When Spring arrives, it is accompanied by limitless natural resources for setting a lovely table–flowers, grasses, tree branches, etc. Even though fresh flowers may be purchased year-round, don't miss the opportunity to utilize what the earth offers. We've opted this month to use pastel colors, but if brighter colors are more appealing to you, then substitute hot pink, turquoise, bright green, yellow and purple for the softer hues. Our tablecloth displays a variety of pastel colors. The square white dishes represent the purity of Easter, and beneath them we placed three round placemats in coordinating colors. Two napkins, each folded into a square, are placed diagonally on the salad plate—thus giving the setting a variety of shapes: the rectangular lines of the tablecloth, round placemats, square dishes, and diagonal napkins. Mixing shapes can be fun and adds a whimsical touch to the table. I always use egg cups in an Easter setting, but I rarely place an egg in them. This particular cup holds speckled candy eggs, but you couild also use pastel M&Ms, Jordan almonds, mini jelly beans or Hershey Candy Kisses—the possibilities are endless. Completing the setting is a 3-inch clear glass votive filled with a small handful of pink azaleas and white candytuft—-what nature offered me in my own front yard!
An Easter egg tip: try dying brown eggs rather than white ones—the colors will be softer and more muted. I was so pleased with my dyed brown eggs several years ago, that I could barely stand the thought of tossing them into the trash. A friend advised me to place them in an egg carton and store them at room temperature. She had saved some for several years with success—so I took her advice and am enjoying those eggs six years later. Note: if any of the eggs crack, then the smell will force you to toss them!!
Leslie O. Kelley
Table Editor