Experts Share 14 Practical Ways to Make Your Easter Holidays Memorable

As Nigerians prepare for the Easter holidays, lifestyle experts have outlined practical steps to help hosts organise seamless and enjoyable celebrations with family and friends.

The Federal Government has already declared Good Friday and Easter Monday as public holidays, setting the stage for gatherings across the country.

In a guide published on Thursday, planning professionals highlighted 14 simple strategies covering food, timing, décor and activities, aimed at reducing stress while enhancing the overall experience.

The report advised hosts to begin by deciding the format of the event, noting that brunch offers a more relaxed and flexible option compared to dinner gatherings. It recommended anchoring the menu around “one main dish” such as a casserole or frittata that can be prepared ahead of time and easily served to guests.

To complement the main dish, the guide suggested adding simple savoury sides and a standout dessert, while keeping the overall menu structure straightforward. It also encouraged setting up a self-serve drink station, allowing guests to help themselves and easing the host’s workload.

On timing, planners identified late morning as ideal, recommending an 11 a.m. start to strike a balance between preparation time and leaving the rest of the day open.

The report further emphasised preparation, urging hosts to handle most cooking and setup tasks the night before to minimise last-minute pressure. It also advised serving meals in stages, beginning with cold items before introducing warm dishes.

For engagement, especially among children, the guide proposed activities such as cupcake decorating and Easter egg hunts, suggesting that these be organised by age group to keep the experience fair and enjoyable.

On décor, experts recommended keeping things simple but effective, using flowers, pastel colours and minimal styling tricks to create an inviting atmosphere.

Finally, hosts were encouraged to adopt a structured potluck approach, assigning guests specific categories like “savory,” “sweet,” or “drinks” to avoid duplication and ensure variety.

The guide concluded that with thoughtful planning and simple organisation, hosts can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the celebration with their guests.