Easter is often seen through the lens of childhood wonder: a day filled with the excitement of egg hunts and the sweet indulgence of chocolate. However, the spirit of the season—a time of renewal and joy – resonates with all ages.
This year, why not reimagine Easter as a celebration that fully embraces the adult contingent of your community? With a touch of innovation and thoughtful planning, you can transform this festive time into an inclusive occasion that weaves together the vibrancy of spring, the warmth of community, and the delight of shared experiences.
How To Get The Adults Excited About Easter
From gourmet gatherings to creative pursuits, here are 8 inspired ways to ensure that your Easter festivities offer something special for everyone, creating new traditions that adults can relish alongside the younger generation.
Host An Easter-Themed Brunch
Elevate the traditional Easter brunch to an enchanting affair by selecting a theme that resonates with the elegance of spring. Imagine a ‘Vintage Easter’ where guests arrive in their finest retro attire, or a ‘Spring Garden Party’ where floral prints and pastel colours set the tone.
For a more global appeal, an ‘Around-the-World Easter’ could see your guests savouring an array of international dishes, each telling the story of Easter traditions from distant lands. Encourage a potluck approach, where each dish becomes a conversation starter, and the table a tapestry of culinary exploration.
From across the world, here are some delicious Easter treats that could be served as part of your brunch:
- Italy: Pastiera Napoletana – A traditional Neapolitan tart made with cooked wheat, eggs, ricotta cheese, and flavoured with orange flower water.
- Greece: Tsoureki – A sweet, brioche-like bread, often braided and adorned with red-dyed eggs, symbolising the blood of Christ and rebirth.
- Russia: Paskha – A Russian dessert made from cheese, traditionally shaped into a pyramid to represent the tomb of Jesus, and often decorated with religious symbols.
- Spain: Torrijas – Similar to French toast, this sweet treat is made by soaking bread in milk or wine, then dipped in egg, fried, and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.
- Poland: Żurek – A sour rye soup typically served with sausage and hard-boiled eggs, a staple during the Polish Easter meal.
- United Kingdom: Hot Cross Buns – Perhaps you know these already? Spiced sweet buns with dried fruit, marked with a cross on top, traditionally eaten on Good Friday.
- France: Omelette Pascale – A large omelette made with eggs and various ingredients, which is a tradition in the town of Bessières on Easter Monday.
- Sweden: Påsktårta – An Easter dessert that is a cardamom-spiced sponge cake layered with fruit preserves, covered with marzipan.
- Portugal: Folar de Páscoa – An Easter bread that’s often baked with a hard-boiled egg (with shell) nestled in the dough.
- Germany: Osterlamm – A cake baked in the shape of a lamb, representing Jesus and often found on the Easter table.
- Mexico: Capirotada – A bread pudding from Mexico made from bolillo (white bread) soaked in a mulled syrup, layered with cheese, fruits, nuts, and sprinkled with cinnamon.
- Lebanon: Maamoul – These are shortbread pastries filled with dates, pistachios, or walnuts, shaped in special moulds, and dusted with icing sugar.
- Ethiopia: Doro Wat – A spicy chicken stew that is traditionally served during major holidays, including Easter, and is eaten with injera, a type of sourdough flatbread.
- Norway: Påskeøl – A traditional Easter beer, often enjoyed with cured lamb and other seasonal dishes.
- Australia: Easter Bilby – Instead of the Easter bunny, some in Australia celebrate with the Easter Bilby, and chocolate bilbies are sold to raise awareness for this endangered native animal.
Organise An Adult Easter Egg Hunt
Who says egg hunts are just for kids? An adult Easter egg hunt can be a thrilling activity, especially when there are enticing prizes at stake. Hide eggs filled with miniatures, lottery tickets, or even tokens for larger prizes around a garden or indoor space. To elevate the challenge, include riddles or clues that lead to the eggs, making the hunt a test of wit as well as a physical search. This playful competition is sure to spark joy and laughter among guests.
In the spirit of giving and community, consider assembling an Easter basket hamper filled with gourmet chocolates, fine wines, artisanal cheeses, and other delicacies. These hampers can be raffled off during the celebrations, adding an element of anticipation and excitement to the festivities. It’s a wonderful way to share the joy of Easter with adults, making them feel cherished and part of the celebration.
An Easter-Themed Afternoon Tea
Invite guests to don their spring finery and partake in an Easter-themed afternoon tea. Transform the traditional British tea experience with a twist, incorporating Easter-inspired pastries and savouries, such as hot cross bun scones, simnel cake, and sandwiches shaped like Easter eggs.
Enhance the atmosphere with a selection of fine teas and a centrepiece of fresh spring flowers. This genteel event can be a delightful way for adults to engage in conversation and enjoy the elegance of Easter (and hey, you’ve already got an extensive list of possible Easter-themed treats above!).
Read: How to throw the perfect afternoon tea party with a twist
An Easter Garden Party With Live Music
Organise a sophisticated garden party featuring live music, such as a jazz band or classical ensemble, to provide a serene backdrop. Encourage guests to mingle in a beautifully decorated garden setting, complete with fairy lights and Easter-themed decor. Offer a selection of refreshing spring cocktails and canapés, creating a relaxed yet refined environment where adults can enjoy the merriment of the season.
Some key tracks that could define the event include:
- Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles – This timeless track is a celebration of the end of winter and the promise of warmer, brighter days, perfectly capturing the essence of spring.
- Beautiful Day by U2 – With its message of hope and seizing the day, this song is an anthem for new beginnings and the perfect soundtrack for a springtime celebration.
- Feeling Good by Nina Simone – This classic is all about the thrill of a fresh start and the beauty of a new day, which aligns wonderfully with the themes of Easter and spring.
- Suddenly I See by KT Tunstall – This song’s theme of self-realisation and seeing the beauty in the world can be reflective of the personal renewal often associated with spring.
- Dog Days Are Over by Florence + The Machine – The energetic and uplifting feel of this track celebrates the end of hard times and the arrival of better days, much like the transition from winter to spring.
- Budapest by George Ezra – The whimsical and light-hearted melody of this song, along with its lyrics about leaving things behind and starting anew, make it a great fit for a spring-themed playlist.
- Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield – Emphasising the theme of an unwritten future and endless possibilities, this song is a powerful ode to new beginnings.
- Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap – The ethereal and optimistic sound of this track captures the hopeful spirit that comes with the onset of spring.
- Brighter Than the Sun by Colbie Caillat – This cheerful and bubbly song is all about the good times that feel like they shine brighter than the sun, much like the vibrant energy of spring.
These songs, with their themes of optimism, renewal, and the beauty of new beginnings, are sure to create an uplifting and invigorating atmosphere for any Easter or spring celebration.
An Interactive Easter Murder Mystery Dinner
Host an Easter-themed murder mystery dinner party, where guests can dress up and play roles in an intriguing storyline. Provide each participant with a character brief and clues, and let the evening unfold with suspense and entertainment. Serve a sumptuous dinner in courses, each revealing new clues to the mystery, culminating in the grand reveal of the ‘culprit’. This immersive experience is perfect for those who love a bit of drama and detective work. Or, simply indulge in some Nordic noir over the Easter period, just like the Norwegians do.
An Easter Craft Workshop For Adults
Crafting isn’t solely a children’s activity; adults too can enjoy getting their hands dirty and unleashing their creativity. Organise a workshop where participants can make Easter-themed crafts, such as wreaths, decorated eggs, or even their own Easter bonnets. Not only does this provide a relaxed environment for adults to socialise and learn new skills, but it also allows them to create personalised decorations or gifts that hold sentimental value.
A Wine & Chocolate Tasting Event
Pair the indulgence of Easter chocolates with the sophistication of a wine tasting for a truly adult-oriented celebration. Curate a selection of fine chocolates and wines that complement each other, and guide your guests through the tasting, explaining the nuances of each pairing. This event can serve as both an educational experience and a delightful social gathering, appealing to the palates and curiosities of your adult guests.
Read: How to use your leftover Easter eggs
A Charity Easter Egg Auction
Combine the spirit of Easter with a cause by organising a charity Easter egg auction. Invite local artists or community members to decorate large Easter eggs, which can then be auctioned off to raise money for a local charity. This not only brings adults together for a noble cause but also celebrates local talent and community spirit.
The Bottom Line
Easter need not be solely a children’s holiday. By incorporating these ideas into your Easter celebrations, you can create an inclusive event that adults will look forward to year after year. From themed brunches and sophisticated tastings to creative workshops and charitable acts, the essence of Easter can be enjoyed by all, fostering a sense of community and shared joy that transcends age. Let this Easter be a time when everyone, young and old, comes together to celebrate spring, renewal, and togetherness in new and exciting ways.