Weekend Entertaining: Elegant Easter Dinner

Celebrate the best of all things spring with an elegant sit-down dinner. Our sophisticated menu pulls out all the stops, starring classic leg of lamb, garden-fresh sides and a beautiful almond tart.

 

Set your table with timeless style, with our expert entertaining tips as your guide — small details will create a truly memorable occasion. Festive Easter egg-themed napkin rings and a textured pastel tablecloth set a luxurious scene for the meal, while candles in simple glass hurricanes enhance the mood. Complement the setting with simple, fresh flowers in white and yellow — they will add a lively touch.

 

Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Lemon Coated with an herb paste and roasted on the bone, this leg of lamb emerges exceptionally flavorful and offers plenty of meat to feed a crowd. Carve the lamb into thin slices and arrange on a warmed platter to make it easy for guests to serve themselves.

Roasted Potatoes with Sea Salt  Long, slow roasting in olive oil with a sprinkling of sea salt produces potatoes with a slightly crunchy skin and a creamy interior. Instead of using sage sprigs, you can substitute fresh rosemary. Arrange the roasted potatoes around the sliced lamb on the platter, garnishing with sprigs of herbs.

Roasted Asparagus and Morels with Shallot Butter  Thin, tender asparagus spears and savory morel mushrooms are both harbingers of spring — and thus perfect for a special occasion dinner. Simply place them on a platter to pass around the table; don’t spend too much time arranging them perfectly, as a more organic presentation feels more relaxed.

Italian Almond Tart  Finish the meal with a lovely tart featuring the rich flavors of almonds and a seasonal jam, such as raspberry or cherry. Serve slices on dessert plates after dinner; this recipe pairs perfectly with a warm cup of coffee.