Bunny Trail to Brunch: Easter Etiquette Tips For The Host

ByDiane Gottsman
Easter Brunch tips from Etiquette Expert Diane Gottsman | three young bunnies from overhead in gray, brown, and caramel colors

“Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the bunny trail…” An Easter brunch is a darling way to celebrate the spirit of Spring with family and friends. While there is no shortage of inspiration online and in the stores, for those who are hosting, I’ve pulled together a few quick Easter etiquette tips.

Bunny Trail to Brunch: Easter Etiquette Tips For The Host

Easter place setting with pink bunny ear napkin fold and blue and white egg

Set the table a few days before

Taking care with this task will give you time to identify what you may need to add or clean: table cloth, utensils, serving dishes, and beyond.

Easter Place Setting Diane Gottsman

The menu dictates the place setting

For example, you won’t need a salad fork if you are skipping salad, and you will need an extra spoon for carrot soup.

Set the tone of the celebration with table decorations

The decorations you choose can be simple or elaborate, heirloom, big box, or thrifted. This is one of my favorite aspects to hosting—adding whimsy and charm to delight guests.

Ask guests to contribute a dish

If you are feeling overwhelmed with all of the cooking or your budget is tight this year, don’t hesitate to make the celebration a potluck, asking guests to bring their favorite Easter dish. They’ll be happy to be involved, and you’ll appreciate the time and money savings. Remember to keep a list of who’s bringing what food item so there are no duplicates.

Feel free to cut corners

Box brownies or cake, store bought ham, and frozen mac and cheese are all welcome as long as they are displayed properly. Use a pretty platter or take the frozen mac and cheese out of the plastic container and put in a serving dish.

Set up an Easter themed coffee and dessert table

Easter cookies, pink coffee mug, pretty plates

Everyone loves something sweet and a favorite coffee or tea to sip.  Let everyone help themselves with pretty paper plates and napkins.

Don’t get up from the table to wash dishes

Resist the urge to tidy up prematurely—stay with your guests until everyone is finished. Guests start to feel rushed when people start leaving the table before everyone is finished with their meal.

Don’t overdo it

Creating special memories with friends and family is more important than how many different side dishes you served or how many hours it took you to find the perfect table cloth. Pause to take a mental picture of the precious moment, and allow yourself to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Happy Easter,

Diane

 

Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.

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