SJ’s top five tips for hosting at Easter.
Can you believe it’s that time of year already?! Easter has simply flown in this year BUT, as a team, we are ready to make the most of a long weekend filled with family, food and fun!
There’s no denying that hosting at Easter can be quite the task - even if it’s only the family joining you. For this reason, we’ve asked our Director, Sara James, to share her top tips for Easter entertaining which will ensure you’ve got everything in place for a successful day of celebrations!
Get outdoors.
Whilst the Perth weather can be a little unpredictable this time of year, it looks like we’ll be treated to some mild conditions this Easter long weekend! So, with that said, Sara suggests making the most of the weather and gathering the family outdoors. Not only will you get to enjoy the fresh autumn air and have more space to mingle, the kids will have space to use up some of that sugar-fueled energy!
2. Keep it manageable.
Limiting the guest list to a handful of close friends and family is the key to quality entertaining. Not only will it take a lot of pressure off playing host, it will also ease the strain on your time and purse strings! Start by making a list of who you’d like to invite whilst keeping in mind the size of your entertaining area. A smaller group creates a sense of intimacy that leads toward meaningful and candid conversations which are perfect for family holiday celebrations.
3. Don’t get carried away!
Whilst experimenting with new recipes is always a fun idea in theory, it’s not always the right move when hosting. The last thing you need is a kitchen disaster as guests begin to arrive!
This Easter, Sara encourages you to stick with what you know and love to cook - you know, the crowd favourites! Think along the lines of a crunchy green salad, delicious potato bake, fresh seafood and warm sourdough. Set up a buffet-style table where guests can help themselves and be sure to include plenty of drink options too.
4. Shake up a cocktail.
Speaking of drinks, don’t forget to get creative with a cocktail or two! Make sure your freezer is full of ice then have some fun shaking up some festive beverages for your guests. Sara says you can never go wrong with a classic Margarita or suggests taking a standard glass of sparkling to new heights with a fabulous champagne cocktail.
5. Don’t forget to set the scene.
While Easter-themed decorations like grass bunnies and ceramic eggs can look lovely, there’s no need to spend a lot of money on decorations that will only be discarded. Sara encourages everyone to set a celebratory mood with tea-light candles, plump cushions, fresh cuttings from the garden and some colourful chocolate eggs that guests can either indulge in or take away as fun Easter favours.