Comforting Easter Dinner

When it comes to hosting an Easter dinner, the ambiance plays a crucial role in setting the tone for the evening. Whether you opt for a casual gathering or a more formal celebration after service, choosing the right decor is essential. Instead of traditional pastel, a tropical theme with floral arrangements can still bring a touch of spring indoors. Tablecloths adorned with cheerful patterns and simple, elegant centerpieces can enhance the festive spirit.

4/7/20257 min read

macro photography of chick peas

Color Palette

Planning and executing to create a spring feel will be all about the accents on top of a blank canvas for this event.

Off-white will be your main color and is a good representation of one of Easter's meanings, 'rebirth' and 'anew.' The orange and green are inspired by a Palm leaf you see on a Palm tree.

Overall, the color choices are a refreshing welcome and create a 'wow' factor for your family and friends, who are typically used to seeing pastels.

macro photography of chick peas

Table & Mood

Stoneware Plates and Bowls Set

For such an occasion it's nice to go all out! The Plates and Bowl set matches the theme very nicely with a similar color palette.

There are so many things that can be done to make this occasion shine. Below are my picks on recommended table settings and accessories that matches elegance with organic for perfect unity.

Photo Credit: Amazon

Photo Credit: Amazon

Having paper napkins at a formal event seems odd, but decorative folding can be a game changer for your table setting. Folding them into a leaf (which resembles a palm leaf with its natural ridges) can turn a mundane object into something exquisite. Below is a product link for the correct ratio napkin and a tutorial by The House that Lars Built! I also suggest having paper clips handy to keep them in place if necessary.

Decorative Napkins

Flowers are essential for a centerpiece. Depending on your table's length, I would go for at least one. However, odd numbers always appeal to the human eye, so 1, 3, or 5 also works (again, think about your table).

Glass Vases

Photo Credit: Amazon

Photo Credit: @Flovery

Above are examples of looks you can place on the table to bring a spring evanesce. Don't be afraid to add Palm leaves to the arrangements. Adding palm leaves can be a DIY mix-match or buying from a flower grocer. Below is the Palm Leaves product link.

Perfect Bouquet Inspiration

Photo Credit: Amazon

A loose, whimsical tablecloth works well and can be used for other purposes and events.

Photo Credit: Amazon

Cheesecloth Table Runner

Photo Credit: Amazon

Fern Filigree Flatware Set

Many people forget flatware, and investing in a set is a good idea. I love this option because its flower engraving matches the event ~ small but it's all about the details.

Photo Credit: Amazon

Crystal Glass Cups

Glass cups fit better for the event than plastic cups and can be used daily.

Photo Credit: Amazon

Italian Wine Glasses

Like the flatware, investing in nice wine glasses for any occasion is a good idea.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through my links, no extra cost to you.

Food & Drink

Colorful Easter Crostini

What an impact these small crostini's will have before the main meal begins! Not only are they tasty, but they add more to the spring theme. Recipe by She Keeps A Lovely Home.

Appetizers

For Easter dinner, you usually will have several dishes to choose from, such as starters and side dishes, along with the main protein course, before topping it off with dessert. Because of this, I have several options of courses that can be shared with your guests.

Photo Credit: @shekeepsalovelyhome

Photo Credit: @downshiftology

Deviled Eggs

A classic starter served at Easter, these Deviled Eggs are delicious by Downshiftology.

Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie boards can help in a bind when pressed for time or when a simple solution for a side dish is needed. The example by Ahead of Thyme is a great choice.

Photo Credit: @aheadofthyme

Main Course

Each family is different with their own tradition, whether it be a generational family recipe or you want to refresh the menu with something new; the following three suggestions are a delicious choice and allow you to branch out if you prefer!

Photo Credit: Viana Boenzli on @Maplewood Road

Brown Sugar Ham Glaze

Holiday Ham is a traditional choice for an Easter event; it is an oldie but a goodie by Maplewood Road.

Mushroom Pot Pies

A main dish doesn't always have to include meat! Pot Pies provide comfort and portion size for your guests. The following recipe is vegan by Occasional Eggs.

Photo Credit:@OcassionallyEggs

Photo Credit:@CinnamonandSageCo

Lemon Pepper Fish

Fish is not a typical main dish for Easter Dinner but provides a lighter option on top of the starters and sides provided with the dinner. This yummy recipe is by Cinnamon and Sage Co.

Side Dishes

Side dishes are my favorite meal because of all the options and combinations (especially if you tend to return for seconds). Below are a few of my favorites that can add a new twist to an everyday staple.

Photo Credit:@31Daily

Photo Credit:@TheChunkyChef

Lipton Onion Soup Potatoes
Arugula Pear Salad w/ Toasted Pecans and Feta
Creamed Spinach with Toasted Breadcrumbs
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Potatoes are a staple side but can be jazzed up to create something unique, like the recipe below by The Balanced Nutritionist.

Don't be afraid of salad! Especially one as refreshing and delicious as this Arugula Pear Salad by The Balanced Nutritionist.

Another vegetable dish that can make an impact is By 31 Daily! I like having two veggie dishes as options for this type of occasion. However, just because it's vegetables doesn't mean it does not lack uniqueness or flavor.

My favorite side dish, macaroni and cheese, is a guilty comfort food that I never skip as a side dish. The recipe by The Chunky Chef is one of my faves for holidays.

Dessert

On to the final! After a satisfying meal, everyone is waiting for the sweet dish that comes at the end of the evening. There are various ways to go, such as cakes, puddings, casseroles, tarts, and pies. Again, the possibility is endless, and it's up to you to pick what best suits your guests. I recommended three options of different desserts, each packing a punch in its way. Each recipe corresponds with a seasonal produce to save money.

Photo Credit:@FoodnessGracious

Photo Credit:@VeggieDesserts

Photo Credit:@Barely&Sage

Blood Orange Loaf Cake
Sweet Vanilla PeaCake w/ Lemon Frosting
Layered Strawberry Shortcake

You can't go wrong with this citrusy sweet goodness by Foodness Gracious.

Though it might seem odd to use a pea as an ingredient, this cake is for those who want to expand there tastes by Veggie Desserts.

A version of the classic petite Strawberry Shortcake by Barely & Sage ~ is always a crowd-pleaser.

Drink Options

For beverages (especially for a large amount of people) a punch might be a good idea. You can also serve wine depending on your courses. If light like fish, a white would do well and red for a more hardy meat.

Photo Credit:@SouthernLiving

Easter Punch

A punch is an excellent option for guests to quench their thirst whenever needed; the recipe by Southern Living also has a non-alcoholic option: swapping out the rose with sparkling water.

Photo Credit:@TotalWine

Tesoro della Regina

A Pinot Gris like Tesoro pairs nicely with salads and other vegetable sides. If you choose the fish main dish, I would choose this wine!

Elouan Pinot Noir Oregon by Joe Wagner

Although it's a red wine, Pinot Noir goes nicely with fruit-based dishes and white meat (including pork).

Photo Credit:@TotalWine

Entertainment

Consider incorporating interactive activities that engage kids and adults to make your Easter dinner particularly memorable. Organizing an Easter egg hunt can excite younger guests, while trivia games about Easter traditions can spark interesting conversations among adults. Below are two recommendations. These activities keep everyone entertained and encourage bonding, making the evening truly unforgettable.

Photo Credit:@Amazon

Photo Credit:@Amazon

Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza
You Laugh, You're Out

If you remember the classic card game like Slap Jack, this game is similar with a twist. Plus, they have an Easter version to match the event!

It's a nice ice-breaker to get everyone talking before dinner. I hope you have a poker face!