Some believe that Mother's Day in the U.S. was started by social activist Julia Ward Howe after the Civil War as a call to unite women against war. It's fitting that there's a connection to war, because this holiday may be the most fatally wounding if one forgets it. May 11th people. You have 16 days.

Top photo: Heath Ceramics small teapot ($67). From top, left to right: King's Road bag by Jane August ($800); John Robshaw hand-painted Rose Pichhwai pillow ($70); Outline Vase ($48); Gel Bracelet ($30); Silver Sapling Flatware ($14 each); Alora Reed Diffuser ($80); Virginia Johnson magenta cotton scarf ($98); Etro silk pillow ($244); Henry Road grid tablecloth ($115); Alvar Aalto vase ($135); 18K gold cuff with diamonds ($4,500).