Tips on Hosting a Last-Minute Easter Dinner

Do you realize Easter is only a few days away? Easter like any holiday is a perfect time to gather friends and family together. Did you decide to host an Easter dinner at the last minute? Do not panic; start planning. Here are some tips on hosting a last-minute Easter dinner.

Who is Coming to Your Easter Dinner?

The guest list is essential to your planning. Reach out to friends and family members to get a headcount for Easter dinner. Make a list of your Easter dinner guests to help in the planning process. A bigger guest list is always fun, but it means more work for you.

Formal or Informal

What type of Easter dinner are you going to host? Remember there is no right or wrong way to host an Easter dinner. The dinner should focus on gathering people together. Consider one of the following types of meals for Easter.

• Traditional Sit-Down Meal
• Brunch
• Light Snacking and Desserts
• BBQ
• Pot-Luck Style

Menu

After deciding on the type of meal, start planning your menu. If you are serving a large crowd, ask your guests to help. Remember to write down the dishes or desserts your guests are bringing to Easter dinner. Keeping a list allows for a variety of different dishes. Or if you love to cook, you are welcome to do the entire meal prep yourself.

Grocery List

Carefully go over your menu. Take an inventory of items you have on hand for your Easter dinner. Now, write out a detailed grocery list. Relax and imagine going aisle by aisle in your grocery store.

Decorate Early

Decorating is not a necessity for Easter dinner. But, if you do decide to decorate, do it early. Getting your children to help make the decoration is always a fun task. Homemade placemats, place cards, and small table decorations are fun additions to the Easter table.

Cook or Bake in Advance

If possible, cook or bake part of your Easter dinner early. By starting early, you do not have to hurry to complete the meal.

Set Table the Night Before

Unless you are eating outdoors, set the table the night before your Easter dinner. Set up your entire eating area including decorations, tablecloths, plates, silverware, glasses, and napkins. The early setup process allows you to look for any shortages. A quick run to the supermarket is easier the night before than on Easter Sunday.

Dinner Day

Despite all the prep work, preparing dinner may still feel chaotic. Do not worry.

• Create a checklist of everything that needs to be cooked, baked, warmed up, and served.
• Designate tasks to others who arrive early. (You may need to call them in early).
• Cook everything as directed. Do not skip steps to get your meal done quickly.
• Send children out of the kitchen to avoid accidents.
• Enjoy yourself. Take photos of the preparation process. Unfortunately, you never know who will be missing from your next holiday meal.

Enjoy Your Meal

You made it. After all of the planning and hard work, your Easter dinner is ready. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy your meal. Do not fret about the things that did not go as planned. On Easter Sunday, gathering with your family and friends is all that really matters.

Happy Easter!