Surprise! You're hosting Easter. Now what?
P.S. Comfy lingerie, drinking in your 40s, surprising Zara finds and more
Dear Elizabeth,
A few weeks ago my mother-in-law did something I didn’t expect. She texted her three kids and their spouses asking if there were “any takers” for Easter or a pre-Easter BBQ. I responded that yes, of course, we’d love to do something. She then said, “You’re on!” and that it was my turn for a holiday. What?! I wasn’t necessarily signing up to host, and I definitely didn’t realize it was my turn.** We’ve never really settled into a routine for holidays because there are a lot of us and a couple divorces that have made regular rotations a bit harder to come by (not a complaint).
Now, you know me and you know that hosting is my genuine happy place - that I’d give literally anything to be Ina Garten - but this one threw me. As our kids get a little older, I want to make sure the gang is comfortable in our small-ish space. I also want to do something non-fussy that takes the pressure off any guest contributions while being mindful of that whole budgeting effort I mentioned last time. Will you help me through it?
**This is not a MIL gripe. It really isn’t. Honestly I admired my MIL’s assertiveness here. I even had a good conversation with my own mom about it. As always, being direct is best!
Elizabeth: Totally get it. As much as we know how to host friends with our eyes closed, my mother and MIL still reign supreme in the holiday department. The stakes are simply higher and the crowd is usually larger. So let’s hop on your game plan. While I haven’t hosted Easter often since we live so far from family, I do know the big crew/little house scenario well. I also know your mind is going straight to the food, so what time of day are we talking about? The good news is no one expects grandeur at Easter, and I’m pretty sure all kids want to do is get to the candy.
Kate: Exactly! This is actually part of why I love Easter. It’s springy. It’s light-hearted (rebirth is a very forgiving theme). I’m thinking late brunch.
Elizabeth: Perfect. Brunch can be both uncomplicated and festive. Whatever you do, absolutely NO plating. Serve it family or buffet style. And do as much prep as possible; there’s nothing less host-y than a host who is marooned in the kitchen. What are you thinking for the menu—and the seating?
Kate: Ugh, no plating. You’re right. I always try to make this happen because I love an elegant sit down, but it’s just too chaotic. We can still sit together, but we won’t have any botched plating ahead of it. I vow to give more thought to the service flow than I usually do. For the meal, I was originally thinking of a few quiches from one of my favorite bakeries but I can be more economical with an oldie but goodie egg bake. I can’t resist a bone-in ham, so we’ll do that. I’m also planning to surprise and (hopefully delight) with a friend’s cherished recipe for potatoes. It could cause mutiny as our family is very serious about cheesy potatoes, but I think it’ll play. What I could really use is your recommendation for a huge, seasonal salad or even an unexpected veg. I usually do arugula, olive oil, lemon and parm, but I need something more, hmm, Elizabethan.
Elizabeth: Nothing better than an egg bake which requires a night-before prep. (Yes, I am lovingly aware of your last-minute tendencies). I would, however consider making it meatless, or at least sans bacon, since you’re serving ham. Do start your own potato tradition, host’s choice. Agree that salad is a must with this menu. Since I’m also craving fruit here, why not combine the two. We (meaning Ty) recently made this apple fennel number and it was crunchy and bright…but does require a mandoline. Simpler yet, a big green salad with a lot of herbs like this or this screams spring.
How are you in the Easter candy department? If not an egg hunt because we’re talking tweens, do like my mother and wrap up everyone’s favorite easter candy—a bag of Jelly Bellies, sleeve of Peeps, foil-wrapped chocolate bunnies. After years of hiding baskets for us, my mother still sends a care package to her grown children in CA. If you’re feeling slightly more ambitious, maybe pick up some lemon bars from the bakery for the adults.
Kate: D’oh! I’m glad you asked. I actually didn’t do Easter baskets last year because we were traveling and I’ve been hearing about it ever since. My boys might be buying cologne and my oldest niece will be driving soon, but a little treat from the Easter bunny is still irresistible. It won’t be missed. Any other words of wisdom before I get cracking?
Elizabeth: I’ve started texting virtual invites from HiNote a day or two in advance, not to collect RSVPs but to set the tone. “Come as you are” or “the ham will be served at 1 o’clock!” ensures everyone is clear on the time and the vibe.
Kate: Thank you for this, Elizabeth. My Easter Agita is now Eager Anticipation. Will of course let you know how it goes. Xoxo
P.S.
Are we the last to know about Zara Home? A worthy reason to clean out the swimsuit drawer. An ultra comfy addition to your lingerie collection. This is one wild scandal. The Gen X career meltdown we’ve been waiting for someone to capture. Compounded by why drinking in your 40s feels different. Ugh. Noah Wylie remains a national treasure. Adolescence is required viewing, and The Residence is the palette cleanser you’ll need afterward. Take us to the French Riviera, si’l vous plait. And just a quick appreesh to inflashe.
Love a good egg bake and hiding Easter candy😊!