Easter morning is one of my very favorite times of the year. Every year since my youngest was barely one, we have searched for eggs and sat down as a family for an Easter brunch extravaganza.
This post is made possible through a partnership with HoneyBaked Ham who not only inspired these tips, but have been supporting family celebrations for years through easy {and delicious} food options.
Our Family Easter Tradition
On Easter eve, we color eggs. Dozens of eggs! Colorful cups of water are spread across the kitchen island like disheveled rainbow over strips of plastic trash bags taped to the countertop.
Each of my kids, myself, my husband and anyone else who might be joining us has their own egg carton to protect their egg creations.
It is a very intense and creative endeavor!
There may be a little egg boasting. There might be a little covert decorating. The goal is to create the family’s best egg.
The golden egg.
The person who is chosen to pick the golden egg cannot compete. It is a cherished position that holds a lot of responsibility.
Runner-up eggs from each egg carton are also named in a ceremonial kitchen table celebration. The one who created the golden egg is exalted.
In the egg hunt the following morning, it is the golden egg that we seek. All the eggs are hidden and the egg hunters are released at the same time. When the hunt is over, the eggs are tallied:
1 point for a regular egg
3 points for a runner-up egg
10 points for the golden egg
This gives even the younger hunters a way to beat a more experienced Easter participant.
The Easter Meal
After the egg hunt (which might be run 3, 5, 10 times in a row depending on the persistence of the kids), we collapse into an Easter brunch.
I love how HoneyBaked Ham makes it super easy to create an Easter spread that is delicious, but doesn’t have me missing out on all the egg hunt fun!
I don’t want to be cooking while everyone is playing!
HoneyBaked Ham has the most amazing ham and turkey – both have this delicious sweet crust that is one of my favorite things in the whole world. And they have sides like green bean casserole, carrot medley and broccoli bacon bliss that will have people wondering if you DID spend the day cooking! Each store has a wide selection of delicious sides that vary by location <—click to find your closest location.
Meaningful Easter Family Traditions
Holiday celebrations are about family! Here are some really easy solutions to gathering the family for fun.
Get kids excited with Easter by making a countdown. via guessing all the way
We love this idea of getting a thankful jar 1 week before Easter. It creates appreciative atmosphere around the house, so Easter becomes more meaningful. Make your own thankful jar in your family. It’s a wonderful tradition. via homemaker-mom
Thanks to a special dessert course there will be bonding and a lot of warm conversations over Easter table. via joy troupe
Teach kids about the real meaning of Easter by reading Easter books. via mama on a green mission
Make sure to take photos every Easter so you can preserve all the memories. via momma without a clue
Easter Decorating Ideas
I love the springy colors of Easter! And it is a perfect time of year to add a little whimsy like bunnies and chicks.
While I normally wouldn’t serve my HoneyBaked Ham in the shiny foil, it works perfectly to protect the food in an Easter basket stuffed with paper grass.
Decorate your porch or mudroom by placing old rain boots and some fresh flowers in them. Simple, festive and very effective! via blog by donna
Be original this year and make wreath from clothespins. Your door will definitely stand out in the neighborhood. via the jenny evolution
Easter Table Decoration Ideas
Save table space by staging some of the meals on the shelved dish. A perfect way to use that vertical space. via happy and blessed home
Serve side dishes in candy jars. That way you can close the lid and keep it safe from those hungry eyes. via horrible housewife
If you aren’t up to much of decorating, try adding fancy name place cards. It will will make Easter table look fancier without spending a lot of money and time. via white lights on wednesday
Embrace a true meaning of Easter by having this centerpiece on your dinner table. via artscrackers
A simple, but gorgeous table decoration with tree branches and eggs. via cool moms cool tips
Arrange your sliced HoneyBaked Ham in the plate as a flower. via aday in motherhood
“Embrace your options: Remember that not everyone likes the same thing. If you’re having guests for Easter dinner, be sure to have a variety of sides so that everyone in attendance can find something they enjoy!” via jmanandmillerbug
Table decorations can be simple and still have big impact. Use good color contrast: pastel napkins and brightly colored napkin rings. via liz ventures
If you are arranging an Easter table for kids, use small bags shaped like a carrot and fill them up with orange candy. Add name tag and you have yourself a fancy seating card. via mammamoiselle
Make fun candy place cards for your Easter Table. via play party pin
Make cute origami bunnies as a place name cards. via mom always finds out
Consider cloth napkins for your Easter table and turn then into Easter bunnies. Classy, playful, Eco-friendly and very festive! via happenings of the harper household
Pick up a$10 fresh flower bouquet from a grocery store. via bullocks buzz
By adding fresh flowers (in addition to the decoration items you already have) you will create a cozy and festive mood in your house. via where is the mama
Scrapbook paper goes a long way. You can place a colorful pieces of scrapbook paper in the frame and decorate with stickers or holiday themed embellishments. via krystalskitsch
Reuse holiday decor and dishes. via krystalskitsch
Use present wrapping paper for a colorful and festive table runner for Easter! Genius! via totally the bomb
This wreath was created using a sweet collection of Easter ribbons and a whole ton of pastel plastic Easter eggs! via suzys sitcom
Decorate with what you have. Place dyed eggs in a mason jar for a simple table decoration. via cutting back kitchen
Spruce up every Easter dish by adding something green to it. It adds a great affect. via sassy southern yankee
Easter For Kids
Don’t forget the fun! Sure, the kids will have a good time…but adults always love an excuse to get playful.
Make a table that kids can draw on. A holiday meal will be happier for everyone. via craving some creativity
If weather allows take some of the party outdoors. It will be a fun change of scenery for everybody. via a mamas corner of the world
Egg hunt is a must for Easter if you have kids. Get amazing egg hunt ideas via the resas mixed nuts
If you are concerned about the sugar level for your kids read these tips for having a happy (but minimum – candy) Easter! via mail 4 rosey
Have kids entertained before/during Easter dinner with these free printable Easter activity placemats. via thenerdswife
Easter Recipes
Picking up a HoneyBaked Ham and a few sides can free you up to make that favorite family recipe. It will fit in perfectly with your Easter feast!
Gluten free Easter dinner menu. Including this delicious Triple Berry Riffle . via sprouted roots
A great way to use some of those dyed Easter eggs is to make them into deviled eggs. via the mama report
“Using potatoes of various colors our rolls became Easter eggs, they’re not a perfect replica in shape, but they certainly delight. Rolls are always popular in our family, and seeing people want the brightly colored orange and purple adds to the atmosphere.” via rosie discovers
A must try cranberry sauce dish. via melissa kaylene
Stress Free Hostess Hacks
Whew. Let’s all agree to participate in holiday festivities this year. To be working through the entire event is stressful and by the end of the day, I would feel like I need a vacation from the holiday! Here are some smart solutions to full participation.
Don’t forget to give some take outs/leftovers for your guests! They will love you forever! via white lights on wednesday
Save a lot of money by choosing your Easter decorations at your local dollar store. via helicopter mom and just plane dad
A mother is sharing her secret of preparing Easter meal without missing any of the fun. Hint: crock pot! via a heart full of love
Organize Easter meal with the google drive spreadsheet. That way there won’t be 10 people bringing baked beans and none potato salad. What a great idea! via 4you-with love
Set the table and decorations the night before for a stress free morning and Easter Day!
Save time and energy and pick up delicious side dishes from Honey-baked Ham. via saralees deals steals giveaways
Great ideas for helping very active kids stay calm for Easter dinner. via determined momma
If the weather allows, serve your Easter dinner outside. via sensiblysara
Consider serving dinner ‘buffet style”. Especially if you have a big family. via love bakes good cakes
5 Easy Easter Dinner tips for Big Families. via lillepunkin
Don’t Forget Dessert!
HoneyBaked Ham has all sorts of choices for dessert. Quick, easy and yummy!
My favorite is their carrot cake. It is fit for an Easter bunny.
HoneyBaked Ham Coupon
A big thanks to HoneyBaked Ham for sponsoring this post and providing this coupon for our readers:
Click to save on your family Easter celebration!
Offer valid 3.14.15 – 4.4.15. Must present coupon at time of purchase to receive offer. May not be combined with any other offer. One coupon per person at participating retail store locations. While supplies last.
Happy Easter Everyone!
The post 50 Easy Easter Celebration Ideas for Families appeared first on Kids Activities Blog.