As the sun-kissed days of May arrive, we find ourselves drawn to memories of a time when life unfolded at a gentler pace. Our theme for this year’s Mother’s Day celebration is an ode to that timeless elegance – a celebration of Parisian chic, slow living, and the simple yet profound activities that bind us to the maternal figures who shape our lives.
In this curated gift guide from LIV Design Studio, we'll be guiding you through a day filled with Old World enchantment, filled with thoughtful gifts for the mother figures in your life.
Mother's Day Experiences
Quality time will always be among the most appreciated gifts on Mother's Day, and the LIV Design Studio team has ample picks to celebrate your loved ones in elegant fashion.
A walk in the garden at Allan Gardens Conservatory
The famous Allan Gardens Conservatory in Toronto is an indoor botanical garden that feature five distinct greenhouses, each with its own unique theme. Paths wind through tropical jungles, arid deserts, and Victorian-inspired greenhouses that date back to 1910. Here, you’ll find orchids that blush, ferns that whisper ancient secrets, and palms that sway to a hidden melody. Take your time—the best conversations happen amidst nature’s embrace.
Explore the flower vendors at Flower Market Toronto
Take mom on a leisurely stroll through the Toronto Flower Market, where each stall brims with vibrant colours and wonderful aromas. Engage with local growers, discover their unique floral varieties, and support the community by taking home a bouquet that tells a story of resilience and beauty.
Engage with the vendors; learn their names and the stories behind their blooms. Perhaps you’ll discover a rare variety or a forgotten favorite. As you leave, cradling a bouquet, know that you’ve supported a community of passionate artists.
Mother's Day Dining
Save the dishes and take the mother figure in your life for a day of relaxed & refined dining, in the true European spirit. From morning coffee and pastries to a leisurely lunch or brunch, ensure that mom is treated to all her favourites on this special day.
Coffee & Pastries at Café Kitsuné
Kickstart your day at Café Kitsuné, where the stylish interiors and the aroma of fresh coffee and warm croissants combine to create an undeniably European atmosphere in the centre of Vancouver's historic Gastown neighbourhood. It's the perfect spot for enjoying those first conversations of the day, accompanied by the gentle hum of city life.
European-inspired Brunch at Maxine's Café
Maxine’s Café in Downtown Vancouver offers a slice of European flair with its highly regarded brunch selections. Enjoy dishes like the Truffle Omelette or Eggs Cocotte and imagine yourselves in a quaint European bistro, relishing every bite and moment together.
European-style Grocery Shopping at the Kitsilano Farmers Market
Enjoy the sun and recharge after brunch at the Kitsilano Farmers Market, where you can pick fresh, artisanal ingredients for a special meal together. Recently opened for Summer 2024, this open-air market has everything from handmade cheeses to fresh herbs and vegetables, giving you a blank canvas to create a memorable culinary experience at home.
Afternoon Tea/Drinks at Epoch Bar
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Old Toronto, EPOCH Bar offers a quiet escape where time pauses, allowing you and your mother to enjoy each moment together. Inspired by the historic cafés of Paris, Epoch Bar is tucked away within the lobby of the Ritz-Carlton, presenting an extensive afternoon tea experience and handcrafted cocktails – all of which you can enjoy on their gorgeous outdoor terrace.
Mother's Day Floral & Personal Gifts
Flowers are the quintessential token of love and appreciation, and there's no shortage of excellent options for high-quality, small batch florists in Vancouver and Toronto. Below, you can find some of the LIV Design Studio team's favourite purveyors, plus extra-special items for mother's day.
Spring Gardens Arrangement/Peach Tea Dried Arrangement from Wild North Flowers
Wild North Flowers features contemporary, elegant floral arrangements using flowers exclusively from Ontario growers. From their exclusive mother's day collection, the LIV Design Studio team has chosen the Peach Tea Dried Arrangement and the Spring Gardens Arrangement – each coming with its own vase for a gift that lasts beyond the flowers' lifetime.
Mother's Day Floral Basket from Garden Party Flowers
Vancouver-based Garden Party Flowers offers some of the highest-quality floral arrangements in the city with unique varieties and a tasteful eye for design. The timeless gift of florals is taken to new heights with the Mother's Day Floral Basket – a vibrant collection of colourful flowers in a beautiful wicker basket.
Mother's Day Dried Arrangement from The Wild Bunch
Opt for a unique gift with The Wild Bunch's dried flower arrangement. Composed of an intriguing assortment of both dried and flesh flowers, this bouquet captures the essence of enduring beauty and the nostalgic charm of past moments spent together.
French Manicure from Elle Yaletown
Pamper your mom with a classic French manicure at Elle Yaletown. This elegant treatment offers more than just aesthetic pleasure—it's a time for relaxation and care, enhancing the beauty of each detail.
Conclusion
While every day should be about celebrating the maternal figures in our lives, Mother's Day is a special opportunity to express our gratitude through experiences and tokens of our appreciation. There's no better way to do this than by planning a transportive all-day experience centered around the charm of the Old World. From dining inspiration to gift ideas and the perfect floral arrangement, we hope that LIV Design Studio's curated selections have helped inform your Mother's Day celebrations.
To all the mothers and mother figures, we celebrate you with gratitude and love, wishing you a joyous and serene Mother’s Day.
