Easter Entertaining: 5 Ways to Make it Great

I enjoy hosting events, and Easter typically marks the time of year that brings a sense of renewal as we transition from winter to warmer months and outdoor entertaining. (Translation: this is usually when I get motivated to clean and prep my outdoor areas from the last five or so months.) Are you planning a gathering of friends and family for Easter? Here are tips to ensure a great time for everyone (host included!)

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1) Do whatever you can ahead of time

For anyone who has ever hosted an event before, it is easy to understand how preparing in advance can make the day itself run more smoothly. Early on, I don't know why I didn't want to be bothered with making a list, but I quickly learned that if that is the first thing I do, it not only allows me to quickly assess what I can do ahead of time but also less things tend to fall through the cracks. This includes food prep, setting up the space, arranging seating, and preparing any decorations. For instance, you can marinate meats, chop vegetables, assemble centerpieces, or even set the table the day before. If it is outdoors, I will usually have the table dressed with everything except the place settings the day before but have the settings counted out and ready to go for the day of the event. Additionally, having a timeline prepared for the day of the gathering can help with organization and ensure that everything runs smoothly without a last-minute panic. Preparing in advance can make the day itself run more smoothly.

2) Have everyone bring a dish

For all of you out there who like to have control of everything... Stop! (this is as much a reminder for me as it is for you 😉) Having everyone bring a dish can significantly lighten the load and is also a great way to create a diverse array of food options. To facilitate this, I usually send out a sign-up sheet or coordinate list of dishes to avoid duplicates and ensure a well-rounded meal. This can also spark conversations about the dishes being served as guests share stories behind their recipes or the significance of their contributions. The potluck-style approach not only allows everyone to contribute but also allows everyone to share their favorite Easter recipes. We have Greek heritage, and it isn't Easter without the brilliantly red-dyed eggs- you can be sure that our Yia Yia will bring those along with traditional Easter bread. We get to hear the stories of the village in Northern Greece and how Yia Yia's family would use cut nylons to press decorative leaves onto the eggs as they boiled. It was a competition to see what family would bring the prettiest eggs.

3) If possible, have it outdoors

I feel like this goes without saying, but if you live in a place where weather permits, alfresco is the best way to go. Nature provides a beautiful backdrop, and the fresh air can create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. I usually set tables for brunch- but eating outdoors lends itself to having a picnic-type meal on the lawn or a casual set up around patio furniture. It also can be helpful to have activities set up for kids to enjoy while adults mingle. Additionally, being outside can help reduce indoor noise levels and create a more spacious environment. Don't forget to consider elements such as shade, seating, and weather contingencies- we are blessed with pretty consistent weather here in Northern California, but when Easter lands in March, I usually have a plan B, just in case.

4) Have a kids table

Creating a dedicated kids table is a great way to ensure that the younger guests feel included and have their own space during gatherings. I often decorate the kids table differently from the adults. For younger kids, I make sure the settings are pretty durable which usually means melamine or tableware that isn't overly precious. I might put crayons and paper, bubbles, or small toys as part of the centerpieces so they have something to pull from after eating and while waiting for adults to finish. I always have some kind of mini favor at each setting as well- this time, I had small, clear bowls filled as their mini 'basket,' each having peeps, jelly beans & gummy butterflies. If the favor is something too big for their plates, placing them in a colorful basket in the center of the table can provide an easy centerpiece, and they can just grab from it when they are done eating.

5) Activity for every age

Consider planning games or interactive experiences that encourage participation from both adults and children. This year, when the kiddos went to hunt for Easter eggs, I reset the kids table to decorate cookies. Setting up a table with pre-baked mini cookies in Easter/Spring shapes with tinted pastel frosting (in squeeze tubes for easy clean up) and sprinkles is fun for any age. Other ideas are a spring-themed trivia contest or outdoor sports like sack races or tug-of-war. Having a variety of activities is a fun way to build memories together and I find people usually talk about those the most when reminiscing.

Now that you are equipped to host the most amazing event- I have a bonus for you.

Bonus: I used to be more bent on making everything 'perfect', and over the years, I have come to be ok with some years being more put together than others, and people still have a wonderful time. Learn early from my mistakes: don't be preoccupied with creating a Pinterest-perfect event. Life can be crazy and sometimes overwhelming- if you are in a difficult or busy season, ditch the fancy and do what is manageable. It is more important to celebrate together than skip it just because there isn't time to make it perfect. At the end of the day, it's the act of getting together to celebrate and make memories that matters.

Need more ideas? Check out our blog on dining al fresco in the summer for more ideas and our 2 favorite drink recipes.

Lisa