Easter Entertaining with OKA’s Sue Jones

 So, with everything revolving around Sunday lunch, the dining table is the place to really go to town on setting the Easter scene. First, pick a colour palette. “I’m always drawn to colours and textures that evoke the awakening of nature,” says Sue. That’s why it’ll be playful prints in soft shades of green that make it onto her tabletop this year, offset by plenty of rustic rattan for its natural texture.

Next, choose a centrepiece. “I love to play with different sizes and scales of pattern in my home, and there’s no reason why you can’t do this on the table as well,” Sue explains. With that in mind, an arrangement of fresh-cut or faux flowers in an eye-catching vase is an easy way to add height (don’t forget a few extra bunches of blooms for guests’ bedrooms if you have friends or family staying over!).

Alternatively, creating a focal point out of a pretty bowl full of seasonal produce adds to the rustic effect of the rattan, while also giving you something delicious to cook once the weekend is over. Artichokes are a personal favourite of Sue’s, both for aesthetics and taste, but things like lemons, figs or pomegranates also look lovely. Present them in our Omaha Artichoke Bowl for a true showstopper. 

Plan Your Easter Menu 

Seasonality is key for Sue when it comes to the menu as well as the table decorations. “It’s the time for spring lamb, so for the non-vegetarians it’s the perfect time to cook it. And it’s usually the first of those beautiful Jersey Royal potatoes.” On the veg front, leafy spring greens are the order of the day, plus decadent asparagus – delicious served roasted with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. There’s no holding back on the sweet treats at Easter, too. Also ‘in season’ are hot cross buns – “I’ve resolved to try every one of the curious varieties they have in my local shop,” jokes Sue – and of course, chocolate eggs.

Drinks are an essential part of the festivities, so think about wine pairings for the adults and soft drinks for the younger members of the family. For maximum impact, choose your glassware carefully. “It’s nice to have specific vessels for various drinks,” explains Sue, “whether Champagne for an aperitif, rosé to accompany your starter or Pinot Noir for the main.” 

Lay an Easter Egg Hunt in the Garden 

It wouldn’t be Easter without an Easter egg hunt, and that’s where the garden comes into its own at this time of year. “I will always do an Easter egg competition in the garden if we have children with us. Easter to me really is all about children,” Sue says. Of course, an Easter egg hunt is all about the chocolate – but remember to hide them out of harm’s way if you have dogs. A good tip is to use a combination of chocolate and painted eggs, which gives you lots more hiding places. Nestle chocolate eggs higher up in branches or hanging baskets and the decorative ones closer to the ground.

If the weather’s nice, consider getting your outdoor dining area ready for hosting pre-lunch drinks for the grown-ups while the kids hunt around for eggs. Our Viticcio Metal Garden Table makes a great al fresco drinks station.  

Games 

Finally, no family gathering is complete without some games, so have a few options ready and waiting to keep the mood buoyant throughout the day. “There’s less structure to Easter, than say, Christmas, so it’s always good to have things that will keep children entertained while the adults catch up,” Sue recommends. Our Bennet Leather Backgammon Set is always a hit with every generation, while good weather might even allow for some garden games – think sedate options like boules, quoits or croquet to keep everyone occupied while the lamb finishes roasting.