A collage of modeled Dior designs, a perfume bottle, butterfly napkin ring, mint green champagne flute, floral arrangement, and embroidered napkin. A green gingham border surrounds the collage.

May’s birth flower, Lily of the Valley, is easily one of my top posy picks and the inspiration for this latest setting. It’s a flower that doesn’t outright demand attention. Instead, it exudes subtle sophistication with its delicate bounty of beautiful blooms, each gracefully cascading down the stem. From Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, to Christian Dior, its ethereal and elegant essence captivates those who take the time to delight in its detailed allure.

The Inspo

A mood board of fashion illustration, china, lily of the valley, and earrings.

It’s no secret I love a green-and-white combo. So, when I came across Dior’s Lily of the Valley china pattern, I was instantly smitten. Next, I picked a few of my favorite Dior designs from over the years—along with a few current pieces and voilà the inspo for a sweetly sophisticated setting. A little research into the brand’s namesake taught me about our shared affinity for the light and airy bloom.

On top of being a genius designer, Christian Dior was a very superstitious man and Lily of the Valley served as more than his muse. It was a good luck charm. In fact, Dior showcased his debut collection on February 12, 1947—the beloved designs that earned the title “New Look” as they brought elegance and glamour to post-war Europe. A single sprig of Lily of the Valley was sewn into the him of each piece for good luck. Considering the continued success of the brand—it worked.

Diorissimo is the brand’s fragrance inspired by Lily of the Valley. However, the flower is what the perfumery industry would call ‘mute’ because they are unable to extract its essence and have to recreate it with a mix of other notes—natural or synthetic. In Diorissimo’s case they use Green, Floral, and Jasmine paired with Ylang-Ylang.

The Setting

A collage of table accessories in gold, pink, green, and white.

Only the prettiest pastel palette will do for May’s breathtaking bloom. A shimmery white-and-gold embroidered overlay layers atop the ballet pink linen, setting a tender tone for this gracious gathering. With its glamorous rim, Vietri’s Rufolo Glass Charger holds its own as it presents Dior’s Lily of the Valley Limoges porcelain dinner and dessert plates. A crystal water glass engraved with a chevron motif, receives further embellishment with its hand-painted gold finish. Complementing the plate’s light green motif, this champagne coup serves cocktails in style. Cassa Bugatti’s Rococo gold and ivory flatware emphasizes the setting’s ageless aesthetic. Secured in an artful arrangement of butterflies, a light pink linen napkin features the evening’s emblem embroidered by hand.