Mother’s Day is one of my favorite holidays, not only because being a mother to my large crew is the greatest gift I have been given, but it’s also an opportunity to let my mom, mother in law, and all other mothers feel loved and appreciated.

Enjoy some of my favorites below, whether you are treating yourself or gifting to others.

If you’re new to our blog, I’m Shelley Johnstone Paschke – an interior designer, tastemaker, co-author of A Loving Table, daughter, sister, friend, wife and mother. I’m incredibly grateful to my parents who taught me that with kindness, honesty and hard work, you can turn your creative passion into a professional business.
SJD is a boutique interior design business based out of our studio and showroom in Lake Forest, IL. Our primary focus is fine residential projects, but we have also completed a few very special commercial spaces. “Polished”, “layered” and with “an eye for bespoke details” are among the ways others have described a Shelley Johnstone Design interior. Our ethos is to create beautiful, timeless spaces to be lived in and enjoyed.

My first post features a place that continuously inspires me and has for the past 30 years: Capri, Italy. Arriving by boat to Capri truly takes your breath away with its crystal blue waters and dramatic cliffs dotted with bright white villas. On the island, you are greeted by friendly locals, the smells of jasmine and lemon, and hot pink bougainvillea-covered storefronts. Such a captivating setting and beautiful ease to entertaining and enjoying everyday life are all too tempting to make your own, and as a result I have brought many of these elements into my own home and designs.

Capri’s relaxed flair and beach setting make it easy to pack for the island: A suitcase filled with lots of blue and white, kaftans, and sundresses is all you need, and it’s always smart to pick up a new pair of espadrilles or sandals crafted by local artisans – perfect for walking the many cobblestone streets. For shopping or the beach, a straw tote is the perfect accessory.

• Pippa Holt Kaftans – Easy and comfortable kaftans perfect for exploring the island.
• Christophe Sauvat – Chic and fun local bags.
• Amanda Lindroth – Great straw bags available in the U.S. to complete your island look.
• Canfora – offers an iconic and timeless style with sandals crafted in Capri since 1946.
• Stateside, Soludos is a great source for espadrilles. I personally love those in stripes or with a lemon motif.

Capri prides itself on meals to enjoy, particularly through its great food and beautiful table settings. Gorgeous table linens and baskets filled with fruit, bread, or pastries beckon you to dine, while pretty colored glasses and decorative ceramics add the perfect accents. The casual ambiance and formal place settings combine to form an understated elegance that finds itself at home both by the pool and in the finest restaurants on the island. Bamboo growing naturally in Capri has provided inspiration for my own designs, with bamboo silverware emphasizing a casual ease to an otherwise formal place setting.

• Cabana Capri – One of my favorite shops on the island is Cabana Capri, founded by Helen White, that features resort-inspired global luxe from tableware and home objects to kaftans and cashmere.
• A walk down the Via Roma gives you a taste of fine local craftsmanship, such as The Sea Gull Capri for a fabulous collection of ceramics or Capri Masterpiece for incredible colored glassware.
• Stateside, Artemeste does a great job of curating interesting and unique pieces from Italian sources, while Amanda Lindroth and Aerin Lauder never disappoint with their always beautiful baskets and tabletop items.