Menu Plans for a Perfect Easter

A complete Easter feast often means more than just a spiral ham and scalloped potatoes. Cooking Light offers 11 complete meal plans depending on whether you’re in the mood for brunch bites, want to host a hearty traditional dinner, are grilling for a garden party or visiting with an all-vegetarian crew. Follow a single menu or mix and match delicacies such as deviled eggs, asparagus and leg of lamb; guests will leave satisfied even before they break into their Easter baskets.

Make Dishes Ahead to Ease Easter Stress

To wow your guests and still get your beauty rest, there are many dishes you can make ahead of time for Easter brunch, says Taste of Home. Brunch enchiladas, egg casseroles, and even stuffed French toast can be assembled and refrigerated overnight, then popped in the oven and served—still sizzling—the following day. You can also chop, measure and plate other brunch essentials such as a fruit salad, coffee and condiments the night before and take them directly to the table.

A Frugal But Festive Easter Feast

The Reluctant Entertainer says you don’t have to spend a lot to create an impressive Easter brunch table. Use fresh flowers of the spring season—daffodils, tulips and pansies—as a centerpiece and match their colors to a set of quality paper or cloth napkins. If you invited a lot of people, make the main courses ahead of time, ask select guests to add a side dish or dessert, and serve the feast buffet-style. “Entertaining in a frugal way really helps lessen the stress level,” the blog says.

Take the Stress Out of the Spring Feast

Passover begins at sundown, and Easter is on Sunday. No matter what your faith, though, preparing a spring feast for the family can be hectic. To avoid at least some of the stress, delegate and conquer! Make it a potluck by taking on only the menu essentials and assigning the side dishes and desserts to various family members. Get the kids to set the table ahead of the feast. Then, relax (somewhat) and enjoy.