How to Throw an Easter Egg Decorating Party
Updated: Mar. 09, 2023
We're sharing fun new ways to decorate eggs, a springy menu and even a signature cocktail. Let's decorate!
Not to put the pressure on, but Peter Cottontail is readying to hop on down that bunny trail. Do you have your egg game locked down?
Sure, you could buy the 99-cent egg decorating kit in the cardboard box, which works just fine even though it leaves your fingers multicolored and your kitchen smelling of vinegar.
Or…you could throw a party. What better excuse to decorate in all things bunny-related, whip up some spring-inspired dishes and introduce guests to some new and creative ways to turn eggs into art? Below, we’ve got your marching orders (err, hopping orders) all ready.
Edible Invites
Instead of paper, write the details of your party on the back of a chocolate bunny and deliver to your closest friends and neighbors. Find out how to do that here.
Rather go digital? This Party with Your Peeps invite from Evite.com will work perfectly.
Creative Easter Egg Ideas
It’s easy to dye Easter eggs with food coloring. Giving your guests a smattering of options to create their own personalized creations will definitely add to the fun. Consider these Easter egg decorating ideas.
- Swirly Designs. You can create a cool, swirled effect by adding a few drops of food coloring to a bowl of whipped cream and lightly mix using a toothpick. Roll your eggs in the sticky rainbow mixture and let sit for 45 minutes to an hour before rinsing with water.
- A Wordy Statement. Maybe it’s your name, a favorite quote or some instructions for the Easter Bunny (“Hop faster!” or “I love Peeps”). Using a white or black food-safe marker, you can pen your message before dipping eggs in dye to create a modern scripted look. For natural homemade dyes without food coloring, try blending up foods like blueberries, raspberries or beets and mixing them with water and a little vinegar. Be warned, however, the color will take a lot longer to set than with food coloring, so you may want to let these food-dyed eggs rest in their colors overnight.
- Patterned Prints. Stamp out a pattern of cuteness using mini rubber stamps dipped in food dye to mimic a flowerscape wallpaper reminiscent of the 1960s. Make sure you choose tiny stamps in order to get the entire shape to appear on the curved surface.
- Chic Black and White. For a modern take, nix the pastels and spray hard-cooked eggs with black chalkboard paint (do this ahead of time so they dry!). Set them out for guests next to a tin of white chalk and let people go wild creating fun designs, patterns or words—though caution them that these particular eggs are for décor purposes only. Don’t plan to eat the leftover eggs!
The Menu
Considering this is likely a midday party for all ages, plan a menu of brunchable, springy foods. Tiny terra cotta pots filled with carrots and dip, veggie sticks or pretzels will charm guests. We’re partial to this refreshing take on hummus.
Steal the show with our Strawberry Ricotta Bruschetta that reinvents toast by layering on ricotta cheese, strawberry jam, mint and more fresh strawberries. Serve it up on this adorable bunny cake stand to garner attention. Need something savory? Whip up this Asparagus and Cheese Frittata or a plate of these Brie Appetizers with Bacon-Plum Jam. For a sweet treat, this Peeps Sunflower Cake doubles as an adorable centerpiece.
As for beverages, besides coffee and iced tea, you could also do a signature cocktail using Aunt Frances’ Lemonade as the base. Serve the kid version in these lidded plastic bunny cups (no spills!). Offer a spiked version for adults using your liquor of choice and garnishing with a slice of candied orange. Or, create a lemon rind-infused sugar to rim the glasses. Using a mortar and pestle, grind coarse sugar with lemon rind to give it a soft yellowish hue.
Get More Easter Party Treats
Marshmallow Skewer PopsThese marshmallow pops are a hit with the kids. Let them drizzle away with their favorite colors! —James Schend, Dairy Freed
Raspberry Coconut BallsMy family loves Hostess Zingers, especially the raspberry flavor coated with coconut, inspiring this treat to make for school bake sales. We can make about four dozen in 30 minutes, and they sell out fast! —Pam Clark, Wheaton, Illinois
Rainbow StrawberriesDip fresh strawberries in melted candy-coated discs to create a rainbow of color. Or get adventurous and make a unicorn. The creative possibilities are endless. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Peeps Sunflower CakeThe inspiration for this cake came from one of my favorite flowers, the sunflower. The yellow peeps make eye-catching flower petals, and I carefully placed chocolate chips in a circular pattern to resemble the seeds in the middle of a sunflower. This cake is easy, but looks quite impressive. —Bethany Eledge, Cleveland, Tennessee
Easter Bunny BreadWith its toothy grin, lovely golden crust and tummy that's perfect for serving dip, this charming rabbit is sure to bring a smile to guests young and old. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cinnamon Roll BunniesA tube of cinnamon roll dough and a little imagination make these adorable bunnies almost too cute to eat! They’re sure to appeal to “somebunny” at your house this Easter. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Peanut Butter Popcorn BallsFriends and family are always happy to receive these tasty peanut butter popcorn balls. I love making them as well as eating them! —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
Gumdrop CookiesThese fun cookies are chock-full of chewy gumdrops. I use red and green ones at Christmas, black and orange for Halloween and pastel shades for Easter. I've made this recipe for years and find that kids really get a kick out of the cookies with a candy surprise inside! —Carolyn Stromberg, Wever, Iowa
White Chocolate Party MixYou won't be able to stop eating this irresistible white chocolate party mix. The light, sweet coating is great over cereal, peanuts, pretzels and M&M's. —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana
No-Bake Peanut Butter TreatsPerfect for road trips, these peanut butter oatmeal balls won’t stick to your hands. Keep them in the refrigerator for portable snacks. —Sonia Rohda, Waverly, Nebraska
Kiddie Crunch MixThis no-bake snack mix is a delightful treat for kids, and you can easily increase the amount to fit your needs. Place in individual bags, or pour some into colored ice cream cones for a fun presentation. —Kara de la Vega, Santa Rosa, California
Marshmallow PopsMaking these pops is a fun activity for a children's party because any age can participate. Customize them for holidays or special occasions by rolling them in coordinating colored sprinkles. —Marcia Porch, Winter Park, Florida
Caramel Apple BitesKids can help make these perfect fall bites by dipping the baked cookies in caramel and nuts. It's a fun food craft for all of us. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Frozen Banana Cereal PopsWhen we want a healthy snack, we dip bananas in yogurt, roll 'em in cereal, then freeze. Ta-da! —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
Cherry SnowballsA juicy maraschino cherry is the secret center tucked inside these special cookies. My mom was inspired to create this by a recipe she clipped out of a newspaper more than 30 years ago. —Evy Adams, West Seneca, New York
Rocky Road Cookie CupsTraditional rocky road ice cream has nuts, marshmallows and chocolate. Using prepared cookie dough makes it easy to put the flavors together in these fast, kid-friendly rocky road cookis. —Charlotte McDaniel, Jacksonville, AL
Fruit Kabobs with Cream Cheese DipThese fruity kabobs are so refreshing on a warm day. They're also a quick and easy treat for get-togethers. —Kathleen Hedger, Godfrey, Illinois
Orange-Glazed Bunny RollsOrange marmalade gives the frosting on these tender yeast rolls a pleasant citrus flavor. Shape the rolls any way you like for any special occasion. —Gerri Brown, Canfield, Ohio
A Cute Scene
Add to your all-things-bunny tablescape with these party tips and decorating ideas:
- Brighten the room by covering the table with springtimey wrapping paper. If you want to assign seats, personalized cardboard egg cartons couldn’t be cuter. Guests can take them home later!
- Make sure to hard-boil your eggs ahead of time, but be aware they can sit at room temp for no more than two hours if you intend to use them for something like this Pesto-Dijon Egg Salad Sandwich later. Place them in several cute baskets scattered across your table (we love this vintage-style one).
- Include whisks to dip the eggs and keep fingers clean (these are cute ones from Paas).
- Clear off a spot for the eggs to dry after they’re colored. This two-tier chicken wire basket is under $25!
A Festive Soundtrack
https://open.spotify.com/user/amandakip/playlist/1qItfMklEtK2UVUq52zxbJ
You’ll need some background music to set the egg-decorating scene—something fun, but not too childish. Relaxing, but which also inspires creativity. Don’t worry, we made you this Spotify playlist and yes, it does include The Bunny Hop, don’t worry.
More Fabulous Easter Recipes
They may look like muffins, but these cuties pack my favorite breakfast all-stars like eggs, hash browns and bacon. Grab one and get munching. &emdash;Talon DiMare, Bullhead City, Arizona
Baked Blueberry PancakeFor a quick breakfast, Norna makes the pancake while fixing supper the night before, then cuts it into squares. The next morning, she tops them with butter and syrup before placing them in the microwave. This innovative way to make pancakes takes most of the fuss out of making breakfast. Norna Detig - Lindenwood, Illinois
Brunch Egg CasseroleThere aren't many foods that do a better job of combining two meals - in this case, breakfast and lunch - than cheese and eggs. This dish satisfies a mouthful of taste buds and both hearty and light eaters. —Lelia Brown, Annandale, Virginia
Baked Blueberry-Mascarpone French ToastWhen I want something special to serve my guests for a Saturday or Sunday brunch, I turn to this recipe. It never fails. It's wonderful during the spring and early summer because the blueberries are particularly good this time of year. —Patricia C. Quinn, Omaha, Nebraska
Aunt Edith's Baked PancakeMy aunt made a mighty breakfast that revolved around 'The Big Pancake'. I always enjoyed watching as she poured the batter into her huge cast-iron skillet, then created the perfect confection: baked pancakes. —Marion Kirst, Troy, Michigan
Biscuits and Sausage GravyThis biscuits and sausage gravy is an old southern recipe that I've adapted. Homemade sausage gravy is a classic, hearty breakfast that takes you on a trip to the South every time it's served. —Sue Baker, Jonesboro, Arkansas
BLT Waffle SlidersCraving a BLT for breakfast? Try a deliciously different version that features crisp bacon and fresh tomatoes between two golden cornmeal waffles. Prepare the waffles ahead of time and reheat in the toaster for quick assembly. —Stacy Joura, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania.
Breakfast LoafI love to make this mile-high breakfast sandwich when we have company for the weekend. If you'd like, add sliced mushrooms and olives. —Amy McCuan, Oakley, California
Rise and Shine ParfaitStart your day with a smile. This fruit, yogurt and granola parfait is so easy to make. If you like, use whatever favorite fresh fruits are in season and are looking best at the supermarket. —Diana Laskaris, Chicago, Illinois
Yankee RancherosAfter my in-laws began affectionately referring to me as a Yankee, I decided I had to learn to make some Mexican dishes. These are super easy and make my Tex-Mex-loving family happy—even if they do come from a Northerner!. —Darla Andrews, Boerne, Texas
Eggs & Chorizo WrapsMy husband grew up in Southern California and loves chorizo. We use the spicy sausage in these chorizo and egg wraps that our children call Daddy's Eggs.—April Nissen, Yankton, South Dakota
Cream Cheese & Chive OmeletThe first bite of creamy filling lets you know this isn’t any old omelet. Make it once, and we suspect you’ll be fixing it often. —Anne Troise, Manalapan, New Jersey
Mint-Cucumber Tomato SandwichesI jazzed up the quintessential teatime cucumber sandwich to suit my family's tastes. This was my absolute go-to sandwich last summer when I was pregnant. It hit all the right spots! —Namrata Telugu, Terre Haute, Indiana
Yogurt & Honey Fruit CupsA tasty combo of fresh fruit and creamy orange-kissed yogurt, this is guaranteed to disappear fast from your breakfast table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Easy Glazed BaconBrown sugar, mustard and wine make bacon a little more special in this recipe. It's easy to prepare while working on the rest of the meal. —Judith Dobson, Burlington, Wisconsin
Homemade Sage Sausage PattiesOregano, garlic and sage add savory flavor to these ground pork patties. I've had this Pennsylvania Dutch recipe for years, and it always brings compliments.
Chocolate Chip Pancakes with Cinnamon Honey SyrupThis is a great breakfast for special days, but it mixes up so fast that it's perfect for busy mornings as well. —LeeAnn Hansen, Kaysville, Utah
Chili & Cheese Crustless QuicheThis filling Tex-Mex egg casserole is perfect for any meal of the day. I add a salad and dinner is on! —Gail Watkins, Norwalk, Califiornia
Cilantro-Avocado Tuna Salad SandwichesLime juice and cilantro in tuna salad – who knew? This recipe for avocado tuna salad came to me as a way to have a protein-packed meal with lots of pizzazz. —Heather Waldorf, Black Mountain, North Carolina
Mocha Morning DrinkWhen I'm sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel as if I'm visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana
Tater Tot Breakfast CasseroleI keep frozen spuds on hand for meals like this Tater Tot breakfast casserole. It’s a super brunch, breakfast or side dish for kids of all ages. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Reuben Brunch BakeI created this when I wanted something different for a graduation brunch for two of our sons. When I realized I had most of the ingredients on hand for the Reuben dip I usually make, I decided to use them in a brunch casserole instead! Everyone asked for the recipe. —Janelle Reed, Merriam, Kansas
Creamy Caramel MochaYou can easily indulge in a coffeehouse-quality drink at home anytime. With whipped cream and a butterscotch drizzle, this mocha treat will perk up even the sleepiest person at the table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Sausage & Crescent Roll Breakfast CasseroleI made this tasty sausage and crescent roll breakfast casserole for a baby shower. It saved the day: Preparing it ahead gave me more time to finish decorating for the party. —Melody Craft, Conroe, Texas
Coffee MilkIt's the official state drink of Rhode Island, and once you taste it, you'll understand why it has so many fans! —Karen Barros, Bristol, Rhode Island
Camper's Breakfast HashWhen we go camping with family and friends, I'm always asked to make this hearty breakfast. This camping breakfast is a favorite at home, too. —Linda Krivanek, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Maple French Toast BakeThis yummy French toast casserole is a breeze to whip up the night before a busy morning. My family loves the richness it gets from cream cheese and maple syrup. —Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Country Brunch SkilletUsing frozen hash browns and packaged shredded cheese shaves minutes off the prep time of this skillet egg dish, making it an appealing meal you can put together quickly. —Elvira Brunnquell, Port Washington, Wisconsin
The Ultimate Grilled CheeseThese gooey grilled cheese sandwiches taste great for lunch with sliced apples. And they're really fast to whip up, too. Here's how to make grilled cheese the right way. —Kathy Norris, Streator, Illinois
Fluffy Hot ChocolateThis is our daughter's favorite hot chocolate recipe. It may look like ordinary cocoa, but a touch of vanilla sets it apart from the rest. And the melted marshmallows give it a frothy body you won't get from a cocoa packet. —Jo Ann Schimcek, Weimar, Texas
Calico Scrambled EggsWhen you're short on time and scrambling to get a meal on the table, this recipe is just what you need. There's a short ingredient list, cooking is kept to a minimum. and the green pepper and tomato makes it colorful. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Brunch PizzaWhenever I entertain guests, this zippy pizza is a definite crowd-pleaser. It also makes a great late-night snack for any time of the year! —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin
Fluffy Scrambled EggsWhen our son, Chris, wants something other than cold cereal in the morning, he whips up these eggs. Cheese and evaporated milk make them especially good. They're easy to make when you're camping, too. —Chris Pfleghaar, Elk River, Minnesota
Bacon 'n' Egg SandwichesI came across this unique grilled combo when I was digging in my mom's recipe box. The crisp bacon, hard-boiled eggs and crunchy green onions make these cozy sandwiches look impressive when company drops by for lunch. Best of all, they're a snap to assemble. —Ann Fuemmeler, Glasgow, Missouri
Quick Crunchy Apple SaladPair crunchy toppings with smooth vanilla in this apple salad with yogurt recipe. You'll love this creative combination! —Kathy Armstrong, Post Falls, Idaho
Cinnamon Blueberry French ToastI like to prep this in the evening, let it chill, then turn on the slow cooker. When we wake up in the morning. it’s done. It's low on effort and high on taste. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Lemony Fruit CoolerThis punch looks so pretty with all the colorful fruit floating in the bowl. It has a refreshing taste and is easy to put together. —Dawn Shackelford, Fort Worth, Texas
Fiesta Breakfast BakeI get a kick out of making breakfast for a crowd when I have weekend guests, and my family also loves breakfast for dinner. I created this dish by combining my family's favorite southwestern flavors in an all-in-one-pan recipe.—Whitney Gilbert, Smithville, Missouri
Orange Spiced Ham SteakI turn orange marmalade, mustard and just a hint of ginger into a glaze for ham that comes together super quick but feels exceptional. And that makes it perfect for when I’m entertaining brunch guests! —Connie Moore, Medway, Ohio
Denver Scramble TostadaMy tostadas feature the ingredients of a classic Denver omelet: ham, cheddar and green pepper. I also make a zesty Mexican version with chorizo and pepper jack and a Reuben with corned beef and Swiss. —Joi Sinclair, Atchison, Kansas
Breakfast TacosThis is a really simple, tasty breakfast. It has been a mainstay for our mornings together as a family. —Jo Ferguson, Arnold, Missouri
Artichoke Egg CasseroleThis is a great recipe for a brunch. I serve it with fresh stir-fried asparagus, a fruit salad and croissants. —Marilyn Moores, Indianapolis, Indiana
Raspberry Peach Puff PancakeHere's a simple, satisfying treat that's perfect when you have company for brunch. It's elegant enough that you can even serve it for dessert at other meals.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
French Toast SticksKeep these French toast sticks in the freezer for an instant filling breakfast. Their convenient size makes them ideal for a breakfast buffet. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Zucchini Ham FrittataThis frittata is so quick to make--it cooks in the microwave in just minutes! Add a red pepper garnish for a colorful look. —Mildred Fox, Fostoria, Ohio
Blueberry Crunch Breakfast BakeBlueberries in season make this a very special breakfast, but I find that frozen berries can work just as well. My grandmother used to make this with strawberries and I always loved to eat it at her house.—Marsha Ketaner, Henderson, Nevada
Originally Published: March 08, 2019
