Morning, all! Who here is celebrating Dia de los Muertos this year? Our gal Marisa Vitale sent over this traditional Day of the Dead brunch Gardenia of Lola y Tula put on with her daughter Alejandra (mommy and me Frida Kahlo costumes to come, just you wait!), using all items she’s collected or features in her sweet shop. Lots of ideas for honoring your loved ones here, and teaching a thing or two about this Mexican holiday to your littles, too.

Um, yes! So perfect, Gardenia.

Gardenia explains, In our household, for Dia de los Muertos, we veer towards more of an old school feel for décor. So when I decided to throw a Day of the Dead brunch, I wanted to make sure we kept things traditional. We began with the altar, the most important element of the celebration. We were honoring both of my grandmothers, Nana Lola and Nana Tula. Altars in Mexico are usually adorned with pictures, saints candles, marigolds and some of their favorite things. We threw together items reminding us of these fearless ladies: tortillas, beer, fresh flowers, tequila and coins for the slot machines (Nana Tula’s favorite pastime!) A yellow hand painted, wooden altar holds the black and white photos of my Abuelitas along with a picture of ‘La Virgen de Guadalupe,’ The Virgin Mary, Mexico’s patron saint. 

The Otomi table runners and other colorful linens are all available over at Lola y Tula.

Placemats and custom napkins were also done in the hand embroidery made famous from the state of Puebla, Mexico. On each plate napkins in the style of textiles from San Andres, done in multi-color, geo patterns were folded, then tied to the cutlery by thin jute string for a rustic and casual feel. Each setting had Mexican hand blown glassware, for Palomas or just a sipper of tequila to toast to those we were remembering.

And yep, you can find these handpainted ceramic skulls in her shop as well.

I came across these absolutely stunning outfits on my last trip to Oaxaca, folded in an old trunk inside one of the many amazing stores I walked into. I had to have them. I envisioned Alejandra and I sitting in front of an altar, taking pictures just like we’ve seen in black and white. Now Alejandra will know a little more of what it means to be from such a special place.

Such a great way to honor Lola y Tula, Gardenia!

Photography: Marisa Viltale Photography / Design + Decor: Lola y Tula

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