Hop to the challenge of Easter

Don’t let the Easter Bunny get the better of you. Hop to the challenge of preparing the perfect Easter family gathering without falling victim to any unnecessary stress.

Easter is meant to be about new life and regeneration, so let this shine through in your décor and food choices. There are a few simple steps to follow to help you pull of the perfect Easter gathering with as little stress and fuss as possible.

  1. Choose a theme – Pick a colour palette, flower or ornament that you want to make the hero of your day.
  2. Decide on the menu – Planning your menu early can help reduce the stress of preparing all the food at the last minute. Select foods and dishes that won’t require you to spend the day in the kitchen.
  3. Organise your shopping list early and buy as much as possible in advance, making the most of seasonal offers in supermarkets and department stores.

FOOD FAYRE

For any gathering, the meal is usually the main focus, and all other aspects should complement this. As a fun way to play on the idea of new life and renewal that accompanies Easter, why not incorporate baby vegetables, like baby carrots and baby asparagus as your side dishes or look for seasonal produce new to the market? When it comes to the main dish, choose recipes that won’t have you slaving away in the kitchen for hours and missing out on the family fun. Dishes that can be prepared the day before are ideal for entertaining the masses and maxing out on family time.

EGG-CITING ALTERNATIVES

Even though Easter will have the kids hunting for chocolate Easter eggs, why not look at an alternative this year and let them hunt for something a bit more egg-citing that will last longer than a quick scoff?

The Hatchimals CollEGGtibles egg cartons are a fun way to keep the kids surprised and entertained. And they aren’t just for the kids. Buy a box and hide them for the adults too. They will make cute desk ornaments at the office.

Images: Argos

Hatchimals CollEGGtibles Egg Carton – 12 Pack £24.99 and 2 Pack Egg Carton £4.99 at Argos

You can also share the love this Easter with a fun card or other adorable Easter inspired keepsakes that will bring a smile to people’s faces. Find healthy Easter treat options available from health shops.

Images: Clintons & Card Factory

Easter Bunny Felt Keepsake Gift Bag £5.00 at Clintons
Easter inspired mugs £7.99 and Easter cards from 99 pence at Card Factory

 

Images: Holland & Barrett

Freedom Mallows Vegetarian Mini Pink & White Vanilla Marshmallows 75g £2.49, Vego Organic Hazelnut Chocolate Bar 65g £1.99, and Raw Health Organic Blissed Chocada Truffles 65g £2.49 all Holland & Barrett

PAINT YOURSELF PRETTY

As the hostess with the mostess you’ll need to look the part. Spring is a great time to have fun with your look and experiment with make-up in new colour palettes. Whether you paint your nails a delicious candyfloss pink, or you add ribbons and bows to your hair, paint yourself pretty in pastels.

Images: Boots & Superdrug

Barry M Scented Candy Culture Nail Paint £3.99 at Boots
Essie Matte Leather Effect Pastel Nail Polish Rebecca Minkoff Collection Trio Mini £12.99 at Boots
Maybelline Color Show Glitter Nail Polish 232 Rose Chic 7ml £3.99 and Maybelline Forever Strong Gel 130 Rose Poudre Nail Polish £4.49 at Superdrug

Mini silver glitter bow hair barrette £3.00, Jumbo coral chiffon bow hair clip £6.00 and Baby pink lace hair bow £4.50 all at Claire’s