Tamryn Lawrence

Ahh, the long Easter weekend. Hopefully you’ll be enjoying some time away from work and kicking back for some downtime with your friends and family. If you’re recently engaged then this is a great time to celebrate and, with all the seasonal decorations and treats that are in the shops, it’s really easy to host a fantastic Easter engagement party…

Firstly, make sure that you invite everyone in plenty of time and then, once your invitations have been sent, it’s time to get on with the organisation and styling of your engagement party. Spring pastels are the perfect colours to choose and a browse through online or high street shops and supermarkets will turn up lots of brilliant decorations.

Jam jars filled with flowers are a great option – buy daffodils or tulips in bulk from your local supermarket and just pop them into the jar with some water and add a quick wrap of ribbon for a really impactful yet super easy decoration. Group these together around your home or venue. A welcome wreath will also set the scene as soon as guests arrive and you’ll find some fabulous ones on Not On The High Street.

A buffet table is always a great option at a party, especially when you can set it all up before everyone arrives so you’re not stuck in the kitchen at your own event! Keep it simple with lots of fresh, seasonal nibbles – there are lots of brilliant party ready recipes over on the Martha Stewart or BBC Good Food websites. Alternatively, check the ‘to order’ food options at your supermarket if you’re not much of a cook or head to your local farmer’s market and stock up on all the best local produce.

Once you’ve got your menu together, it’s time to style your table. Hanging garlands and bunting make a great backdrop alongside white or coloured table linen or you could simply buy a few metres of pretty gingham fabric and use that as a cover instead. Don’t forget to provide plenty of mini napkins, plates and cutlery!

Setting up a drinks station is another great idea and coloured cocktails or soft drinks such as pink lemonades served in cute mini milk bottles always look and taste excellent. Alternatively, prepare big pitchers of drinks and just let guests help themselves. Remember that supermarkets will often offer a glass hire service and that’s perfect for parties.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Easter without eggs. Quails eggs served with celery salt are a sophisticated option for your buffet but who can resist egg shaped cookies or a celebratory cake covered in Mini Eggs?! If you’re inviting children along to your party, an Easter egg hunt will keep the amused (and make sure you’re incredibly popular with all the little people for the foreseeable future!)

Lastly, don’t forget the photobooth so everyone can snap selfies to their heart’s content. You’ll find lots of Easter props and printables online and remember to create your own hashtag so that you can see all of the images from your party.

Now, hop to it and make sure that your Easter engagement party is simply egg-cellent…

Credits:

Collage 1: Left – via Brit + Co Top Right – via Sainsbury’s Magazine Bottom Right – via Indulgy

Collage 2: Left – via The Alison Show Top Right – via Look Love Wed Bottom Right – via Meg Ruth Photo

Collage 3: Left – Paris Vogue Top Right – via De Agostini Bottom Right – via Style Me Pretty

Collage 4: Left – via Country House Wedding Venues Top Right – via Brides of Adelaide Bottom Right – via Hobbycraft