Easter is rapidly approaching, and I just love getting ready for Easter brunch. Many times I have a large group when I entertain, but not everybody has the space or the flexibility to have a large group. So, today I focused on setting a small and simple Easter table.
Many of the ideas that we discuss in this article can be magnified to allow you to set a large table using the same ideas, but for today we are just going to set four places for a small and intimate setting.
I’m going to walk through a simple step-by-step process that I use whenever I am setting a table for a special occasion. Be sure to leave me a comment at the end and tell me how you like to celebrate Easter on your table.
1. Tablecloths
Tablecloths are beautiful and can add a tremendous amount of texture and color. I find that they are fantastic to use when:
- I want to protect my tabletop.
- The linens I have don’t coordinate well with the color of my tabletop
- I want to introduce an additional color or texture
Today I felt inclined to embrace the natural beauty of the wood of my tabletop because it’s spring and the tabletop gives the whole setting an earthy feel so I skipped the tablecloth.
2. Set the Perimeter
Whether you plan to use a charger or a placemat or any other item to anchor the place setting, it’s important to set that first. That will give you a sense of space on the table and let you know if you have enough space for all of your guests. It will tell you very quickly if you need to add another leaf to the table or set an additional table.
Setting the perimeter of the table
For today I chose to again embrace the natural wood tones of my tabletop so I chose to use a geometric gingham placemat. The geometric pattern and neutral color of the material will go beautifully with the buffalo plaid check napkin that I’m going to use, and right now I’m in love with this particular pattern.
3. Set your Key Player
For my Easter table today I am using a dinner plate as my key player so I’m going to set that next.
It can easily be topped with additional plates or a fruit bowl if you wish, but for today I’m going to keep it simple.
4. Dress your Place Setting
Ok so I have to admit, this is one of my favorite parts of setting my table. I love having the place setting come alive and set the tone for the meal. Since I am keeping it simple, I chose just to add two individual accents: the napkin and the bunny.
1. The napkin- It is your shining star. Treat it with love and respect, and it’ll clean you up every time. I chose to again keep things simple by wrapping a silk tulip around the napkin for some freshness. (You can use fresh tulips if you’d like to, but they do tend to wilt fairly quickly and you’ll want to do this just before your guests arrive… I don’t like that kind of pressure.)
2. The bunny- Whimsical, Seasonal, Proportionate. I really fell in love with this little guy. He was just the perfect fit for the bill. Not too big and not too small, he nestled in next to the napkin just perfectly!
I love the texture that he brings to the table without overwhelming the plate. His little green collar blends well with the tulip stems for complete coordination.
5. Set your silverware
This probably goes unsaid unless you plan to serve your guests simple finger foods. That’s not my plan today, so I’m going to use my silver. I have this little method that I use to set my silver. I taught my kids this, and yes even my husband knows how to properly set silverware because of this.
The fork has 4 letters and there’s 4 letters in the word ‘left’ so the fork goes on the left.
The spoon and knife are made up of 5 letters and the word ‘right’ is made up of 5 letters. Hmmm, there seems to be a pattern here. Since ‘K’ comes before ‘S’ in our alphabet, the knife gets set next and also gets to sit next to the plate. I guess he feels special since he’s so tall.
See how easy that is? There really is a method to my madness!
6. Centerpiece
Without a doubt, the crown jewel of the Easter table or any table for that matter. I just love creating centerpieces. Yes you can go to the store and buy all that you need to create one, or you can do what I like to do, “shop” around your home.
I can usually find just about everything that I need just by “borrowing” items from other rooms of the house. And don’t forget to check the garage! There’s always some buried treasure out there waiting for you to uncover for your next centerpiece.
Some of the crazy people that I work with decided that they should film me showing you my technique so here it is. He was a bit shaky, but I hope you enjoy it!
I created a simple one this year using things from around the store here at Kloter Farms, but there’s nothing in my centerpiece that most of us don’t having kicking around somewhere at home. Remember to let your creativity be your guide.
7. Pretty Glasses
You notice that I didn’t just say “glasses”. I said Pretty Glasses and I meant it. Everything tastes better in a pretty glass. No matter whether it’s a humble drink of chocolate milk or even a smoothie, it looks and tastes better coming out of something beautiful.
Try it once and I promise you’ll never go back!
For this Easter brunch table, I added a long stem goblet for the fruit juice that I’m planning to serve. Sophistication in the smallest form… Wink, wink.
8. Add Accents
Sometimes I just have these inspirations and add a quick little something else to my table. Ha! I figure it’s my table and if I want to add it, I’m going to do just that. You can do it too!
Today I added a couple of little green bottles to the center. I just love how the light dances around glass things and the green is so fresh and “springy”.
9. Candy Plate
Is this really something you have to do? Yes, it is! Your spouse and friends or family will thank you for it. It’s the perfect way to finish off any meal (even if you’ve already served dessert).
It can’t or ever will replace dessert in my mind, but I love that little sweet jolt at the end of a meal.
10. ENJOY!
This really should be kept as #1 in your mind when you’re setting your Easter table. It should be fun and allow you to express your creativity. The food will be fabulous and your fellowship warm so be yourself and have a wonderful Easter!
Click on the links below to see some of my favorite Easter Brunch Recipes.
Unbelievable Blueberry French Toast Casserole
Impossibly Easy Swiss Cheese and Ham Pie
Fruit Salad with Orange Vanilla Syrup
Kloter Farms is loaded with more inspiration like this. Come out for a visit, we’d love to meet you!
