During these strange times, missing birthday celebrations, weddings, graduations and holidays doesn’t feel easy, but we’re trying our best to adjust to our new normal.
With Easter coming up we thought it would be a good time to share some ideas that might make your Easter (or any other kind of upcoming celebration!) a bit more festive and fun during this strange time.
Fresh Flowers
While we aren’t making our regular trips to the flower market right now, we do still think that flowers add something special to your holiday table. Where to get them though? Grocery stores usually have a good selection of florals that you can mix and match to make your own arrangement - though we don’t want to advocate for an extra trip anywhere. Our top suggestion is actually to grab your scissors, head outside and clip a few branches off of trees in your yard, or around your neighborhood. We’re not advocating for cutting flowers out of people’s gardens, but a few stems here and there from community trees should be okay as long as you are respecting the plant/tree and not hurting it for the future.
Set the Table
It doesn’t have to be fancy, but with your fresh floral centerpiece, and dishes set the table will already feel more special than your regular weekday dinner. Another touch we’d love to suggest is making name cards. If you have kids, this can be a great way to involve them - get them to decorate the name cards for each person! If you don’t have kids, try doing some calligraphy! Our top tip in terms of the table setting is to clip a few branches or leaves from your fresh flowers and place them on each plate. It makes the table look put together, fresh and elevated.
Add a bit of structure
While we do love to go with the flow, we also think that in times like this, a little structure can add something special. This Easter (or birthday, or whatever it is you are celebrating) we suggest going around the table and sharing what you are grateful for. It could be something from the day, something in general, or even just the fact that you were able to eat a favorite dish. Doing this can make the day feel a bit more special and add some positivity to lean into in during this less than ideal situation.
Involve Tech
We know that this year, there will likely be important guests missing from the table. It sucks and there is no true replacement for in-person family time. However, our best advice is to involve technology where you can. Sit your laptop at the table and invite grandparents, cousins, best friends or others who can’t be with you to have dinner at the same time.
Are you doing a “digital holiday” this year? We’d love to hear about any digital parties you’ve thrown and any tips you have for the rest of us!