Celebrate Easter this Sunday with a gorgeous gathering featuring the best of spring. Serve bright fresh pea soup and a luxurious rack of lamb, followed by a sweet-tart lemon curd layer cake for dessert. Read on for recipes and entertaining tips, then sit down to a memorable dinner with friends and family. Happy Easter!
Spring Pea Soup with Bacon Bread Crumbs This pea soup gets a flavor boost from a sprinkling of bread crumbs and bits of bacon. For a fun presentation, garnish with additional crispy bacon slices. |
Rack of Lamb with Herb and Mustard Crust Lamb is classic for spring, and our version is coated with a simple herb crust and Dijon mustard for extra flavor. Cut into double chops for serving. |
Potato Gratin with Leeks and Thyme This lightened up potato gratin calls for chicken broth instead of cream for a brighter flavor. |
Roasted Asparagus with Lemon A simple vinaigrette drizzled over roasted asparagus makes the perfect drizzle. Place additional lemon wedges on the platter for color (and an extra squeeze for those who want it). |
Lemon Curd Layer Cake With its light, delicate texture, this cake pairs perfectly with tangy lemon curd and a simple whipped cream topping. If you like, top with fresh berries. |
- 1 to 2 days ahead: Make the cake and lemon curd. Make the soup, cool, and refrigerate.
- Day of: Assemble the cake (add the whipped cream topping only shortly before serving). Assemble the gratin. Make the bacon and bread crumb topping for the soup.
- Just before serving: Top the cake. Bake the gratin. Roast the lamb and asparagus and finish. Reheat the soup and sprinkle with topping.
Creative presentation ideas make your table unique. Serve the soup in simple glass tumblers instead of bowls — you’ll add height to each place setting, and the bright green hue will pop.
Let pink and ivory flowers stand out by arranging them simply in a glass vase. For lighting, try a mix of high and low: tall, tapered candles and shorter votives. The contrast will create a beautiful ambiance.
A cheerful themed cake stand is the perfect serving piece for a dramatic layer cake. Since spring produce is so vibrant, choose white porcelain dinnerware with a touch of interesting detail.
If you’re keeping dinnerware and serving pieces simple, set the table with colorful napkins inspired by the holiday — think playful bunnies, bright hues and spring blooms.
Bring some of the day’s festivities to the dining table. Dyed eggs can become part of the decor with a sweet and complementary egg holder.