Spring Woodland Easter Brunch

This month for our #YearofFeasting we had a lovely little Spring Woodland Easter Brunch.  I was inspired by all things spring, and forest, like pretty green moss, and pussy willows -you can see our inspiration board for the party here.  This table was so much fun to put together, with lots of sweet little details perfect for celebrating spring.

The first thing I did to prepare for this table was to go out to the forest and collect some moss.  It was a little wet, and I didn’t want it to mark the dining room table, so I laid it out on newspaper for a few days inside to let it dry out.  By the time I set the table it was nice and dry, and I layered the moss table runner over some brown kraft paper, just in case there were any damp spots left.  If you don’t have a forest nearby, you can buy a moss runner at the craft store.

While I was out foraging, I picked a few pussy willow branches.  They weren’t out yet, so I brought them into the warm house and put them in a vase of water to force them.  I noticed yesterday though, after one warm day they were starting to come out outside too.

Along with pussy willows, nothing says spring to me like tulips.  I picked up some and put them in simple mason jars.

To create more of the woodland feel, we made some paper mache mushrooms.  I followed girl + dog’s great tutorial.

I love the book pages for a whimsical look.  I made mine all different sizes and colours.

Along with the mushrooms, I added in some sweet little bunnies I found at the dollar store.

I also used my cement eggs -see how I made them here.  I love the rustic look they add.

I also added a few pretty nests, a birdie, and some sweet butterflies -with the wire poked into the moss to make them fly. 😉

I had so much fun adding in little bits here and there, imagining spring in the woods.

For the place settings, I started with some rustic wood chargers.

At everyone’s spot a special little spring treat -nest cookies, find the my recipe here.

Once the scene was set, it was time to think about the menu.

This brunch menu is a real winner, with lots of easy make aheads, giving you time to enjoy the party too.

I made an easy quiche, I like this recipe (I find the filling is enough for two).  I made one broccoli cheddar, and one spinach and swiss.  They’re quick to make and a real crowd pleaser.

Along with the quiche we served a ham, again a simple choice, and great leftovers.  We also made French Toast Casserole.  I love this recipe, and make it every year for Christmas Day.  Save yourself the trouble of the hard to make custard though, and do Bird’s custard sauce.  It’s a great accompaniment.

We also made a fruit tray, and I picked up some hot cross buns and scones at the bakery.

For a sweet treat we had the nest cookies and we were inspired by Semi Sweet Design’s moss look bunnies.  I cheated with store bought gingerbread dough that we just had to roll out and decorate, and they turned out really cute, and definitely mossy looking.

For our final special treat we made chocolate mousse Easter eggs, and they were so, so good –tutorial here.

It was a feast indeed, and we had such a nice time connecting with some dear old friends, and lingering at the table.

This really is the perfect time of year to re-connect with friends and family.  I have to say that hosting a party once a month for our #YearofFeasting challenge to host 12 parties in 12 months has been a lot of fun so far.  I encourage you to join in on the challenge in any way that works for you and your family -are you entertaining for Easter this year?  Make it as fancy or not fancy as you like, keep it casual, or iron the cloth napkins, cook, or do a potluck, or even order take out -whatever works for you.  Why, because opening up your home and inviting people in, is like opening up your heart and inviting people in.  It’s good for you, and it’s good for them.

With a Woodland Easter Brunch, life really is a party!