Tuesday 22 March 2016

10 Easy Easter Hacks When Family Visits: Easter Eggs, Easter Decorations and More

Are you spending your first Easter as an official couple with the in-laws? In-laws visiting can be a stressful time but also an excellent opportunity to bond with them and win them over. Here are all the Easter hacks you need to know to make it the best Easter yet!

1. Easter Egg Wreath


Score points with the in-laws as soon as they're home with this charming Easter eggs and burlap wreath. Now, this wreath is easy enough to make at home. All you'll need are some papier mache or plastic eggs, burlap and a wreath form. But, if you're short on time, you can buy it online. 

2. Easter Eggs without the Dye



Whether you want to make the eggs a part of the decorations or have a fun activity for any kids coming over, there are many ways to decorate them without messy dye. The simplest way is with some Washi tape or ribbons in bright spring colors. For rustic home decor, burlap ribbons work wonderfully. Speckled eggs wrapped in burlap, nestled in a basket along with some twigs is the easiest way to make Pinterest-worthy decorations. When it comes to kids, plastic eggs and stickers and felt embellishments are the way to go   

3. Setting the Table


You don't have to labor for hours to set a beautiful table. It only takes about 10 minutes once you have your supplies and tableware. Skip the table cloth and opt for a beautifully textured or colorful runner instead. Have a spring flowers bouquet made at your local florist to add some color to your table. If you're an avid gardener, you can bring in the whole planter inside (a small one, although). Dress it up with pretty fabric. After that, you won't need much – simply set the table.   

4. Easter Centerpieces


If you're not too fond of flowers, all the Easter Eggs you have around make beautiful decorations. Eggs in their carton make a gorgeous centerpiece – simply add some spring sprigs and faux feathers. Put the carton of eggs on a cake stand in the center of the table. If you have kids coming over – here's an idea, have them make an Easter egg tree and then proudly display it as a centerpiece. Or, find a cute ceramic bunny and add some eggs for an Easter centerpiece that you can use for years to come. Hey, you may just start a new tradition!

5. Easter Appetizers – Deviled Eggs


Unoriginal you say? We got one word for you – toppings! And seasoning...well, two words. Deviled eggs done right with Dijon mustard, smoked paprika and little bit mayo taste amazing with tasty toppings. Bits of bacon, crab meat, smoked salmon and shrimp are some excellent topping ideas. Roasted bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, pickled onion or even cheese, like feta or cheddar are some other suggestions.

Depending on how many people are coming over, you make the eggs yourself or set up a make-your-own deviled eggs bar. When it comes to a good make-your-own food station, the presentation is key. Set up bowls of toppings next to platters of halved eggs along with serving plates and napkins. Add finely chopped dill, thyme, tarragon, chives, parsley and cilantro for sprinkling on top. Keep on refilling the station regularly.

6. The Easter Ham


Easter is all about the ham. There are a couple of things you can do to make it easy on yourself. Buy good-quality, smoked bone-in ham. It will be flavorful and since it's already cooked, you don’t need to go over an internal temperature of 145 degrees. But, do cook the ham with some wine or stock in the pan before putting it in the oven. As for the glaze, brush it on toward the end of cooking. Also, remember that for the ham to be juicy, it needs to sit for about 20 minutes or so. Take this time into consideration when serving.  

7. Make-Ahead Easter Dessert


Nothing says spring like carrot cake. We are in favor of a simple cake but you can frost it with vanilla frosting or cream cheese. The best part is that you can make the cake ahead, which brings us to our next Easter idea.

8. Make Ahead

We recommend making everything, except for the ham, couple of days before your in-laws come over. Decorations are easy to make ahead and put up. Simply, refresh your home decor with flowers. Here's another make-ahead tip, set the table the night before. If your centerpiece doesn't involve flowers – you can have a fully set up table before you go to bed.

Hard-boiled eggs can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week, peeled or unpeeled. So, make them ahead for deviled eggs. All the other fixin's can be put together the night before. With all these things off your checklist – you can concentrate on the ham and of course bonding with the in-laws.

9. Go the extra mile

Is your mother-in-law a cheese connoisseur? Buy some local cheeses for her along with any other local treats. Find out your father-in-law's favorite drink and have it on hand when they come over. If your mom-in-law wants to help out, graciously accept. If kids are going to be a part of the guest list, have art supplies and board games ready to keep them entertained.

10. Easter Cocktails


Whether you're serving brunch, lunch or an early dinner, cocktails before the meal are the key. They whet appetites and will help your in-laws and other guests relax. Mimosas are a great choice for brunch and you can make a whole batch. Sangria or Bellinis also work for Easter celebrations. Make batches or set up a drinks mixing station so you can concentrate on your hosting duties.

Have a wonderful time with your in-laws with these ideas.

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