Anatomy of a Dinner Party: a day in the life of a hospitalityaholic
 

A Mother’s Lessons

Written by Patti on May 8th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

Happy Mothers Day to all of you. Those who are mothers and those celebrating Mom today.


My Sweet Mama, Lillian. A million thanks to my cousin Margie for sending this to me.

My mother was a stickler for etiquette. I am betting that before my brothers, my sister and I could even walk, we knew what fork to use. She taught me to stand when someone older or clergy came in the room. She taught me the importance of hand written thank you notes. Lillian knew about little tiny utensils used for pickles and shrimp. And that knowledge was passed on to me.

On my 18th birthday, Mama set up a gorgeous table for 10 of my besties. The tablecloth was pink and at each place setting was a tiny pink wrapped box that held an initial necklace for each of my friends. It might have been at that party, I realized I had a hunger for entertaining.

Miss Lillian would have loved this.

She taught me graciousness and how to be a lady. I am still not even close to being the lady she was, but I continue to try. Miss Lillian despised chewing gum and blue jeans and thought them to be particularly unladylike. To this day, I don’t chew a lot of gum, but I do love my jeans.

I like to think she is out there in the universe, reading my blog over my shoulder while wearing her signature scent, Wind Song.

Yes, sometimes I catch a whiff of her favorite perfume on a quiet night and know she is watching out for me.

Thank you, Miss Lillian, for all your taught me. And for all your unconditional love. I miss you.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to ABBA – Mamma Mia

 

7 Comments so far ↓

  1. Holly says:

    What a sweet tribute – it made me cry! xoxo

  2. Tami says:

    I’m loving your mama,love the pink decor!

  3. Patti says:

    Oh, Hol! You never cry! I love you, P

    Tammie, thanks so much. xoxox, P

  4. Millie says:

    Sweet Spin!
    Your fabulous mama was so gorgeous; now I know where you got your vivacious good looks from! I love her name: Lillian. So appropriate for someone so refined! I miss you sweetie and I talked to Holly so I know it’s been a little rough for you lately so I’m sending you a huge hug from Tally! Love ya,
    Milster

  5. Kathleen says:

    She is most certainly proud of you. My mom’s signature scent is Chanel#5 🙂 I am so lucky in I get to talk to her several times a week, though she usually has forgotten what we spoke about the day before! Lillian is a great name.

  6. Patti says:

    Dearest Millie!

    It has been a bit of a rough patch, but we are all doing well and Oscar is healing nicely. You are such are darling!! Big hug back to you!! xoxo, P

  7. Patti says:

    Thanks, Kath! xxoxo, P