Jewel Toned Table and Easy Quadruple Strawberry Cake Recipe for Mother’s Day

With Mother’s Day this coming this weekend, Dave suggested I start this jewel toned table and easy quadruple strawberry cake recipe post with the lyrics of “Mother” by Pink Floyd. I don’t even know that song but appreciate his efforts haha. Instead, I thought I would tell you a little about my own mother. If you are a regular here, you know that she is basically the common thread to most all my posts. I reference her throughout my blog which is pretty indicative of how special she is to me. We share the middle name “Nan”; to my friends, she is “Mama Nan”; to me, just “Nan”. Over the years, more than just our names intertwined. Those who know us swear we are twins – from our personalities to our mannerisms and expressions. I appreciate any comparisons as a compliment – I remember growing up and thinking no one was smarter, prettier, or better at doing life than she was. She was and is the perfect balance of responsible and fun. She taught me about fancy purses but also, bargain shopping. She showed me how to be self reliant but that it’s also ok to uphold traditional values. She always knew how to make me feel special, but not entitled. She never cast her troubles on me and always just took care of everything. I think of all she had to and manage to create this life for me, and just want to say “thank you, Nan”.

To this day, my mom will be the last to line up in a buffet line – making sure others are served first. Similarly, when I was little, I accepted birthday cake after my friends because while it was my birthday, they were my guests. I’ve never seen her open a gift where her reaction didn’t indicate she just received a new car. She taught me and helped shape me through subtleties and I am forever grateful. She passed on not just rules to live life well but also graciousness – in  hosting, in interacting with others, and in living. She taught me lessons that can’t be taught – only observed over a lifetime. Here we are- just two Type A nuts Nans 😉

We discuss the blog, ideas, and posts regularly and fittingly, this year’s Mother’s Day table is inspired by her vision. She mentioned blue and white with a pop of color, and strawberries. Done – and, only appropriate to share her strawberry cake recipe while I’m at it 😉

*All sources included at the bottom of the post | Some affiliate links included*

elegant blue dining room with ikea ritva curatins, crystal chandlelier and world market linen lydia chairs

Because of the detail of the tablecloth, this table looks way more complicated than it was. A gift from my mom, she found this reversible tablecloth at Williams Sonoma; it is no longer available but they have a similar one HERE. Every time she comes to visit, it’s like Santa and his sleigh arriving. She always has a bag full of “toys”.

Blue dining room with crystal chandelier

Reliant on the offerings of Trader Joe’s on a Sunday morning, I set out to create a centerpiece with jewel tones and am really digging the unexpected color combination. One of my favorite vessels for floral arranging is my white soup tureen. I’ve used floral foam in it before but opted for a simple tape grid for this arrangement.

Blue, purple, and pink floral arrangement with strawberries on wooden paddle board

Purple and Blue floral centerpiece on Mother's Day table

My mini wooden paddle board continues to prove it’s the best table addition ever, and these whitewashed driftwood chargers show they can hold up on a casual or even more formal table.

Jewel Tone and Blue and White Table with Strawberries and Sugar

Jewel Tone table ideas from birds eye view

sugared strawberries at each place setting

Jewel Tone and Blue and White Table with Strawberries in Elegant Dining Room

Jewel tone Mother's day table with strawberries

blue hydrangea and purple rose flower arrangement

Remember the bedroom porch makeover I recently took on with Tuesday Morning? Even among the larger pieces, the periwinkle milk glass goblets were a favorite find. They have them often so if you haven’t had luck, keep checking back 😉

Blue Milk Glass goblets on tablescape

jewel tone floral centerpiece arrangement in soup tureen

Jewel tone floral arrangement with linen lydia chairs

Another thing I’ve always appreciated about my mom- while some things are totally homemade from scratch, she has no problem taking something in a box and making it her own. It’s a practice I’ve adopted, also. If she has a packet of flavored rice, you better believe she’s going to “stretch it” with plain, white rice. Some of my favorite treats she made when growing up had a boxed cake mix base, but she would add to it and then make homemade frosting. One of my favorites – her easy quadruple strawberry cake.

Strawberries as table garnish with sugar

As promised, here is the perfect summertime dessert recipe.

 

5 from 2 votes
Print

Easy Quadruple Strawberry Cake

Course Dessert
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 34 minutes
Total Time 54 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 box strawberry cake mix (ingredients included on back of cake box)
  • 4 eggs (instead of three listed on cake box)
  • 1 box strawberry jello
  • 1 container diced/sliced frozen sugared strawberries
  • 1 container cool whip

Instructions

  1. Bake strawberry cake according to directions on box

  2. Let cool

  3. Mix small box of strawberry jello with 1 cup boiling water (do not add the cup of cold water), and mix well until dissolved

  4. Poke cake all over with fork and pour jello mixture on top, evenly

  5. Let cool in refrigerator for at least 1 hour

  6. Spread half of container of frozen strawberries on top of the cake

  7. Mix the other half with the tub of cool whip and spread on top as frosting

 

Does your family have a variation of this recipe? If you test this out, let me know! It is the perfect easy treat to make on the weekend in the midst of chores.

easy strawberry cake recipe with cool whip

simple Strawberry cake recipe with cool whip and boxed mix

Quadruple strawberry cake- delicious and easy recipe

And, don’t forget to thank/hug/love on a mother this week – either your own or one you love. Stay tuned and check back in with me on Thursday for the guest bedroom makeover reveal! You can get caught up on the project over the past few weeks HERE.

Jewel Tone and Blue and White Table with Strawberry Cake Recipe

Gold Flatware Candle Holders | Napkins | Chargers Chairs – Linen | Bar Cart12-Light Chandelier | Mini Wooden Paddle Board | Floral Centerpiece Holder – White Soup Tureen | Navy Velvet Pillows | Blue Goblets: Tuesday Morning | Blue & White Plates: Family Heirloom | Waterford Padova Salad Plates | Table Cloth: Williams Sonoma (no longer available)- (SIMILAR) | Mirror: Homegoods – (SIMILAR) | Dining Table:  (84″ in Salvaged Brown) | Buffet: (72″ in Distressed White) | Curtain Panels: (98″ in White) | Rug: HomeGoods- Calvin Klein wool (SIMILAR) | Silver Tea Service: Family Heirloom | Lamps: HomeGoods – (SIMILARCream Table Runners |  Church Painting | Water Lillies Art | Gold Rimmed Glasses on Bar Cart | Decanter | Lantern (SIMILAR) | Paint: Lauren’s Surprise by Sherwin Williams | Trim Paint: Creamy by Sherwin Williams | Flooring: Nottaway Hickory in Weathered Saddle

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32 Comments

  1. 5.8.17
    Marion Duffield said:

    Beautiful tribute to your mom. I don’t know who is luckier after reading this…you- cause your mom rocks…or your mom-cause you rock 🙂
    Either way…have a beautiful Mother’s Day next Sunday.

    • 5.10.17

      Marion, what a sweet thing to say! Wishing you a wonderful Mother’s Day, also 😉

  2. 5.8.17
    Joni King said:

    What an absolutely beautiful and loving tribute to “Nan”. Would love to meet her someday (I get the newly renovated guest bedroom ha, ha, ha) I can’t wait to try her strawberry cake recipe, thanks for sharing! Table is stunning!! Hugs!

    • 5.10.17

      Joni, I so hope one day you will! SO much in common 😉 xoxo

  3. 5.8.17
    Tamara said:

    Aw this is such a special tribute to Mama Nan!! I love it! Gorgeous as always!

  4. 5.8.17

    Well ya had me at blue & white- since it is my absolute favorite color combo to decorate my own home with. And this table did not disappoint. It is so pretty!
    Your Mama sounds like ‘good people to me’ (Steel Magnolia fans will know that line ?).

    • 5.10.17

      Jennifer, one of my favs, too! And exactly- she is definitely “good people” 😉 Have a wonderful week!

  5. 5.8.17
    Carol Heartfelt Whimsies said:

    Your mom sounds amazing and I feel as if I know her a bit after your post! This may be my fave tablescape of yours ever and that’s saying a lot. There’s something so magical in the color combo and I think it’s not only gorgeous but inviting and homey as well. ????

    • 5.10.17

      Carol, thank you so so much. It may just be mine, too 😉 I am so happy to know you and so appreciate your support and kind words. Always.

  6. 5.8.17
    Kerry said:

    A lovely table that any mother would love. Thanks for sharing.

    • 5.10.17

      Kerry, thank you so much! I loved creating this one.

  7. 5.8.17
    Susan Carr said:

    Kelly I have only one word for this and that is GORGEOUS! I love that you have embraced so much color (especially with the blue and white). Also, such a wonderful tribute to your mother. Since this is for Mothers Day, your grandmother would have loved this as well. Happy Mothers Day to you! Love you!

    • 5.10.17

      Susan, that means so much. I think of her often and what she would do. Love you and can’t wait to see you next month! xo

  8. 5.8.17
    Linda said:

    A lovely, touching story! These are words that every mother would cherish. Thank you for the inspiring tablescape and enticing cake recipe – gifts for your followers this Mother’s Day!!

    • 5.10.17

      Linda, you are so kind. Thank you for allowing me to share. Wishing you a beautiful week xoxo

  9. 5.8.17
    Kimberly said:

    This little branch didn’t fall far from her tree also and I’m so thankful I’m so much like my mom, too! You are so very blessed to have each other ?! Your table is breath taking and the cake well I can’t thank you enough for sharing so many special family recipes. We are just finishing up the tortilla soup which my husband and I love! Everything you touch turns to gold and how you make the time for all you do is magic. I know Momma Nan couldn’t be more proud!

    • 5.10.17

      Kimberly, that is the ultimate compliment; thank you. Isn’t it funny how differently we view being like our moms as we get older? Thank you so much for visiting with me- wishing you a beautiful week!

  10. 5.8.17
    Joanne B. said:

    I don’t even know how I stumbled upon our blog a few weeks ago but I am so glad I did. I have been studying your ‘style’ ever since. Even bought your fav Ritva panels from IKEA (haven’t hung them yet tho!)based soully on your review because I so think you are the real deal. But I must take the time to wrote to you today to let you know I can only hope my 25 year old daughter someday feels about me like you do about your mom! What a wonderful tribute to the woman who inspired and continues to inspire you. I know she must be so incredibly proud of you but knowing how gracious she is she gives all the credit to you! A wonderful daughter you must be! You have actually inspired me to be the mom my daughter will think so highly of. Thanks for the reminder that it is a two way street…

    • 5.10.17

      Joanne, I am so glad you are “here”! There is such a special relationship to be had between mothers and daughters. None of us are perfect and we just love one another the best we know how. Your words today are a gift- thank you. PS: Let me know how your Ritva panels turn out! xoxo

  11. 5.8.17
    Gretchen Thomas (Nan) said:

    Gosh…I am so proud and so humbled! Thank you for the sweet words and beautiful sentiment. I learn from you daily!

    This table is simply magical. Every detail is perfect! Well done, as usual, my “daughter in the water”!

    • 5.10.17

      Nan, thank you for all you are. I love you too much!

  12. 5.8.17
    Mary Petriskie said:

    5 stars
    So beautiful as always Kelley Nan! The tribute to your mom is so touching and can we talk about the Periwinkle milk glass goblets?!? OMG! They are everything. Xoxo.
    #highlandersforlife

    • 5.10.17

      Mary! Thank you so much- those goblets were a Tuesday morning find. And yes! haha #highlandersforlife

  13. 5.8.17
    Tammy Loro said:

    You never disappoint! My mom and I were the best of friends and I love all that you share regarding your relationship with yours! Our moms have much in common! I also appreciate the recipes you share with us, makes us feel like part of the family!! Happy Mother’s Day to your momma and to you (mom to those adorable fur babies)! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE YOU my beautiful southern friend! XOXO

    • 5.10.17

      Tammy, I definitely cherish it; thank you for letting me share. And, I cherish YOU for being such a huge support. Thank you, thank you. I hope you have the best week, Tammy. xoxo

  14. 5.9.17
    Sue said:

    Pretty table! Your Mom sounds just lovely! I had to laugh at the recipe though. Once I read the recipe, I knew that we had this cake many times…it was called a Jell-O cake!

    • 5.10.17

      Sue, that is so funny! I know there are a lot of variations using jello- we call them “poke cake” here. I make several versions myself, but this ons is my fav 😉

  15. 5.9.17
    Rebecca Bulpitt said:

    5 stars
    Gorgeous Kelley, and I feel honored to be able to know both you AND your mom, two of the loveliest ladies on this planet <3

  16. 7.3.18
    Kelli Slabach said:

    If you ever tire of the goblets and want to sell them, would you please contact me?! Our small town only has one Tuesday Morning and they have not ever seen those goblets in the 5 years they have been open 🙁 I cannot find any for sale anywhere and I love them so much!

    • 7.8.18

      Kelli, I am so sorry to hear that! I most certainly will. And keep your eyes open whenever you’re in there 😉