HOW TO CELEBRATE EASTER DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC + A CHERRY BLOSSOM EASTER TABLESCAPE

“Celebrate all of life’s joys…from major milestones to the smallest moments, to the joy of living and everything in between.”

It may be tempting to skip the Easter or Passover holiday, due to the current coronavirus pandemic and the need for social isolation and physical distancing. However, if you can, celebrating even the smallest things at home is something worth treasuring, especially now more than ever. The spring holidays will look very much different than years past. We will not be joined with extended family and close friends in the physical sense but there are ways we can keep connected during this time. I listed ideas at the end of this post.

The quote noted above is a motto I live by. It’s the motto Design by Occasion is inspired by. Living with cancer has taught me that and it’s a constant reminder which enables me to practice the discipline of daily thanksgiving. It reminds me to find daily moments of delight and not focus on situations that displease me, instead focus on life, salvation, the everyday things that are in front of or surround us and are too busy to notice, and countless other gifts from God. Celebrate with those family members or friends you do have safely in your home.

It will just me and my spouse celebrating this Sunday and I definitely wanted to make it feel special as well as lift our spirits, so I created a bright and cheery tablescape for two.

Set Up A Spring Tablescape

Cherry Blossom Table Centerpiece

Gather around the table for an Easter brunch or dinner with bright or pastel colors. Using tableware and decor pieces we already own, I was able to create a spring tablescape. While I love fresh flowers, that is not a current necessity so I used faux flowers that we have instead. The inspiration for this tablescape are these white and pink cherry blossom branches. I fold the long branches so that I can strategically insert them in a large white planter box. I can’t tell you how much life this oversized table centerpiece brings to our dining room!

Easter Table Decor

I kept it minimal with the Easter Table Decor. A small white serving bowl, embellished with a gold bunny is holding some moss and decorated pink and white, gold speckled foam eggs. It is a perfect addition to the table for an Easter festive touch.

Easter Place Setting

I kept it pretty simple for the place settings. I started off by covering the table with an all-white table linen. I layered that with a straw place mat – I find it adds a natural texture, reminiscent of an Easter basket. To coordinate with the white linen table cloth, I used white dinner plates that are designed with a basket weave pattern on the rim. To add more of the spring vibe, I used cherry blossom napkin ring holders. To break up the pink and white, I added a pop of color with pastel yellow dinner napkins. To bring out the color of the pink cherry blossoms, I used pink and gold flatware and tied in a blush pink wine glass. To compliment the pastel colored dinner napkins, I added glassware that is designed with a light yellow and gold rim. These glasses will be filled with water.

Easter Ideas To Do With Your Family:

1. Keep the holiday special: I think we can all attest to us wearing either our PJ’s or comfy loungewear day in and day out, not to mention hair in a bun and no makeup. They say “when you look good, you feel good”, so dress up and wear your favorite outfit, style your hair, and add a little makeup. Play your favorite music playlist and dress your table with your favorite pieces. Take family photos/selfies and text or email the photos to your extended family that will spark some joy.
2. Bake together: get the kids involved with decorating a festive Easter cake, cookies, or cupcakes.
3. Cook a new dinner recipe: You may not be able to cook your traditional Easter dinner and that’s ok. Involve the family to help cook one of their favorite recipes. You may just start a new family tradition.
4. Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt: hide the plastic eggs around the house or yard for the little ones in your home. If you weren’t or able to purchase contents to place inside the Easter eggs, let’s get creative! You can insert special heartfelt notes inside the egg, maybe a handwritten coupon that a child can redeem for having to do household chores – i.e., no chores for one week. Add a piece of candy, stickers or craft items you may already own. If you have access to a printer, this free religious easter coloring book or this Easter Bunny with Big Eggs coloring book printable is a fun gift idea. Also, check out Pinterest for a slew of Easter Bunny craft ideas, including this ‘Pin the Tail’ on the Bunny printable.
5. Family Easter Egg Race: get the entire family at home involved in an easter egg race. Juggle a plastic (or real easter egg if you can spare one) on a spoon while running across the lawn and back, without dropping the egg. First person to finish without dropping the egg WINS! If you don’t have a backyard, use a long hallway or create a large enough space in your home to be able to run back and forth.
6. Family Games: check out this free printable Easter bingo games and this Bingo printable too.
7. Set up a Virtual Easter Gathering: we may be social distancing but you can still feel like you’re together with family and friends in another form..send out a text or email and schedule a virtual dinner gathering by using FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom.
8. It’s Holy week, attend a virtual Mass: We cannot attend Mass during this time however, check with your church for online virtual masses. Another option is turn on tv and check out your religious channel to view mass there.

I hope you all have been inspired to celebrate even the smallest things at home this Easter holiday. Be safe and please #STAYHOME.

Tune in to tomorrow’s post where I’ll be sharing a delicious Vegan Easter dessert!