Hosting with Heart (and a Few New Faces at the Table)

Easter Reflections: New Faces,

Fold-Up Tables & Full Plates

Well, Easter has come and gone and I promised an update— wow, what a weekend. After a long winter away, it felt so good to be back home, suitcases unpacked (well, mostly), daffodils finally poking through the ground, and the familiar sounds of spring birds singing like they’ve got something to prove.

For us savvy snowbirds, this time of year always feels like a bit of a reset. There’s nothing quite like settling back into our northern routines—cringing at the early weeds, reuniting with our favorite mugs, and of course, hosting Easter surrounded by the comforts of home (and a few fold-up tables, but we’ll get to that).

This year, Easter dinner felt extra special. Not only were we gathered with our usual cast of family characters, but we had a few lovely new additions. Andrew brought his new girlfriend Shelley—and her children—which made things extra lively (and slightly noisier in the best way). Savannah also invited her boyfriend, which honestly made me flash back to my own first holiday boyfriend moment… the nerves, the butterflies, the awkward small talk over deviled eggs.

Steve and I were thrilled to have new faces at the table. There’s something so heartwarming about watching everyone get to know one another.

Making Room (Literally)

Let’s just say, our kitchen seats four—comfortably. So with our ever-growing Easter crowd, we had to get creative. Out came the trusty 8’ and 4’ folding tables. We rolled up the living room rug, scooted furniture out of the way, and set those babies up right down the middle of the room. You do what you gotta do, right?

Honestly, it turned out really pretty. A little bit “wedding in a small-town rec centre” and a whole lot of love. I used those old plates I’ve had for years—you know, from that collection I keep swearing I’m going to get rid of (and now maybe I won’t… again. Sigh).

Lilah’s Carton Charcuterie

Lilah and I made these adorable charcuterie egg cartons. You know the ones—bite-sized cheeses, meats, strawberries , and a few crackers tucked into the egg slots. Honestly, they were a hit and looked way fancier than the effort they required (my kind of project). She was so proud of them, and I was proud of us both for not eating half of it while assembling.

The Menu: Familiar Favourites with a Few Fresh Twists

I wasn’t about to turn into a five-star chef after just getting home from months away. So I kept it simple with a few crowd-pleasers and some spring flair:

• Glazed ham (because it’s Easter, and also… leftovers)
• Roasted carrots with a citrus honey glaze
• Creamy scalloped potatoes
• Stuffed pasta shells (Savannah’s favourite)
• And of course, the classic broccoli bake. You know the one—straight off the Campbell’s soup label. Nobody questions it, they just devour it.

Dirt Dessert—another family fave that sparks pure joy and zero nutrition. Worth it.

The Heart of It All

This Easter, more than ever, reminded me how precious these gatherings are. After being away all winter, there’s something grounding about coming home and cooking in your own kitchen, using your own oven (even if it runs 10 degrees hotter than the FL stove), and filling your home with laughter and the clatter of too many people trying to grab a fork at once.

These holidays aren’t just about ham and chocolate. They’re about making new memories, blending old traditions with new beginnings, and realizing that your home—even with folding tables and chairs—is exactly where you want to be.

A super East DIY project.

A bit blurry…but you get the picture. No pun intended 😉 I had some old dollar store candles that needed some flare. I pulled the backing off  some floral napkins and wrapped the candles in them. Using some wax paper over top of the napkins I ran my iron over top. The heat glues the napkin to the candle and voila. Personalized candles. You can do this for any event.

From Our Family to Yours

I hope your Easter—wherever you spent it—was full of love, laughter, and a healthy dose of chocolate. And if your teen’s new boyfriend survived meeting Nana? Consider that a true Easter miracle.

Happy (belated) Easter, friends.