I’m a big fan of a long, low centrepiece on the special occasion dinner table, and this year I’ve decided you can never underestimate the power of grass. Look outside right now and all you see is brown, yellow, muddy groundcover (I know, I know, we’re lucky it’s not still snow). But I was surfing through some websites today and saw some images of grass, and right away I felt as though inspiration had entered the room. Immediately I thought of summer, and heatwaves, and bright colours, and walking in bare feet.
I think some pots of grass would make a fantastic centrepiece this Easter. You could do individual pots at each place setting, or lined up in a row down the table, or even do just one long tray of grass. If you start growing it now, it will be a good height by Easter Sunday. Sprouts or ferns would also work well. You can nestle in some eggs and chicks, or add a few crocus or lily of the valley to the mix for interest. Voilà, you’re done!
I’m not sure it’s totally due to its proximity to spring that I fall more in love with the Easter holidays each year. Of course, the arrival of spring lifts the heart and the spirit, but as a separate entity, Easter has its own charms. I love the idea of pastel colours mingling with fragrant spring flowers like hyacinth, lily of the valley, tulips and crocus. I love the idea of a fresh new season of sunshine and warmth. I love the idea of the return of yummy traditional foods for the holidays like ham and asparagus. And who doesn’t love a good Easter egg hunt, bunnies, and chocolate?
As a child we always had an egg hunt at home, and there were always five Easter baskets lined up on the piano in the morning, one for each of my sisters and me. They each contained a new skipping rope, a chocolate bunny and a new pair of socks. Hot cross buns were on the breakfast menu, and I remember most Easters we went to my grandparents’ house for a dinner of ham and scalloped potatoes (I now have the Corningware dish my grandmother made her potatoes in, and it will grace my table this year).
These days Easter is a more informal holiday, but don’t let it go unheralded. So start thinking about ways to glam up your rooms, and stock up on some eggs to decorate. First up, I’m thinking about a colour scheme for this year. What do you think about pale orange, yellow and pink? I’d also love to know some fun ideas for decorating eggs. What’s your tradition?
Starting March 30, I’ll be waxing rhapsodic about all things Easter-related. Check out tips for recipes, decorating, crafts and more!
