How to Host an Easter Brunch That’ll Make Your Guests Hoppy

Welcome to Come On Over, a Food52 newsletter about hosting life’s big and little moments. It’s where we share our personal tips and tricks, from modern-day etiquette—shoes off or shoes on?—to making extra seating out of every surface of an apartment. This week, Kelly’s egg-cited for Easter.

Bunnies, egg hunts, the great (still brisk) outdoors, and family time—growing up, Easter always felt like the first real whisper of spring. These days, not much has changed… except I hunt my next mimosa rather than my next egg. Every year, my husband, our friends, and I take turns hosting Easter brunch, and one thing stays the same: Lamb is always on the table, and I might bust out a haystack or two. Here’s how I pull it all together.

1. Get Pastel With It

And it was all yellow. And baby blue. And green. Easter screams pastel tablecloths, dishware, and accoutrements that can’t help (nor should they try) but harken back to simpler times. This Mosser colored glass set lives rent-free in my mind, and I’m planning to dress it up with some Peeps, fresh flowers, bunny paraphernalia, and candy, obviously.

2. (Spring)Time It Right

It’s brunch—you’ve got the whole day ahead. Don’t invite guests over at 11 a.m. if you’ll still be knee-deep in haystacks. Give yourself the full morning to prep, breathe, and maybe even enjoy a coffee before the doorbell rings.

3. DIY Easter Baskets

Nea from our Test Kitchen made this savory twist on a childhood favorite—an all-grown-up Easter basket, if you will. Make them as party favors, or let guests build their own as a fun brunch activity. Check it out here.

4. Get Eggy

In more ways than one! Adorn your spread with Cadbury’s Mini Eggs, set out plastic eggs for painting, serve up classic deviled eggs, and add a quiche (or two!). It is brunch, after all. This leek, lemon, and feta version is always a winner—check the reviews for prep tips.

5. Sip of Spring

Keep things simple and citrusy (like I do) with a DIY mimosa station. Set out juices like OJ, cranberry, pineapple, and even carrot (!) and let guests mix themselves. I got this fab tabletop wine cooler so I don’t have to keep going back and forth to the fridge. Much.

6. Go Out On a Lamb

Easter = lamb to me. The perfect excuse for the most decadent cut of meat. I like the basics of butter and garlic—basically this recipe, but with rosemary instead. Enjoy your staple with roasted carrots. Mwah.