5 Tips for Hosting the Perfect Easter Egg Hunt

Spring is here and the festive, decorated eggs mark a special time for family get-togethers.

Of course, it often includes an exciting visit from Peter Cotton-Tail himself. Between decorating your home with bright pink bunnies and yellow chicks, there are plenty of to-do’s to check off your list, all leading up to a favorite tradition—the annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Here are a few tips to consider when preparing to host this year’s event.

Be Prepared for Extra Guests

Whether you’re inviting family, friends or children from your neighborhood group, you can almost always expect a sibling tag-along or two. Be prepared with extra baskets and eggs on standby. Consider a color-coordinated hunt with the rule that each age group gathers the eggs of their designated color. Not only does it make it easier for you to add your unexpected hunters into the mix, but it also ensures that everyone gets the same number of eggs—keeping the game fair and tear-free.

Don’t Invite the Bad Eggs

Nothing crushes a child’s spirit quicker than popping an egg open to find a hard-boiled egg! Save the food for the table! Bring out those trusty plastic eggs for the hunt and fill them up with goodies the kiddos will actually enjoy. Don’t forget to let your guests know that there’ll be no real eggs at your outdoor egg hunt.

Choose Egg Fillers Carefully

These days, it’s common for little ones to have peanut and other food allergies. Be mindful of the children participating in your hunt and steer clear of candies with common food allergens in their ingredients. Consider filling some of the eggs in the hunt with non-candy alternatives like hair ties, stickers, Play-Doh or bubbles. There are also tasty snacking alternatives like cereal, pretzels and trail mix to keep the kids happily munching.

Stay Cool

Easter Sunday temperatures—especially in South Texas—can rise pretty quickly. Put out a basket with plenty of sunscreen and lip balm for little lips and cheeks. For a little extra “chill” at the end of the day, grab a set of BPA-free plastic eggs and use a small funnel to fill them with fruit juice. Insert a lollipop stick into each egg and pop them in the freezer for a cold treat after the hunt. There are plenty of fun ideas on Pinterest to keep the kids cool and happy—so find your favorite and get cracking!

Think Outside the Egg

Give a gift in addition to the eggs they’ll get from the hunt. Whether it’s a cute pair of Easter socks or a sweet “Some Bunny Loves Me” t-shirt, there are plenty of holiday goodies for you to give out as party favors. Drop them into a “swag bag” decked out in Easter bunny decor or leave them in their baskets as an unexpected surprise. A nice box of specialty chocolates or an inexpensive bottle of Rosé are thoughtful gift options to convey your gratitude to the adults who were able to attend. Who says the adults can’t have fun too?

For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, you may enjoy Easter Entertaining Etiquette. Read her posts on Inc., and HuffPost, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Diane’s latest book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life is available on Amazon.