After a very wet and dreary winter we turn our attention to the spring, and the light and warmth we hope it will bring. It’s a time for coming together after the cold and damp start to the year, and what better way to celebrate than a holiday to commemorate the coming of spring? Easter is all about family and friends, and whether you celebrate for religious reasons, being thankful for loved ones, or simply hope a certain bunny will pay a visit, Easter is the perfect excuse to come together and celebrate with those close to you; and what better way than with a dinner party? Although it can seem like a lot of work, it doesn’t have to be, and today we’ve got some handy tips to share with you for the perfect Easter gathering.
Prepare your Easter celebrations in advance
If you’re anything like me then just the thought of creating a social gathering can make your head spin. Don’t let the big day sneak up on you and make sure you plan your gathering or dinner party well in advance. Create a list and consider things like who’s going to attend, what they are going to eat, and what decorations you might use. This also gives you plenty of time for shopping for ingredients and Easter decorations.
How to create the perfect Easter feast
Traditionally Easter was a time where families came together to share a meal of thanks, and no matter whether you’re religious or not, Easter is the perfect time to share delicious food with loved ones. Easter also gives the perfect excuse to serve traditional dishes for the holiday; whether it’s a delicious shoulder of lamb, a warming veggie bake, or a yummy Simnel cake; there are so many great options for sharing food with the ones you love; just don’t forget to think about each person’s requirements such as allergies and preferences. Finish the meal off with traditional Hot Cross Buns! Family recipes are great too; what better way to impress your guests than with a hundred year old recipe?
The dinner table itself should not be ignored, and we have a whole host of table and home accessories, tableware and serveware to help you out. Serve your favourite dishes and Easter cakes in style with a beautiful serving board, and use candlesticks, tealight holders and even small lanterns as table centrepieces. Placemats and coasters will help keep your dining table looking lovely too, as well as adding an extra level of pizazz to your Easter meal. Use natural Spring time foliage and Daffodils from the garden in your displays; just make sure to keep them away from any naked flames. Why not use a decorative vase with artistically shaped twigs that when combined look like a tree? Hang Easter decorations from them and give your Easter dining table a festive feeling.
Create a festive Easter atmosphere
Speaking of an Easter feeling; it’s important to remember that it’s not just about the dining table. Easter is a time of new life and new beginnings, and often involves flowers. Decorate your home with beautiful fresh flowers from the garden, in vases or even jam jars that can really add colour and vibrance in the home. For extra ambient light, why not consider a candle lantern or two? Candles and candlelight have been proven to help lower stress and aid relaxation, and are perfect for dotting around the rooms you’re using for your festive gatherings this Easter. You don’t have to use candles though; why not use fairy lights in a lantern instead? Fun things like Easter decorations are great too, and look lovely when mixed with flowers.
How can I make Easter more fun?
Easter is a big time of the year for children, and any parent will tell you that keeping them entertained is one of the most important parts of the day. Think about games and activities that they can enjoy, and there are a couple of fun things you can find HERE. If the sun is shining however then why not take the fun outside with an Easter Egg Hunt. Simply hide small eggs, gifts or tokens around your garden or outdoor space and let your young ones find them. Be sure to give a prize for the one who finds the most!
The garden definitely shouldn’t be overlooked at Easter. If it happens to be a nice day then why not take the event outdoors and make it a garden party. Use an outdoor dining table to set up your spread, and why not use other garden furniture too for guests to enjoy whilst the little ones are off egg hunting? If you’re planning on taking the celebrations into the evening then a fire pit can be a great way to keep warm; why not toast marshmallows or delicious smores, or even those yummy hot cross buns? Light up your outdoor spaces with garden lighting too, and really make it a magical Easter scene. Whether you like the flicking frame of an oil torch or lantern, or prefer the soft glow of solar lighting dotted around, there is certainly something to please all as the festivities go long into the evening.
Don’t forget to enjoy yourself
Most importantly though, whatever you decide to do make sure you don’t forget to have fun. Easter afterall is about spending time with friends and family and having fun with those you love, and your loved ones are sure to love the effort you’ve made. Enjoy their company, and don’t sweat the small stuff as you celebrate Easter in your own style. We hope that these ideas give you lots of inspiration, and all from us at Za Za Homes wish you a lovely Easter.
