 at Anthropologie
I have to admit: I’m crazy about throws! In addition to adding texture to a decor – and a hint of color, if you want it – they are a bit like the comforting “little wool” of our time. The Vanessa throw is 100% cotton and machine washable, a must for anyone who, like me, carries the fabric everywhere in the house, and even outside on cool evenings. Several patterns are available, take a look.
3 – Plain wall hook, 2.5 x 4.5 in (dia), $56 at Buk & Nola
A hook? No, a nice hook. In the kitchen, bathroom, entryway, or hallway, the Uni Wall Hook—handmade in Brooklyn by designer Virginia Sin—can hold up to 10 pounds. You might want one or two of your own…
4 – Black Lichen Buoy, 9 x 31 in, $95 at Atelier Trema
The final touch of the decor stylists, their "magic" touch, is often theirs: decorative objects, which have no other purpose than to be beautiful. Like this Lichen noir buoy, inspired by the Maritimes and made in Bedford in Estrie by Atelier Trema. Each piece is unique and can be installed indoors or outdoors. Also available in white or navy blue, in large format or in trio.
5 – Volant cushion cover, 17.5 x 17.5 in, $45 at Zara Home
Can you have too many cushions? Hmm… probably yes. But you can never have enough cushion covers! Personally, I change them frequently to jazz up the colors of my living room. Here is a 100% linen one decorated with decorative ruffles, machine washable. A beautiful classic. Add $13.90 if you want it stuffed.
6 – Large stoneware meander plate, approximately 10.5 x 9.5 x 0.75 in., $52 at Simons
It is described on the web as follows: "The sinuous, soft, timeless shapes of this plate are reminiscent of rivers that flow, free and fluid, like paths of life." We can also simply say "wow". The large plate, created by Quebec ceramicist Roxane Charest, matches the other items in the collection: bowl, small plate, pasta bowl and cappuccino cup. Each piece is unique, hand-thrown in Montreal. Dishwasher and microwave safe. Also available in pink or black.
7 – Speckles double chandelier, 18 x 14 cm, $55 at Dompierre
Another handmade creation made in Montreal : this speckled beige stoneware candlestick by Marie-Eve Dompierre. Pretty, and very useful during a long power outage caused by ice. Sold with two 100% beeswax candles from Petit Rucher du Nord in the Laurentians (worth $17.99 per pair).
8 – Pine Bark + Cedar Aromatic Candle, $22/4 oz or $32/8 oz at Soja&Co
Your mom can't help but love the scent of this aromatic candle. I know, I tested it myself! Mom's not too "pine bark and cedar"? Know that Soja&Co offers a wide variety of scents - I counted 30. All the candles are made with 100% natural soy wax, emitting 90% less soot and zero CO2. The packaging is as eco-friendly as possible, the company even asks us to reuse the amber glass jars in various ways, which are easily cleaned with hot water and dish soap once the candle is finished. Oh yes, that too is made in Montreal.
9 – Baguette bag, 31 x 8 in, $20 at Dans le sac
Dans le sac products all have one thing in common: preserving the environment. Their reusable baguette bag, made of 100% natural cotton, lets the bread breathe and keeps it fresh for two days on the counter at home. It can hold two baguettes and, thanks to its strap, it can be carried on the shoulder. Washable in cold water on a delicate cycle. (The baguettes are obviously not included, so a stop at the bakery on the way to mom's will be appreciated.)
10 – Wild Interiors book, 224 p., $34.99 from Renaud Bray
In our neighbors to the South, they call them coffee table books . They are in fact beautiful hardcover books that, with their breathtaking photos, inspire and make you dream, and that you nonchalantly place on the living room table. Art, design, architecture, travel or famous personality – think Marilyn Monroe –, the themes are varied. My suggestion: Wild Interiors by plant stylist Hilton Carter, who has become the guru of small jungles at home. For a preview of his crazy arrangements, check out his Instagram account . It's nothing but beautiful – just like what you're going to give your mom for Mother's Day.
Opening photo credit: Simons
*Prices displayed are those in effect at the time of publication.
Julie Deslauriers is an actress, stylist, interior design columnist and eco-friendly mom. You've probably seen her on Chambres en Ville or other shows? Alongside her acting career, Julie has developed another passion: interior design.
We are happy about our brand new editorial collaboration and her valuable advice. You can follow her on her Instagram feed @lejuliebazar .
Stay tuned for more decorating tips from Julie!