An Easter Tree Is the Spring Decoration We All Need to See Right Now
Updated: May 10, 2022
We're happy to see that Christmas trees are branching out.
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At times like this, we could all use some Christmas cheer. Sure, the closest holiday is Easter, but does it matter? There’s never a wrong time to be in the giving, joyful spirit.
So perhaps it makes sense that one of Christmas’s most iconic decorations—the tree—isn’t just a December 25 thing anymore. We love the Easter trees that people are posting on Instagram right now!
What’s an Easter Tree?
OK, so Easter trees and Christmas trees are pretty different (but if you want to decorate a Christmas tree with Easter eggs, no one’s going to stop you). Christmas trees are usually upwards of 6 ft. tall, but Easter trees are way smaller—they’re a few branches in a vase—decorated with Easter eggs, ribbons and flowers. They’re cheerful, pastel and super cute.
Turns out, these adorable, pint-sized trees have been a thing for centuries in Germany (where they’re called Ostereierbaum) and Sweden. Today, they’re brightening up kitchen and side tables in homes around the world, and they’re so utterly perfect, we might just have to have more than one.
Looking for ways to decorate this Easter? Check out these ideas that’ll put a spring in your step.
How to Make an Easter Tree
One of the best things about the Easter tree is that it’s equally as easy to set up as it is adorable. The German tradition uses pussy willow branches, but you can probably go grab a few sticks from your backyard trees and plunk them in a vase—just make sure each one has enough “branches” to decorate.
From there, what you do is entirely up to you. Try hanging hand-painted Easter eggs for a personal touch (we love these decorating ideas!), or make your own reusable egg ornaments with no-fuss materials from a craft store. If you’re not feeling that creative, there are plenty of places to buy an Easter tree. No matter how you celebrate the springtime season, these adorable trees are bound to put a smile on your face.
Treats to Put Under the Easter Tree
Marshmallow Easter EggsI've been making these wonderful marshmallow Easter eggs for years. These candies are a big hit with marshmallow lovers. —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
Bird's Nest TreatsI make this birds nest recipe in the spring when the birds are starting to build their own nests. They are so easy to make and disappear just as fast. —Pam Painter, Poseyville, Indiana
Easter Lamb CakeMy grandmother started the tradition of making this traditional Easter dessert when I was little. We continue to make it every Easter. The memory is so special that I keep the lamb mold in my kitchen next to my cookbooks as a decoration. Make sure to grease and flour the mold really good so that the cake does not stick. — Debra Waggoner, Grand Island, Nebraska
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. One of our favorite Easter recipes, this cake is easy, but looks quite impressive. —Bethany Eledge, Cleveland, Tennessee
Peter Rabbit CakeWhen it comes to Easter cakes, you can't beat a bunny cake! Baked and decorated ahead of time, the coconut-topped cake makes an eye-catching fitting finale to any Easter feast. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Easter Nest TorteIn this delectable dessert, a luscious cake layer nestles rich mousse and chocolate "twigs." Your guests won't be able to get enough of this unique Easter nest cake recipe. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Coconut Egg NestsLooking for Easter treats that kids will enjoy assembling and eating? Try these sweet birds nest cookies. They're a snap to make and call for just a few ingredients. —Tonya Hamrick, Wallace, West Virginia
Rainbow StrawberriesDip fresh strawberries in melted candy-coated discs for easy Easter treats. Or get adventurous and make a unicorn. The creative possibilities are endless. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Marbled Orange FudgeThis decadent treat doesn't last long at our house. The Creamsicle flavor of this soft fudge brings on the smiles. Bright orange and marshmallow swirls make it a perfect takealong for events and get-togethers. —Diane Wampler, Morristown, Tennessee
Lemon Butter CookiesThese tender cutout cookies have a slight lemon flavor that makes them stand out from the rest. They're very easy to roll out compared to other sugar cookies I've worked with. I know you'll enjoy them as much as we do. —Judy McCreight, Springfield, Illinois
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 Gelatin CubesThese layered jello cubes are fun to serve and to eat! I vary the colors to match the occasion. Kids of all ages snatch them up. —Deanna Pietrowicz, Bridgeport, Connecticut
Spritz CookiesIt was a tradition to make these cookies with my grandmother every Christmas. Now my two daughters help me make them for the holidays.—Sharon Claussen, Wheat Ridge, Colorado
Originally Published: April 02, 2020
