From Décor to Recipes, Here’s How to Host a Farmers Market-Inspired Easter Brunch

Spring has officially sprung and at our house, we’re looking for every opportunity to get outside and soak it up. As my thoughts turn to our family Easter celebration ahead, I’m planning the menu and a few decorative touches that lean into spring but aren’t so theme-y that we can’t enjoy them all season long (bye, bunnies.) We made the most of one of the first sunny weekends of the year by heading to the backyard for brunch—I decked out the table with pieces from Target’s spring collection in neutral shades with tons of texture. Scroll on for lots of Easter brunch ideas to inspire this year’s gatherings or to enjoy on any beautiful weekend with the people you love.

For this year’s Easter table, I embraced the idea of “natural simplicity,” layering on neutral pieces from Target that prove: simple doesn’t equal boring when there’s tons of organic texture and beautiful materials. Pops of pastels in layered linens and tableware bring in fresh spring color and speak to sunny days ahead, while a mix of dried, faux, and real botanicals speak to nature’s renewal.

Create an entrance that feels as fresh as spring

Spring is the perfect time to streamline and freshen up the entryway—it’s a small but mighty area of the home that often gets overlooked, yet it really sets the tone when anyone walks in the door. I decked mine top-to-bottom with several pieces I’m loving from Target. The goal? Make it warm and welcoming for guests, while being super functional for our family as we come and go throughout the week.

Shop this look: Threshold designed with Studio McGee – McGee Race Track Console Table, Threshold 22″x28″ Rattan Wall Mirror with Wrapping, Large Round Tapered Outdoor Storage Basket Banded in Two-Tone Variegated – Threshold designed with Studio McGee, Threshold Accent Lamp, Threshold Yellow Wildflower Stem, Marble Dish – Threshold with Studio McGee, Threshold Fresh Linen and Sea Salt Candle, Threshold Large Sandy Modern Vase, Threshold Wood Round Taper Holder, Cable Knit Chenille Throw Neutral – Threshold

My formula for an entryway that does it all

• Start with a beautifully-designed console table.
• Add a woven lamp or sconce.
• Place an interesting catch-all bowl for keys and other necessities.
• Hang a pretty mirror for last looks before heading out there.

Easy breezy.

Create a calm vibe with spring scents

Close your eyes and breathe in the fresh scents of spring wildflowers and seasonal produce. Are you feeling calmer already? I love to transport everyone who enters our home into a slower state of mind, and scent is the quickest way to do it. This Fresh Linen & Sea Salt candle from Threshold is a true breath of fresh air. I think of it as a shortcut to creating spring cleaning vibes (even when I haven’t had time to do a full clean!)

Take it outside

When the weather turns sunny, we soak it up by enjoying almost every meal on the back patio. There’s something about being outside that makes everyone want to linger and enjoy—it turns even a basic weeknight meal into one that feels more luxurious.

Shop this look: Dinner Plate 4pc White – Threshold designed with Studio McGee, Threshold Natrual Grass Wall Hanging, Threshold Landis Woven Backed Dining Chair with Cushion, Threshold Table Runner – Bold Floral, Flowering Thyme Potted – Threshold designed with Studio McGee, Flowering Rosemary Potted – Threshold designed with Studio McGee, Triangle Ficus Tree – Threshold designed with Studio McGee, Threshold Trailing White Flower, Threshold Tinted Tumbler, Threshold Small Scallop Plate – Yellow, Threshold Placemat – Ocal Jute, Threshold MiddleBourne Primitive Wood Ottoman, Oversized Square Textural Woven Pillow Cream – Threshold, Large Round Tapered Outdoor Storage Basket Banded in Two-Tone Variegated – Threshold designed with Studio McGee, Cable Knit Chenille Throw Neutral – Threshold, Lumbar Woven Textured Diamond Pillow Cream – Opalhouse, Threshold Wood Salt and Pepper, Threshold Mini Bowl Set White, Threshold Utensil Caddy – CF from C1/C2, Threshold Napkin 4pk – Floral

Shop this look: Threshold Warm Egg Filler, Threshold Cool Egg Filler, Wood Serve Bowl – Threshold designed with Studio McGee, Threshold Table Runner – Bold Floral

In keeping with my “natural simplicity” theme, I embraced a muted color palette and tons of texture when setting this table. A soft floral runner, seagrass placemats, and woven-backed chairs feel earthy and a little beachy, especially when surrounded by flowers and foliage that add lush, organic greenery. If you need me this spring, you can find me right here in my little slice of patio heaven.

Wild blooms that last

Freshly picked wildflowers are a sure sign of spring, especially when simply arranged in a casual pitcher or earthenware vase. Thanks to Target’s beautiful selection of faux florals this season, the arranging has been done for me—I love that these will stay beautiful on my table all season long.

A plant-based menu can be celebratory, too

My brunch menu was inspired by the farmers market at this time of year, bursting with spring’s freshest ingredients. And I’ll bet that most of my guests won’t even notice that this year’s Easter menu is vegetarian! It’s a feast for the eyes (and the appetite), and even meat-eaters will feel satisfied by this menu inspired by what’s in season. A nourishing meal centered on plant-based ingredients is one of my favorite ways to eat at this time of year—and I love sharing that with my family and friends.

Shop this look: Threshold Tinted Tumbler, Threshold Small Scallop Plate – Yellow, Threshold Placemat – Oval Jute, Threshold Table Runner – Bold Floral, Threshold Mini Bowl Set Blue, Threshold Mini Bowl Set Pink, Threshold Mini Bowl Set White, Threshold Wood Bowl, Threshold Carved Wood Tray, Dinner Plate 4pc White – Threshold designed with Studio McGee

Here’s what’s on my Easter brunch menu…

• Farmer’s Market Crudité with Good & Gather Dips
• Asparagus & Spring Pea Tart with Burrata
• Crispy Smashed Potatoes
• Carrot Cake Cupcakes
• Carrot-Orange Mimosas

You eat with your eyes first

For a crudité that really shines- let the colors of the season guide your hand in choosing the ingredients. Head to the produce section of your local grocery store, or better yet the farmer’s market, and choose vegetables that entice you with their color and raw flavor. We mixed classics like carrots, Persian cucumbers, and broccolini with colorful variations of radishes and endives to brighten both the plate and the palate. Give the vegetables a thorough rinse, slice in half, and arrange them over a small bed of fresh dill. Season them with a healthy sprinkle of olive oil, flaky salt, and serve with a side of flavorful dip from Good & Gather. Voila! Your crudité is now ready to delight your guests with the vibrant colors and flavors of Spring.

I paired them with a few favorite dips from Good & Gather: Everything Seasoned Cashew Dip, Spinach Artichoke Dip, and Jalapeño Avocado Hummus.

A very green, very spring tart

This Asparagus & Spring Pea Tart with burrata feels elegant and special occasion-worthy… but it’s surprisingly simple, thanks to a box of store-bought puff pastry that does the heavy lifting for me. The real secret here is the simple smashed pea spread that is so delicious you’ll want to eat it off a spoon, plus in-season asparagus that tastes like spring. A ball of creamy burrata is torn over the top just before serving, giving this tart a luxurious, decadent flavor that’s a feast for the senses.

Get the recipe for my Asparagus & Spring Pea Tart right here!

A sip of sunshine

Who says the Easter Bunny only brings treats for kids? If you haven’t ever tasted carrot juice, you’ll be surprised at how sweet and sippable it is—and it’s hard to imagine a more on-theme drink for the adults to enjoy while kids are busy hunting for eggs. To make this carrot-orange mimosa, just combine equal parts carrot juice, orange juice, and sparkling wine. It’s a low-alcohol, high-flavor cocktail that’s perfect for brunch, and you can’t beat that vibrant shade of orange. One of my favorite Easter brunch ideas that couldn’t be simpler? Garnish each glass with a long sprig of carrot top greens.

Shop this look: Threshold Serving Basket – CF from C1/C2, Medium Rectangular Outdoor Picnic Basket in Manmade Rattan and Hinged Top – Threshold designed with Studio McGee, Threshold Round Multiweave Rattan Tray, Lumbar Woven Textured Diamond Pillow Cream – Opalhouse, Oversized Square Textural Woven Pillow Cream – Threshold, Woven Stripe Throw Blanket Cream/Yellow – Threshold, Threshold Napkin 4pk – Floral, Threshold Kitchen Towel – Basketweave Amber, Women’s Balloon Long Sleeve Dress – Universal Thread™

Pack up a picnic for dessert

Though I love a seated meal on our back patio, there’s something about spreading a simple blanket in the grass that feels particularly festive this time of year. A pitcher of lemonade and a comfy blanket is all you really need to set the stage for a simple picnic setup that embraces the carefree vibe of the season. After brunch, we took things to the backyard for an epic Easter egg hunt. We stocked up on a few new baskets and filled a rainbow of eggs with festive candy. It was the perfect spot to enjoy some post-brunch relaxation, paired with super seasonal carrot cake cupcakes to satisfy our sweet tooth.

These carrot cake cupcakes scored high marks from our taste-testers, especially thanks to that delicious vanilla icing on top. And miraculously, they’re gluten-free and vegan so everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions, can indulge. Grab the recipe here and let us know if you give these a try.

Easter eggs in bloom

This is an Easter DIY that guests of all ages will love and the end result was so pretty—I almost want to keep them around all year. For this Easter Eggs in Bloom craft, we used papier mâché technique to apply fresh flowers, like daisies and poppies to eggs that are dyed using an egg dye kit from Target. Here’s how to do it:

Materials

• Fresh eggs
• Pin, needle, or nail
• Tape
• Easter Egg Dye
• Pressed flowers – these are best when pressed 2-3 weeks in advance and allowed time to dry out.
• Mod Podge or mixture or equal parts Elmer’s Glue and water
• paint brush

Instructions

1. Follow these directions to hollow out the eggs—I typically do it over the kitchen sink—and set aside to dry.
2. Once the eggs are dry, follow the instructions on Target’s kit to dye the eggs. For more earthy hues, use brown eggs. For brighter color, use white eggs.
3. Use the paint brush and Mod Podge/glue mixture to apply dried flowers to the dyed eggs. Use this on the backside of the flower to attach it to the egg, as well as on the face of the flower, to press the petals down and lacquer them in place. Continue brushing the Mod Podge/glue mixture onto the egg until smooth. Allow to dry.

Hope these Easter brunch ideas inspire you to gather your family and friends for a celebration, whether you go all out or keep it simple. It’s the perfect time to soak up the sun and welcome a new season.