Hop to It!

Many holidays are rooted in the changing of the seasons. Some are secular while others are steeped in religious tradition or faith-focused. Centuries ago in Ireland, Easter marked the beginning of spring. In the past and present, Christianity invites celebrations of the Easter season, calling to mind with reflection and renewal, the Resurrection. Regardless of its origins, preparing our homes and hosting gatherings seems to be an enduring source of joy and tradition.

Seasonal Inspiration

Easily designed wreaths welcome family and friends to our homes and our gatherings. Wooden trays create beautiful centerpieces or tablescapes. Round, multi-tier trays or large rectangular ones serve as decoration limited only by imagination. Glass or white porcelain dishes or mason jars can be filled with various Easter candies: chocolate-dipped almonds, robin’s eggs, jellybeans and white coated pretzels make beautiful displays. The jars can also be filled with flowers, branches or grasses to add a natural element, while candles lend a warm, inviting aspect to the table.

Spiral Mesh Wreath

Materials: One wire wreath, two rolls of mesh, two rolls of ribbon, a package of chenille stems (pipe cleaners) and a pair of scissors. Choose a combination of vibrant and pastel spring colors.

Prepare materials: Cut up all of the mesh into 5–6 inch pieces. This is to have enough to cover the wreath. Cut ribbon into 6-inch strips. Dovetail or slant the ends of the ribbon. A combination of cuts can look cool as well. Once cutting is accomplished, assembly can begin. Create bundles consisting of three strips of mesh, one or two strips of ribbon and one chenille stem. The bundles can be identical or have unique combinations of color.

Roll a single mesh strip at a time. Pinch the middle to hold the roll in place while rolling the others. Then roll two more. One will be straight up and down, the other two will be at opposing 45-degree angles and together resemble the letter “v.” Remember to hold each roll in place by pinching the middle.

Now, add the ribbon. When using one ribbon, align it with the vertical mesh strip. If you’re using two, cross them like a lowercase letter “t.” To complete the bundle, secure mesh and ribbon with three twists of a chenille stem, ending up on the back side of the bundle.

Repeat this process until there are enough bundles to completely fill the sphere. In total, 40–45 bundles will complete a wreath. Begin attaching the bundles to the wreath. Cross each stem three times to secure the bundle to the wire circle. Now, push that bundle to the top of the section to make room for the others. Repeat this process until you have reached a desired fullness. Finally, scrunch and fluff the mesh, shaping the pieces however you like. This step also hides any flaws. Make sure all chenille stems are tucked toward the back and out of view. Trim any loose threads or strings.

Mason Jar Decor

Mason jars boast endless uses and decorative possibilities. They can be enhanced quickly by a coat of chalk paint, slightly sanded to appear vintage or distressed, and detailed easily with twine or ribbon around the mouth of the jar. Sea glass paint gives the inspiring impression of sea glass and creates an elegant look and a beautiful contrast to the wood of the tray.

Tie-Dye Easter Eggs With Whipped Cream

Hard boil two dozen eggs. Allow to cool completely. Place the eggs in a bowl and pour vinegar over them. Allow the eggs to soak in the vinegar for 5–10 minutes. Carefully dry the eggs with a paper towel. Set aside.

Fill the wells of a standard muffin tin with whipped cream and add drops of food coloring to the whipped cream. Using a knife, carefully swirl the food coloring into the whipped cream. Add one egg to each well and roll the egg in the whipped cream to coat. Allow the egg to sit in the whipped cream for 5–10 minutes.

Remove the egg from the whipped cream and wipe clean with a paper towel. Alternatively, you can rinse under cold water and pat dry. Use to decorate or enjoy as a snack.

Sweet Ambrosia Salad

INGREDIENTS

20 oz. pineapple (mini) chunks

15 oz. Mandarin oranges

12 oz. jar of maraschino cherries

¾ cup of vanilla Greek yogurt

1 cup coconut (optional)

1 cup mini marshmallows

8 oz. container of extra creamy Cool Whip (thawed)

½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Drain the Mandarin oranges, pineapple, and maraschino cherries and mix together in a bowl. Add vanilla Greek yogurt, coconut and mini marshmallows. Mix well. Fold in whipped topping with a spatula. Cover and place ambrosia salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour prior to serving. If topping with pecans, sprinkle them on top just before serving.