Erin Lane Blog

I am a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to Easter. Growing up in Dallas my precious Grandma would take me shopping every year and buy me a new Easter dress, hat, and white patent leather shoes. Oh how we couldn't wait to wear white in the South at Easter. I do believe its those traditions that have shaped the way I love to create special memories around holidays for my family.

My Easter table always consists of the same elements with maybe a new recipe or two thrown in. I love to pull out my Easter bin full of vintage rabbits and lambs I have collected through the years. The table is set with vintage linens, tulips or daffodils, and my favorite china & silver. Holidays are special and I don't mind the extra work involved. Its a perfect time to use and display your special pieces. The menu always has an Easter ham, fresh spring asparagus, and deviled eggs.

Here are some of my favorite Pinterest inspired table settings. Are you on Pinterest? Follow us at Erin Lane Estate.

I love how The Enchanted Home puts necklaces on her vintage bunnies and uses a textured vintage linen table cloth. It makes it less stuffy than a traditional white tablecloth.

No time to decorate for Easter? Pick up some chocolate bunnies and place them in your planters Via: the Family Holiday.

Using fresh lettuce and carrots in your centerpiece is so Beatrix Potter and so adorable! Via: Romancing The Home

I make this gruyere asparagus tart every year on Easter. This dish does not travel well, eat directly from the oven. Via: Hippie Food Mom

Who doesn't love GINGHAM? All the pops of yellow are so perfect for an Easter brunch. Via: Aiken House & Garden

Easter would not be complete without something sweet and it must have malted chocolate eggs on top. Via: Blahnik Baker

Southern Living always does it just right. Chinoiserie & Easter ham 2 of my favorites. Do you see how they have different containers at varying heights? It adds so much interest to your table.

Emily Henderson is truly a design whisperer. The marble table, the gold flatware, and the gilt eggs are nothing short of perfection.

How fun would it be to give these baskets to the hostess? Via: The French Tangerine

What's your favorite Easter tradition?

Happy Easter. Love, Erin

Nothing is more fun than entertaining with essentials you can be proud of and that are ready for guests in a moment's notice like this Culver Barware Set: Anyone would be happy if this was under the tree on Christmas morning.

This holiday season make sure you have your bar & home stocked with the basics.

[caption id="attachment_5850" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Photo Credit: blissathome.com[/caption]

One thing I have learned over many years of entertaining during the month of December is just simply to have your fridge and pantry stocked and your house clean and festive. I use to plan these elaborate dinners and half the time people would end up sick, not show up at all, have kid emergencies, etc. and it would drive me crazy.  I would spend a month planning these events down to handwriting the place cards, buying gifts for each place setting,  pressing the linen napkins and not to mention decking my home out to the nines.

So my advice is this: Do small impromptu entertaining, its way more fun and relaxed. I will buy nice cheeses, fruits, prawns, a nice nitrate free ham, artisan rolls, and desserts and when people stop by I'm prepared. For your bar set-up get your basics: vodka, rum, whiskey, scotch, and gin as well as your basic mixers like soda water, sparkling water, juices, and some non-alcoholic options. Don't forget about your wine drinkers (that's me) and grab some nice Napa Valley Chardonnay & some reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa or even some Chilean reds which are always a big hit. Take an inventory of your barware and make sure everything is clean and polished and ready to party. Add some festive cocktail napkins and get that playlist ready. Its so enjoyable to actually be able to sit down and visit with your guests. When you have a big party you're the bartender, hostess, chef, and coat check. Make it easy on yourself this year.

[caption id="attachment_5841" align="aligncenter" width="612"] A Few Shots Around My Home[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5845" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Me second from the left enjoying my guests at a last minute holiday party.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5844" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Guests Love Bringing Things Too![/caption] [caption id="attachment_5843" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Quick and easy table set-up with a festive centerpiece of vintage balls and greenery. The bar is stocked and set-up all season for impromptu visitors.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5842" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Its fun to have a signature cocktail. Last years cocktail was a Peppermint Mocha Martini with sprinkles on the rim. Details matter and your guests will always remember those extra special touches.[/caption]

Have any great tips you'd like to add? Please comment down below.

Happy Holidays, Erin