Williams Sonoma Style Easter Entertaining: A Guide to Elegant Holiday Hosting

Classic Spring Pastels

Soft blues, gentle pinks, and pale greens create a traditional Easter palette that feels sophisticated when used with restraint. Pair these colors with plenty of white and natural elements for balance.

Sophisticated Neutrals

Cream, taupe, and white with accents of natural greenery and perhaps a touch of gold create an understated elegance that lets your food and flowers take center stage.

Garden-Inspired

Botanical prints, moss accents, and a palette of greens and whites evoke a fresh garden feel that’s perfect for spring entertaining.

Refined Blue & White

A classic combination that feels especially fresh for spring, blue and white (particularly in porcelain patterns) creates a timeless backdrop for Easter entertaining.

Tablecloths & Runners

Start with a high-quality tablecloth in white, cream, or a subtle pattern. Belgian linen, damask, or jacquard weaves add texture and refinement. For a more casual look, a table runner over a wooden table creates warmth while maintaining elegance.

Napkins

Cloth napkins are essential for an elegant Easter table. Choose napkins that complement your tablecloth—either in a matching fabric or a coordinating color. Consider napkins with subtle embroidery or hemstitching for added detail.

Dinnerware

Williams Sonoma’s Easter tables often feature white porcelain as a base, sometimes layered with seasonal salad plates featuring subtle Easter motifs like bunnies, eggs, or spring botanicals. Their signature Famille Rose or damask bunny plates add a festive touch without being too casual.

Glassware

Crystal or high-quality glass stemware elevates any Easter table. Consider water goblets, wine glasses appropriate to your menu, and perhaps champagne flutes for a celebratory toast.

Floral Arrangements

Spring flowers are the perfect centerpiece for Easter. Consider arrangements of tulips, ranunculus, hyacinths, or garden roses in whites and soft pastels. For a Williams Sonoma look, choose a simple white ceramic container, silver urn, or clear glass vase rather than anything too colorful or themed.

Natural Elements

Incorporate subtle Easter elements like a nest of decorative eggs, small topiaries, or a scattering of moss. Williams Sonoma style favors natural materials over plastic or overly colorful decorations.

Candles

Tapered candles in elegant holders add height and ambiance to your Easter table. Choose candles in white, ivory, or a color that complements your palette. For daytime gatherings, they add a decorative element even unlit.

Layered Decor

Create visual interest by varying the heights of your centerpiece elements. A medium-height floral arrangement flanked by taller candles and smaller decorative elements creates an elegant composition.

Napkin Presentations

Consider a special napkin fold for Easter, such as a simple bunny ear fold. Alternatively, use elegant napkin rings—silver, rattan, or even a sprig of fresh herbs tied with thin ribbon—to add a refined touch.

Place Cards

Handwritten place cards add a personal touch to your Easter table. Choose simple white cards with elegant calligraphy, or for a seasonal touch, write names on decorative eggs placed in small egg cups.

Small Favors

A thoughtful favor at each place setting welcomes guests. Consider a small chocolate egg in a tiny nest, a miniature potted herb, or a beautiful cookie wrapped in cellophane and tied with ribbon.

Flatware & Serving Pieces

Polished silver or high-quality stainless flatware completes each place setting. Ensure you have appropriate serving pieces for each dish on your menu, preferably in styles that coordinate with your flatware.

Starters

• Smoked Salmon Canapés with Dill Cream
• Spring Vegetable Frittata with Fresh Herbs
• Asparagus Soup with Lemon Crème Fraîche

Main Courses

• Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb with Mint Gremolata
• Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken with Spring Vegetables
• Quiche Lorraine with Mixed Greens

Side Dishes

• Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce
• Spring Pea Salad with Mint and Ricotta Salata
• Scalloped Potatoes with Gruyère

Desserts

• Lemon Tart with Fresh Berries
• Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Rhubarb Compote
• Classic Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Welcome Drinks

Greet guests with a signature spring cocktail like an Elderflower Champagne Cocktail or a Cucumber Mint Spritzer. For non-alcoholic options, consider a Lavender Lemonade or a Spring Fruit Punch served in elegant glassware.

Wine Pairings

For an Easter menu featuring lamb, consider a medium-bodied Pinot Noir or Merlot. With ham, a slightly chilled Beaujolais or a crisp Riesling works beautifully. Always have sparkling water with lemon or cucumber slices available as well.

Serving Pieces

Invest in quality serving pieces that showcase your food beautifully. White porcelain platters and bowls let the colors of your food stand out. Silver or wooden serving utensils add warmth and elegance.

Garnishes

Simple, edible garnishes elevate presentation without appearing overdone. Fresh herbs, lemon zest, edible flowers, or a light dusting of powdered sugar on desserts add a professional touch.

Buffet Arrangement

If serving buffet-style, create visual interest by varying the heights of serving dishes using cake stands or decorative boxes covered with linens. Group complementary dishes together and ensure there’s a logical flow from starters to desserts.

Plated Service

For a more formal Easter dinner, consider plating the main course in the kitchen. Use the rule of thirds when arranging food—protein, starch, and vegetables balanced beautifully on warmed plates.

One Week Before

• Finalize menu and create shopping lists
• Order flowers or special ingredients
• Iron linens and polish silver
• Take inventory of serving pieces needed

Two Days Before

• Shop for non-perishable ingredients
• Prepare any dishes that can be made ahead
• Set the table (cover with a clean sheet overnight)
• Prepare flower arrangements

Day Before

• Shop for fresh ingredients
• Complete prep work (chop vegetables, measure ingredients)
• Prepare desserts and refrigerate
• Chill beverages

Day of Easter

• Complete final cooking according to timeline
• Arrange centerpiece and light candles
• Set up beverage station
• Take 30 minutes to relax before guests arrive

Entryway

Create a welcoming first impression with a simple seasonal arrangement in your entryway. A vase of spring branches, a wreath with subtle Easter elements, or a bowl of decorative eggs sets a festive tone without overwhelming.

Welcome Beverages

Have a drink ready to offer guests upon arrival. A tray of pre-poured welcome cocktails or champagne flutes allows you to greet everyone personally while immediately making them feel at home.

Ambient Elements

Consider all the senses when creating atmosphere. Soft background music, subtle spring-scented candles, and comfortable room temperature contribute to a pleasant experience. Dimmed lighting with candles creates a warm glow even for daytime gatherings.

Conversation Flow

If hosting guests who don’t all know each other, consider place cards that strategically seat people who will enjoy each other’s company. Have a few conversation starters in mind to help bridge any awkward moments.

Kitchen Organization

Prepare as much as possible in advance, and create a detailed timeline for last-minute cooking. Clear counters of unnecessary items to create workspace, and wash dishes as you go to prevent overwhelming cleanup later.

Serving Strategy

Decide in advance how you’ll serve—plated, family-style, or buffet—and prepare accordingly. For buffets, consider having a helper plate desserts while you clear dinner dishes to maintain momentum.

Accommodating Children

If children will be present, create a special table with age-appropriate place settings and perhaps a simple activity like Easter coloring sheets or a small craft. Serve child-friendly versions of your menu items to make them feel included.

Graceful Recovery

Even with perfect planning, small mishaps occur. Keep a stain removal pen handy for spills on linens, have extra serving pieces available, and remember that your calm response sets the tone—most guests won’t notice small imperfections.