Mother’s Day Magic

Herend Rothschild Bird china sings against the gilt-rimmed chargers and monogrammed napkins by Gramercy. Family heirloom silver flatware mixed with mother-of-pearl pieces complete the elegant setting.

Designer Nancy Izlar with her daughter, Darby Fallon Clark, and her grandson, Rivers Clark.

Sterling silver place card holders from Beverly Bremer Silver Shop are just large enough for a Jordan almond and a card.

A custom floral tablecloth by Dogwood Fabrics, through Travis & Co. and made by Willard Pitt, completes the floral symphony.

The custom menu cards created by Blythe Holliday perfectly coordinate with family-owned Herend china.

Crystal flutes are a festive note when placed on an heirloom silver tray.

Etched green water glasses from Williams-Sonoma appear vintage.

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles: You have a large family. How did you incorporate six generations into this Mother’s Day luncheon? 

Nancy Izlar: My family has always entertained and used family heirlooms in the process, and I’ve passed those joys on to my daughter, Darby. The silver epergne was my great-grandmother’s while the etched wine glasses, silver tray and flatware are from my grandmother and mother. The Herend china was my mother-in-law’s and the mother-of-pearl flatware was a gift from my father’s wife. Our guest of honor, and our sixth generation, is my new grandson Rivers! 

AH&L: This gazebo setting is charming and memorable. What are other entertaining tricks that captivate your guests? 

NI: Whether entertaining formally or casually, I always use fresh flowers, colored glasses, candles, festive cocktail napkins and a signature drink. 

AH&L: Tell us about your mother’s smart recommendation regarding your silver pattern.

NI: On my 18th birthday, my grandmother took me to pick out my silver pattern, and my mother recommended that I select the same one that she and my grandmother had. Now I have three generations of silver to use when I have large gatherings. 

AH&L: Darby, you’re in your twenties, and it is refreshing to see your interest in entertaining with for silver, china and crystal. Do you think formality will return for your generation? 

DARBY FALLON CLARK: My mother constantly entertained, so it’s always been a part of our lives and we learned to appreciate fine china, crystal and silver. I selected beautiful china for my registry, but it’s not overly formal and it pairs well with my mother’s patterns. 

AH&L: The menus and place cards coordinate perfectly with the tablecloth. Was this custom or serendipity? 

NI: After selecting the tablecloth fabric, Darby and I worked with Blythe Holliday Designs to create them. 

AH&L: How did you imagine this setting and who created all of the beautiful floral work? 

NI: Nancy Izlar Interiors hired Katherine White last summer due to her background in floral work. Katherine owns Gather Wild, a floral and event company, and she and I discussed the look I wanted and we selected the flowers. She did a stunning job creating my vision.  

AH&L: Nancy, what’s it like to celebrate this Mother’s Day with your daughter and new grandson? Darby, how does it feel to be a new mom celebrating with your mother? 

NI: Being a grandmother has brought a whole new dimension of love and joy to my life. I’m so proud of Darby and so overjoyed with Rivers, so it’s going to be extra special this year. 

DFC: Mother’s Day has an entirely new meaning for me, and I now have a greater appreciation for my mother and respect for all mothers.

Favorite Shopping Spots

Baby Braithwaite @babybraithwaite 

Beverly Bremer Silver Shop @beverlybremer_silvershop

Blythe Holliday Designs @blythehollidaydesigns

Boxwoods Gardens & Gifts @boxwoodsatlanta

Bungalow Classic @bungalowclassic

Cut Flower @cutfloweratlanta 

Erika Reade Ltd. @erikareadeltd

Gather Wild Design @gatherwilddesign

Gramercy @gramercyhome 

House of Hazen @houseofhazen

Williams-Sonoma @williamssonoma