Mother’s Day

It’s true: nearly every Mother’s Day, I find myself left a bit teary as I think about how sincerely grateful I am to have such a beautiful, supportive and inspiring woman as a mother. This year, my mom and I are packing up our favorite sunglasses and paperbacks and heading down to Miami for a little R&R. However, if you’re planning a girls-only brunch this weekend (as my mom and I usually do), here are a few mom-friendly, low-impact centerpiece ideas to inspire your Mother’s Day brunch.

Photos: Martha Stewart & Rachel Ray

Reclaimed Inspiration

Eco inspiration is all around us. In produce bins. Hidden in the back of our closets. And, as seen in the pictures below, right on the walls of our homes. Follow the stylish paths of these hostesses who used reclaimed picture frames, windows and even doors to add a dose of design to their soirees.

Photos: Green Weddings Shoes and Snippet & Ink 

Lily Garland

Tinsel has nothing on this beautiful, natural garland. Made from fragrant lilies, this DIY, eco-chic garland will look lovely wrapped around a banister or draped over a doorway for nearly any spring or summer celebration.

Photo: Martha Stewart

Be Green Guest Post

Hi friends,

Please stop by Be Green today to check out SG's guest post about planning an eco-friendly party!

Photo: Be Green

Jelly Jar Candles

Admittedly, I used to make jelly jar candles as a kid, after I spent months collecting jelly jars adorned with colorful images of my favorite cartoon characters (something only the 80s could provide). However, I like the idea of a grown-up DIY version that uses clear glass jars (sans Tom & Jerry), eco-friendly beeswax and a few drops of relaxing essential oils.

Photo: Martha Stewart 

Sweet Thing

All it takes to transform a simple jar of honey into a charming favor is a custom label, a snip of fabric and piece of twine.

Photo: Once Wed

DIY: Pantry-Inspired Centerpieces

Next time you’re in need of some centerpiece inspiration, look no further than your pantry. Dried beans serve as a pretty earth-toned base to anchor a single spring clipping. Both the beans and the flowers can be composted once the table has been cleared.

Photo: Rachel Ray

Exotic Inspiration

Amp up the exotic vibe at a laid-back summer get-together with this low-impact idea. Fill a simple bowl or serving piece with water and tropical colored floating candles. Place a few orchids in the water to float beside the candles; you can also scatter several orchids across the table for an easy, organic vibe.

Photo: Martha Stewart

The Eco Luxe Life

Planning for a summer BBQ? Be sure to pay a visit to our friends at The Eco Luxe Life today to check out SG's most recent guest post about throwing a perfectly green summer BBQ! Enjoy!

Photo: The Eco Luxe Life via Martha Stewart

Green Wedding Inspiration

A beautiful greenhouse photo shoot. Reusable mason jar vases and drinking glasses. Reclaimed wood. A scenic outdoor setting. Low impact centerpieces. Reused shutters and books as tabletop décor.

This charming, shabby-chic wedding is equal parts green and stylish.

Photos: Green Wedding Shoes