7 simple ideas for Easter at Home

At home. We are hearing stay at home a lot lately. 

 And with the way of the world as it is right now- staying at home is where we need to be and what we need to be doing. And with spring entertaining, parties and garden gatherings with friends put on a bit of hold for now- you might be feeling like Easter is a no go for celebrating this year.    

But you can celebrate while staying home- and today is the first of 

3 posts on ideas for creating an inspired Easter at home.

Easter brings to mind a lot of things when it comes to entertaining. 

Pastel colored eggs, baskets full of chocolates, dishes of Grammys mashed potatoes and pretty tables ready to host all. And when we are socially challenged because we are socially distant – it makes it a bit more ‘womp-womp’ in feeling than the usual excitement at seeing friends and family.

But I say-create some Easter fun right at home -like ‘Bring on the Bunnies’ because, even if we are seriously lacking in that special Easter food- those chocolate rabbits or peanut butter eggs- you can do some fun things for the family with bunnies with everyday type of nibbles.

Easter Egg & Bunny Cookies

Those chocolate chip cookies or sugar cookies you have alllllll the ingredients already on hand for? Make them egg or bunny shaped for a fun twist.   Egg shaped cookies are fairly simple- just flatten and carve out a bit on the sides to create an egg shape.  I mean, half the time those regular should be round cookies can turn into egg shaped– right? haha.  

Easter Bunny Pancakes

I used to make Mickey Mouse pancakes for the kids when they were little- and at Easter time- those ‘Me Mow’ pancakes became rabbits.  

The key is to pour the face first, then add the ears and make sure they all connect. Some ears come out a bit bigger than others- it is true haha-  so it might take a bit of practice to get them just right- but I guarantee the kids won’t mind those wonky looking rabbits.

For eyes and a nose – blueberries or chocolate chips or even nuts if that is what you have on hand. Remember- it isn’t about being perfect.

And side note- bring your husband a plate full of rabbit pancakes and watch what happens. I am telling you-rabbit pancakes are like  Mickey Mouse pancakes-they just make you happy. My husband sat down and ate these with a smile. 🙂 

Chocolate Egg drops

A little harder to create those chocolate eggs if we aren’t able to get to the store for them- though keep in mind some stores are delivering- Target for example- so plan ahead and plan for extra shipping time and order some chocolate bunnies and eggs if you want to be traditional. 

Otherwise- baking chocolate that is milk or semi-sweet can be melted into dozens of types of ‘egg’ treats.  A lot of us might have the usual things on hand for baking cookies at a moments notice-especially during the holidays but if you haven’t replenished your supply you can create a simple no bake drop cookie with just a couple ingredients. 

Shredded coconut, a bit of chopped almonds or peanuts, oatmeal etc.- in a bit of melted chocolate and then ‘drop’ spoonfuls to create ‘eggs’ on parchment paper. Shape into an egg shape by hand and let them firm up.  Here is a simple 10 minute recipe 

Baskets and Egg Hunts

But what about baskets and colored eggs and egg hunts? 

Egg hunts in the park with the community are definitely a fun thing to do with the family. This year- Easter egg hunts look a little different-but they can still be lots of fun.  

Did I ever tell you how far out in the middle of nowhere we lived in Minnesota? 

In a farmhouse on 120 acres- no neighbors, 30 miles from town in any direction- and we knew no one.   Easter in the upper peninsula often meant you weren’t even getting out to do anything because it was snowy outside the door and no one was feeling getting all that snow gear on to go and brave the flakes and/or the feet on the ground to find a few eggs. 

So, we would hide the eggs in the house for the kids. 

On the back of the sofa, on the sideboard, by the coat rack, next to the lamp, in the sunroom on the window sill on the stairs-  you name it. I can’t tell you how many times they would find them all and we would have to go hide the eggs again because they really just loved the hunt more than eating them.

Side note- keep track of the eggs that you have hidden and make sure you find them all. Rotten eggs are not fun to find lol. 

For baskets- don’t worry about traditional pastel colored baskets and plastic ‘grass’. 

Use a regular basket, a tote or a bucket.  The one above is a simple bucket with a handle and will do just perfectly.   

And for that ‘grass’ what about shredded paper,  something from your craft room stash, shredded or crumpled newspaper, a handful of  hay (if you have any) or  ‘mow’ the lawn and clip a bed of grass.

Traditional Easter Dinner

That tradition might usually look like a dozen people from the family gathering at Grandma’s house. 

This year- it might look like a quiet just you and the kids. Even though it looks different you can still make it special.

Of course we all love that traditional Easter food we look forward to- and you can absolutely enjoy that if you have what you need to make it on hand or can get it before the big day. But even if you are making do with what is on hand- you can create something delicious that is nontraditional. 

And don’t forget to get dressed up and set the table and serve dinner- even if it is just your household. Create a new tradition- like maybe you play a game or do a puzzle, watch a holiday movie and make some popcorn for nibbles – and set a time for a FaceTime chat with family. Something to note- you can chat with more than one person for a group chat in Facebook Messenger as well so it is almost like a big family room conversation.

On the Table

I know what you are thinking… no fresh flowers to be found. Believe it or not- I don’t have any fresh bought flowers in the house right now either. And I am almost challenging myself a bit to think even more outside the usual for the Easter centerpiece. Though I am lucky to have that beautiful camellia tree blooming away right now- I am also looking at what I have in the garden that might work. (looking at you Lavender!) and things like this olive shrub in a bucket. 

You can still bring out your grandmothers china, your best flatware and favorite ‘fancy’ day wine glasses. Polish the silver, layer the plates and iron the linen napkins. Bring out the candles and your Easter decor- and set the table in a different spot.  Outside if you have good weather- we all know that our spouses LOVE to help us move the furniture around for a quick change, right? 😉

Creative Easter Table ideas using what we had on hand is a whoooooole other post- stay tuned for that one coming your way.  One of them is that favorite cabbage centerpiece- substitute the flowers for greens spring blossoms or even ivy for a different look.

Maybe one of the most important things to remember is that though this Easter may look different- it might be setting the stage for doing more and being more present at home. And when all goes back to normal- maybe those family celebrations when we can all gather together  will be even more special.

So put on your Easter best dress and heels- light the candles on the table and reflect about the day- and put together something that you and your family will remember  because of the special touches and moments you created. 

Up next- I will share how to color eggs with food dye- and then some simple centerpiece ideas gathered from around the house and yard.

Stay well all.