Spring Arrives ✨
For me, Easter and Passover always mark the true beginning of spring especially here in California, where the days grow warmer and everything feels just a bit more alive.
Easter, in particular, has always held a special place in my heart. It represents a fresh start, a return to warmth, and the joy of gathering the people you love in one beautiful place.
This Year’s Gathering
This year feels especially meaningful. Both of my children will be home, and we’ll be celebrating with our extended family (a table of 18) at my cousin’s home on Point Dume.
It’s the kind of setting that makes hosting feel effortless: ocean air, open space, and a long, sun-filled day ahead.
Of course, with a group this size comes a bit of planning. The menu always requires a balance of vegetarian options, gluten-free dishes, and a few crowd-pleasers for the pickier eaters. But that’s part of the beauty of hosting: making sure everyone feels considered.
Ready for the Morning Prep
I have my essentials ready for the morning rush:
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The Bandolier: perfect for keeping my phone close when I’m running around hosting. I tend to misplace it otherwise, so it’s a lifesaver for staying connected.
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The Garden Hat: my trusty hat has been protecting me from this 80-degree LA weather while I clip branches and set the table outdoors. It’s soft, easy to tie, and sometimes I even forget I’m wearing it, just the way I like it.
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Hunter Boots: perfect for wandering the garden, gathering foliage, lemons, and olive branches to make our table feel organic and full of life.
With these three essentials, I feel ready for anything the morning brings.
The Meaning Behind It All
At its core, this season is about something deeper.
Having spent 12 years in Catholic school, the traditions of Easter are deeply ingrained in me. It’s a time centered on forgiveness, renewal, and love values that continue to shape how I gather and celebrate.
Adding a Sense of Play
Even though our children are grown, there’s always room for fun.
This year, we’re planning an Easter pickleball tournament on my cousin’s court. It’s a round-robin with a twist. We’ll be filling the “kitchen” with Easter baskets, and if you hit a dink into it, you win a prize.
We’ll also have an Easter egg hunt but reimagined for adults. In the past, I’ve filled eggs with cash, car wash vouchers, and little treats. It turns something simple into a moment everyone looks forward to.
Setting the Table
The morning will begin with setting our outdoor table—drying everything from the coastal air, layering linens, and arranging seating so everyone feels comfortable.
We’ll likely keep a fire going and have warm throws nearby in case there’s still a chill in the air.
Decorating the table is always one of my favorite parts. I lean into what’s seasonal and local like spring flowers, fresh vegetables, and foliage gathered straight from the property. My cousin’s garden is filled with lemon and olive trees, so I’ll be wandering in my Hunter boots, clipping branches, and bringing the garden to the table.
This year, I’m excited to use some of my favorite tableware to bring everything together:
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Vietri Lastra Melamine Plates – colorful yet elegant, perfect for casual outdoor dining without worrying about breaks.
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Aladdin Antique Setting Utensils – playful and unique, they add a hint of whimsy to every place setting.
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Bloom and Easter Bunny Napkin Rings – little details that make the table feel festive and joyful.
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Daisy Placemats – cheerful, spring-ready bases for each setting.
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Vista Napkins – soft, patterned, and perfectly coordinated with the rest of the table.
Layering all of these pieces together with fresh foliage and flowers creates a table that feels organic and abundant which is exactly the kind of backdrop for a long, sunny celebration with family.
A Family Recipe
Some of the most meaningful details come from tradition.
Last week, my best friend Kelly sent me a photo of a cookbook our mothers contributed to decades ago for their church in Stamford, Connecticut—Our Lady Star of the Sea.
Inside was my mother’s shrimp curry recipe.
My mom was British and loved Indian food which was something that felt quite novel at the time. She was an incredible cook, and we grew up eating her curries often. Including her recipe this year feels like a way of bringing her into the celebration.
The Menu
Apps
Deviled eggs (a tradition in our home)
Hummus & pita
Crudité and cheese board
Mains
Roasted lamb stuffed with spinach, feta, and pine nuts
Vegetable curry (with shrimp on the side)
Chicken pot pies
Sides
Spanakopita
Roasted potatoes
Roasted carrots
Roasted beet salad with arugula
Caesar salad
Dessert
Passion fruit cheesecake
A chocolate dessert (brought by a guest)
A Final Note
Wishing you a beautiful and meaningful season. I hope you can take a quiet moment during Holy Week to reflect on your blessings.
Remember to Live Beautifully.
xx,
Elizabeth
