Chris and I have been hosting Easter dinner with extended family for quite some time now. Over the past 15+ years, we’ve picked up a few tips and tricks to make it a fun, low-stress event. We usually head to church in the morning, do a kids’ activity like an Easter egg hunt, and then have family over. It’s basically routine at this point!
We’ve had lots of practice, but it wasn’t always this way. I’ve picked up some tricks of the trade over time. If you’re starting a new tradition from scratch, I want to help set you up for success—which looks like you enjoying a low-stress time with people you care about.
You really don’t have to go all out on tablescapes and plan a 6-course menu. Those things are great if they bring you joy, but sometimes it’s just about starting small. Maybe you’re just hosting your immediate family. Or you’re having your neighbors over. These are my tips to make it seem like you’re a pro, even if it’s your first time hosting Easter:
1. Make It a Potluck
Grilled Carrots with Orange Tomato Glaze recipe
Don’t just do this for you — do it for them. The people you’re inviting over want to bring something. They also want an Easter-y activity to do during the day — something to fill the time between exchanging Easter baskets and showing up for a holiday dinner.
Ask someone to bring the deviled eggs. Tell your sister, who loves to bake, that you’re looking forward to her carrot cake. And speaking of dinner…
2. Make it a Brunch
Light & Healthy Easter Brunch recipe
Or lunch. Or early dinner. Trust me—everyone will be all dressed up in their spring pastels and will feel so alive early in the day. This is one of those holiday meals you can have early in the day. I love the idea of fresh fruit mocktails or lavender lemonade to give a nod to the season.
You can get some small bites from a bakery and a fruit platter and then go back to Step 1 and ask others to bring a small dish to share. Everyone has a favorite breakfast dish or picnic salad to share!
3. Set it and Forget It
My No. 1 tip for hosting any holiday meal is to choose a make-ahead main. Easter ham is a classic for a reason. Growing up, my grandma used to serve lasagna on Easter Sunday. She was no dummy. The bottom line is that you don’t want a lot of prep all over the kitchen counters when your guests arrive. Treat yourself to a clean kitchen, and spend your time setting the table instead.
Other ideas for make-ahead meals: Breakfast Hash with Maple Chicken Sausage, Rotisserie-Smoked Leg of Lamb, and 8-Layer Salad.
4. Change ONE Thing on Your Table Setting
Pinterest is just overflowing with images of pretty Easter table settings, and if that makes your heart sing — I say, go for it. But if you want to keep it simple, just switch out the salad plate. Seriously. You could have the same classic dinnerware for every holiday, and if you swapped out the salad plate, every table you set would look seasonal and festive and fresh.
I love cabbage ware, blue & white patterned plates, and rattan elements (find my curated collection of Easter home decor here). If you change two things, swap in some spring stems. If you change three things, get some pastel taper candles.
5. Have an Activity at the Table
After a big delicious holiday meal, sometimes we don’t even want to leave the table. An Easter Egg hunt or a craft can seem like a lot. Instead, clear the plates (and leave them in the sink) and pass out jellybeans. You can start with a round of Easter Bingo (using jellybeans as your markers) while the kids are still at the table.
Once the youngins are excused, go ahead and deal out the playing cards. You can play just about any card game, using jelly beans for chips. If you feel weird about adding jelly beans you’ve touched to a communal “pot,” go ahead and eat the beans you lose on your turn 🙂
If you’re ready to take your hosting up a notch and entertain a larger party, check out my ultimate guide to hosting Easter dinner. These tips are perfect for a slightly more formal gathering!