Easter is almost here. If you still don't know what to cook, how to set the table, or which wine to pick, this guide is for you.

I don't usually overthink this holiday. But this year, I found a few quick ideas that actually look beautiful: how to dye eggs and how to fold napkins for the table. That sparked a few more ideas for the whole setup.

Whether you want a slow brunch, a proper dinner, a picnic outside, or just dessert and wine, there's an option for you.

Choose your Easter table:

Not sure where to start? Think about your mood first.

If you want a slow morning, start with the brunch ideas. Planning a proper dinner with family? Go straight to the classic table. Love beautiful aesthetic setups? The garden style is for you. Just want something sweet? The dessert table works on its own. And if you don't feel like cooking at all, the picnic option has you covered.

But first, two small details that can make any table look more intentional: how to dye eggs and how to fold napkins. Both are easy and take very little time.

Easter Napkin fold ideas

A folded napkin is one of the easiest ways to make a table look intentional. Pick one style and repeat it across all plates. These are so cute.

Bunny fold 1
tutorial

Bow fold
tutorial

Bunny fold 2
tutorial

Bouquet fold
tutorial

Easter eggs colouring ideas (easy ways)

If you want to add a small handmade touch to your Easter table, here are five easy methods. No special skills needed, just a few basic supplies.

Easter brunch: a slow holiday

Easter doesn't have to begin with a big table. Sometimes the best version is coffee, good pastries, your favourite things on the table, and no rush at all.

What to serve

  • Eggs Benedict or scrambled eggs

  • Smoked salmon

  • Avocado toast

  • Light green salad

  • Croissants or pastry

Wine pairing

Crémant or Champagne, Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño
Fresh acidity balances eggs and salmon without making the meal feel heavy. Sparkling wine works especially well here, it keeps the mood light.

Table setup

Light linen or no tablecloth. White or pastel plates, woven placemats if you have them. A small vase with tulips or seasonal flowers. Add a few Easter details: a ceramic bunny, a couple of colored eggs. Use whatever decoration you already have. Keep it simple and personal.

Garden Style Easter Table: full of spring

Create your own spring on a table. Soft colors, and fresh flowers. This setup works on a patio or inside with a few simple elements and some linen.

What to serve

  • Burrata with tomatoes and fresh basil

  • Light pasta with lemon and garlic

  • Grilled fish or shrimp

  • Olive oil-based dishes — roasted vegetables, bruschetta

Wine pairing

Rosé (Provence style), Vermentino, Pinot Grigio
All three are fresh, dry, and low on tannin. They support the food without competing with it, which is exactly what you want when everything on the table is delicate.

Table setup

A sheer organza runner in the center. Woven placemats and white plates. Gold or brass cutlery if you have it. White or pastel flowers as the main centerpiece with some greens. A few decorative eggs scattered along the runner. Candles and wine glasses to complete the look. Use what you already have and focus on soft colors and natural textures.

Easter Picnic: no cooking & no stress

Sometimes you just don't want to cook. And that's perfectly fine. A good picnic isn't a lesser version of Easter dinner, it's a different kind of pleasure. All you need is a blanket, some food, and one cold bottle of rosé.

What to serve

  • 2 cheeses: one soft (brie, burrata, chèvre), one aged (manchego, parmesan, gruyère)

  • Prosciutto or light charcuterie

  • Bread or baguette

  • Strawberries, blueberries, grapes

  • Simple pastries from a bakery

Wine pairing

Rosé, Sparkling wine, Light reds (Pinot Noir or Gamay, served slightly chilled).
Nothing heavy, and nothing too tannic. Easy and refreshing is the point.

Picnic setup

No table needed. A blanket on the grass, a wooden board for the cheese and charcuterie. A basket for the bread and pastries. Wrap the flowers in craft paper and lay them to the side. Add a bottle and a couple of glasses. That's it.

Classic Easter Dinner

This is the version most people grew up with. A main dish, sides that take time, beautiful coloured eggs, and wine for a celebration.

Plan ahead. Roasted meat and gratin both need time. Start the day before with marinating the meat, and allow 2–3 hours on the day for roasting and sides.

What to serve

  • Roast lamb, baked chicken, or beef as the main

  • Potato gratin or roasted potatoes

  • Roasted vegetables

  • Green salad

  • Egg dishes: boiled eggs, devilled eggs, or a simple egg appetizer

  • Pannetone or Easter bread

Wine pairing

Bordeaux blend, Syrah / Shiraz, Rioja Reserva
Rich meat needs structure. Tannins cut through fat, and the earthy depth of these wines matches the weight of the dish. This is where a bottle you've been saving makes sense.

Table setup

A neutral linen tablecloth. A big floral centerpiece in the center, bright spring colors work well here. Colorful eggs scattered across the table. Cloth napkins with a small decoration. Everything on the table at once, this setup is about abundance and sharing.

Easter Dessert Table

This works two ways: as a finale to dinner, or as a standalone gathering. Afternoon tea, friends, chocolate, good wine. No main course required.

What to serve

  • Easter cake or panettone

  • Chocolate desserts, chocolate eggs, or bunnies

  • Cookies, macarons, cupcakes

  • Fresh berries: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries

Wine pairing

Moscato d'Asti - light, gently sweet, low alcohol, with a slight fizz
Sauternes - rich and honeyed, pairs with creamy or buttery desserts
Recioto della Valpolicella - dark fruit and depth, works with chocolate

The rule is simple: wine should be at least as sweet as the dessert, preferably sweeter. Dry wine next to sugar tastes bitter and thin.

Table setup

A light tablecloth in white or pastel. A tiered stand in the center for small sweets and macarons. Surround it with plates of desserts, fresh berries, and Easter decorations. Fresh flowers fill the gaps. A ceramic bunny or two. Let the table be full and festive - that's the point.

Whatever you choose, remember that the best Easter table is the one that feels right for you. It doesn't have to be perfect.

A good bottle of wine, food you enjoy, and people you love, that's really all it takes. I hope this guide gives you a few ideas and makes the holiday more enjoyable. Happy Easter!

Keep Reading