6 Tips for Hosting Family and Friends over Easter
6 Tips for Hosting Family and Friends over Easter
Easter weekend is the perfect excuse to bring everyone together - whether it’s for a big Sunday roast, a laid-back brunch, or inviting the whole family to yours to stay for the weekend. If you’re the one hosting, it can all feel a bit full-on without some forward planning. These 6 tips will help you create a warm, welcoming space for your guests - and make the whole weekend more enjoyable for you too.
#1: Don’t overcrowd the table
The Easter lunch is often the main event, so it’s worth making sure everyone has enough room to relax and enjoy it. A good rule of thumb is to allow about 60cm of table space per person - that way, no one’s knocking elbows while pouring their gravy.
If you’re short on room, an extendable table (like our Dining Table 01) is a brilliant investment. It stays neat and compact day-to-day, then stretches out when you’re hosting guests. And don’t worry if you don’t have matching chairs for everyone. A dining bench works really well down one side of the table, and you can bring in an ottoman or even an armchair for the ends. It adds a relaxed, lived-in feel, and makes sure there’s a seat for everyone.
#2: Prep the guest bedroom
Even if your guests aren’t planning to stay overnight, it’s still worth getting the guest room ready - just in case. If you are expecting overnight guests, it’s a good idea to prep the room ahead of time, so you’re not frantically wrestling with a fitted sheet at 10pm. No spare room? A sofa bed can be a real game-changer - allowing you to turn an office or living room into a guest space in minutes.
→ How to make a guest bedroom feel more homely
#3: Create indoor/outdoor spaces
Over the course of a weekend, people naturally drift between different areas, so it’s nice to have a few flexible spaces ready. Keep the dining room or kitchen table for the main meal, but set up breakfast outside if the weather’s on your side. A bit of fresh air and a hot cross bun on the patio is a lovely way to start the day.
Later on, invite everyone to the sofa for a cosy film night, complete with leftover chocolate eggs and plenty of blankets. These little transitions help the day feel relaxed and varied—without needing a big production each time.
#4: Repurpose and reuse what you’ve got
You don’t need a different piece of furniture for every moment of the weekend. The things you already have can do the job. If it’s warm enough, you could always carry the dining table outside for Easter lunch in the garden. Or haul an armchair outside for late-night chats under the patio heater.
Lighting makes a big difference too. If you have a rechargeable or battery-powered lamp, bring it outside to create a warm glow on your table as the sun goes down. Or use an extension lead with a regular lamp for the same effect.
It’s easy to get carried away with panic-buying more stuff when you’re hosting, but by repurposing what you have, you won’t end up with extra clutter you rarely use.
#5: Let your guests help
It’s tempting to try and do everything yourself when you’re hosting - but it’s not always the best approach. The people who care about you want to see you enjoying the weekend too, not running around feeling frazzled.
The truth is, most guests are more than happy to help - they just need to know what’s useful. Ask someone to bring a side dish or pick up snacks on their way over. Even asking a friend to pull together a playlist can make them feel part of things. It turns the weekend into something shared, rather than something you’re solely responsible for.
#6: Bring in the spring
Bringing in seasonal touches helps set that Easter vibe. A few simple decorations - like bunting, fresh flowers, or a spring-themed table setting - can make a big impact without too much effort.
You don’t need to go out and buy loads, either. Repurpose potted plants from the garden for a lovely centrepiece, or take inspiration from still-life paintings and decorate with fruit and veg - lemons in a bowl, bundles of herbs, or even a bunch of carrots tied with string. It’s playful, natural and feels like a proper celebration of the season.
