03-24-2016
Holiday Hostess // Easter Entertaining
FILED IN: Holiday & Seasonal
Posted By: Jamie Kutchman
Is it just me or does Easter feel early this year? Thank goodness our resident 'Holiday Hostess' Vicky Theodorou, owner of Heirloom DC, is back! Perhaps you recall her tips on cooking up a steamy Valentines Day back in February. Or, even the brilliant ideas she shared for pulling off a fab Friendsgiving. This week, my friends, it's all about Easter entertaining!
Image credit: Joy Elizabeth Bythrow
From Vicky:
Another holiday is upon us, and this one happens to be my one of my personal favorites. Growing up Greek, Easter is a huge holiday for us. Lots of food, friends, family and festivities. What better way to pass on a few Easter entertaining tips than passing along some Greek hostess inspiration. Because if any of you readers have a “Greek Friend”, you know that hostessing is our thing. And if “you don’t eat no meat [que obligatory My Big Fat Greek Wedding reference] I’ll have another yummy (non-Lamb) inspo dish for you to easily make.
Tradition
If you’re looking to host this year’s Easter get-together or simply help the family host, one of the best parts of hostessing is tradition.
While the focus is not on being traditional (if you’re thinking 'I’m SO not traditional'), it’s more about starting a tradition. Think back to when you were young. Some of the most prevalent memories that may stick out in your mind was some sort of tradition you and your family shared. Carrying on and even starting your own tradition will make for lasting, favorable memories. Future stories that give the warm & fuzzies. Is it a kids AND adult Easter Egg hunt that has fun trinkets for the kids and adult stuff for the grown ups (think money, gift cards, alcoholic candies). Kids go first, then adults. Or is it a dance off with the judges being the kids, even the most uncoordinated anti-rhythmic people can have fun at this! Family dodgeball or kickball tourney? Getting your mom or even grandma to join in on this is pure joy and endless laughter. Have fun creating these memories. This is what life is all about!
Cocktails
Spring is the perfect time to have a craft cocktail bar. Ahh...the cool crisp flavors of an iced alcoholic beverage. Yes, please. Don’t drink alcohol? Girl, bye. JUST KIDDING GUYS! There are plenty of fresh options to add to your cocktail if booze isn’t an option for you. Pick your alcohol base, perhaps vodka and gin or vodka and bourbon. Add fresh juices and soda. White cranberry juice and grapefruit soda are delicious uncommon additions that everyone will love! Don’t forget fresh herbs like mint and basil. Add citrus garnishes like limes, lemons and oranges. If you have bourbon, some artisan bitters will be perfect for this. Get a little fancy by adding some infused simple syrups. Pepper infused simple syrup with grapefruit soda, vodka and fresh mint is absolutely delicious. Try it, you’ll thank me later.
Image credit: Joy Elizabeth Bythrow
Inspired Food
There are always the go-to’s that you may love to make. And then, of course, there are the “Mom's Mandates”, the food required for each family get-together because if that dish isn't represented, it may just be that the end is near. Here's a refreshing, yet simple, option that both carnivores and vegans will love...
Go to your local farmer’s market. Pick up an array of vegetables. Rinse, peel and slice them up. Toss in Olive Oil, Salt, White Balsamic Vinegar, White Pepper then grill them. The crunchiness, charred grill taste and freshness of locally sourced vegetables will offer the perfect complement to your food spread this year. Add chopped fresh herbs from the market. Parsley is perfect, IMO. Squeeze a little lemon on top after you platter, and you are good to go!
Image credit: Heirloom DC
Decor
This is the time, weather permitting, to take full advantage of being outdoors. It may be the first get-together of the season that you’re able to enjoy being outside. It will raise spirits and the vibe significantly. Decorate the outdoor space so it fits to the natural surrounding. Are you on a wood deck? Add pops of color like yellow, peach and coral flowers to brighten up the woodsy look. Are you on grass surrounded by trees? Add cocktail tables with natural colored, textured linens with drapey greens and white for flowers. Lanterns in various sized placed in clusters throughout add warmth and dimension. Fill them with battery operated lights or candles. Create a feeling of relaxed enjoyment with the natural elements of being outside.
Image credit: Emily Clack Photography
Don’t forget to plan ahead so you enjoy your party, secure a fabulous outfit, tidy up that party space and get a playlist going. Happy Easter Everyone! For more hostess tips, make sure to keep visiting the blog!
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