Easter is one of the days of the year kids look forward to the most, with all the treats and fun activities that come with it. Their enthusiasm makes the holiday a natural family affair, making the adults just as excited for it as they are. When the kids are all tired out from the frenzy of an Easter egg hunt, give them a much-appreciated recharge with a dinner made especially for them–and have the adults remember their inner child as well. Try these Easter dinner table ideas for your holiday for an affair to remember:
Use pastel colors
From the tablecloths to the curtains, use your favorite pastel-colored linens to set the ambiance for a child-centered soiree. Powdery sky blues, lemon yellows, and blush pinks bring out the child in everyone and will ensconce each guest in a light, spring atmosphere perfectly in tune with the celebration. We suggest going an American country inspiration and getting pink or yellow gingham tablecloths — this way, it’ll transition seamlessly into your summer linen rotation. Sky blue curtains look better with a pattern, so choose ones that feature small flowers and the like for mature, yet child friendly options.
Have the children join you
Engage them to feel more “grown up” by eliminating the kids’ table and mixing the little ones in with their favorite adults. Make everything as child-proof as possible by setting out dishes that are okay to be nicked or broken, utensils that are safe for younger children, and glasses that are durable. To be on the safe side, we suggest you use some of the many chic options for plastic plates and glasses we have nowadays for child-centric occasions like birthday parties or picnics.
Use fun settings
Our favorite place settings are made with small baskets, colorful candies, and printouts of each guest’s names on an egg shaped tag. Other ideas are marshmallow peeps on the plate with licorice to hang the same tag with. For a fun, creative way to get your younger guests engaged before the food arrives, use a large piece of drawing paper as a tablecloth and set out crayon boxes for anyone who wants to draw on it. This truly personal touch will keep them involved in a project before the meal begins.
Keep the food child friendly
Nothing too spicy or too strange should be served at the table, and mix in things children will love to eat. When our family serves split pea soup, we usually add a few lines of cream to make smiley faces and other drawings. Salads become much more interesting using the young versions of typical veggies, like baby corn or carrots.
(Photo by Suat Eman)
A make-your-own-pizza affair is another family favorite, where we have everyone take their own personal sized crust (about 6″ to 8″ each) and head over to a topping bar, where we can pop it in the oven for the main course. The trick to this is only serving healthy toppings like fresh mushrooms, feta cheese, olives, avocados, and the like. Have each child partner with an adult to make their own pizza and have slice trades and pizza making contests. Dessert is easy with small baskets of Easter candy treats they can take home in their own baskets.
(Photo by Rosemary Ratcliff)
Keep them engaged
Things previously mentioned like tablecloth they can draw on and food they can help make are only two of the few things you can do to keep a child interested in the meal. For children who love to pretend to be grown-ups, give them their own wineglasses filled with non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice. Shy kids can sit with adults who can draw them into conversation, and with whom they’re comfortable. Keeping them engaged will have them looking forward to dinners with family and friends, and not think of it as something they have to go to for the sake of the adults.
Easter dinner is not just for adults, especially for a holiday centered on the whole family celebrating together. Take this opportunity to create a party that is great for guests both young and old, and find the whole family excited for this occasion each year.
About the Author: Jessica Phan is a designer for Balsamhill.com a purveyor of high-end artificial Christmas Trees. Living in the San Francisco Bay Area is perfect for her because she has a wide range of interests, including Art & Design, Fashion, Photography, Painting and Thrift Store Shopping.