Easter decor that moves beyond cute
Simple elements, fresh spring hues keep modern look chic
Fuzzy chicks and cute bunnies are part of the pastel pantheon of Easter decor, and their charm helps define the look of the season.
But for those who prefer celebrating with a modern esthetic, there are many attractive decor options that are a tad less cute and a tad more contemporary. Some reference Easter’s traditional colour palette in new ways, while others put a modern twist on the holiday’s iconic elements.
Pottery Barn has realistic speckled and robin’s eggs that would make pretty filler for tabletop bowls and vases.
There are lustre-finished glass eggs here, too, in soft yellow, pink and blue that would look smart on a grey or navy tablecloth or sleek lacquered console.
Mercury-glass pillar candle holders are rendered in an interesting new shimmery pale blue. And there’s an elegant silver-plated cake server embossed with a rabbit motif. (potterybarn.com )
Albany, Ore.-based designers Jason and Cara Hibbs hand-draw, then screen-print rabbit images on organic flour sack cotton tea towels. The charming result would make a great hostess gift. (etsy.com/ shop/ohlittlerabbit)
Canadian textile artist Cristina Larsen crafts winsome stuffed felted bunnies and chicks in a rainbow of hues that have a terrific design-y vibe.
“I use merino wool to make all my felt. I dye the colours and stitch every toy by hand,” she says. While Larsen calls them “toys,” they’d be equally at home as artsy Easter decor. (etsy.com/shop/ textileplatypus)
The key to a modern Easter look is simple, says Kevin Sharkey, executive creative director for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia: “It’s about a controlled colour palette.”
Easter candies can be used to create a graphic tablescape. Fill plain glass cylinders or apothecary jars with single or multicoloured jelly beans for a colourblock effect. Consider adding a pillar candle, or place a smaller plant or vase inside a bigger container and fill the spaces in between with confections.
“Buy a bunch of the same style chocolate rabbit in different sizes and arrange them going down the centre of the table like a runner,” Sharkey suggests.
Or fill a low tray with colourful Peeps, another classic Easter treat that happens to be one of Sharkey’s favourites. Last year, he says, Stewart’s daughter, Alexis, gave him “a gift box full of every colour Peep they make. I brought it into the office and everyone was taking pictures of it because it was so cool to look at.”
There are some other clever decorating ideas on Stewart’s website for those with a slightly crafty hand, like studding wreaths and Styrofoam balls with dozens of pussy willow catkins.
Use eggs in interesting ways. You’ll find instructions at MarthaStewart. com on how to make decorative eggs and wreaths that have a tailored look, using muted paint and trims. Metallic paint and glitter-coated eggs amp up the wow factor. There are tips too on using eggshells and egg cups as vases for diminutive bouquets of lily of the valley or pansies.
At Allyou.com, find instructions on turning eggshells into tiny votive holders, nestled in silver egg cups — an elegant Easter dinner idea.
A range of fresh spring hues and clean, simple style elements will take your Easter decor from sweet to sublime.