Easter Planning Template with Menu Ideas for Hosting Easter
Planning Easter gatherings has always been one of my favorite ways to bring family together. Over the years, our celebrations have grown from small family dinners to bigger gatherings now that we have grandkids running around. Along the way, I’ve learned that having a simple plan for the menu, decorations, and activities makes hosting so much easier.
In this post, I’m sharing Easter menu ideas for brunch or dinner, along with an Easter planning template that helps keep everything organized. If you're hosting this year, these ideas can help you plan a relaxed and memorable holiday with family and friends.
How to Plan an Easter Gathering
Hosting Easter doesn’t have to be complicated. After years of planning family holidays, I’ve found that starting with a simple plan makes everything run more smoothly. First, decide whether you’re hosting brunch, lunch, or dinner so you can plan your menu. Next, make a short list of the dishes you’ll serve and any decorations or activities you want to include.
If you have kids or grandkids attending, planning a few fun activities like an Easter scavenger hunt or printable games can make the day even more special. Using an Easter planning template can help you keep track of the menu, shopping list, and party details so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the celebration.
Easter Menu Ideas

Plus, you can find and plan Easter crafts and activities for Easter via this post. Find tiered tray ideas for Spring and Easter.
Here are some recipe ideas for Easter: for a delicious and festive Easter menu. Plus, below, find out where to get a printable Easter planner and party planner templates to print and use.
Easter Menu Ideas for Brunch or Dinner
Appetizers
- Deviled eggs – Spicy Deviled Eggs and Avocado Deviled Eggs
- Bruschetta with tomato and basil
- This Broccoli Artichoke Dip! It is easy, serve it warm with French bread, crackers, or chips
- Antipasto platter with meats, cheeses, olives, and vegetables
- Appetizer Recipes
Main Course
- Honey glazed ham – Ham Recipes
- Roast leg of lamb
- Herbed Roast Beef
- Rib Eye Roast – Family favorite and so flavorful.
- Lasagna or Vegetarian lasagna 15 Family Favorite Recipes For Lasagna
- Quiche – 15 Easy Quiche Recipes To Make
Quiche is especially good when having an Easter brunch!
Side Dishes
- Scalloped potatoes
- Potato Salad
- Roasted carrots with honey and thyme
- Stuffed Artichokes
- Grilled asparagus with lemon and Parmesan
- Green bean casserole
Salads
- Spring greens with strawberries, feta cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette
- Caesar salad with homemade dressing
- Sweet Potato Pineapple Salad
- Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil
- 11 Pasta Salad Recipes
- Cucumber Beet Tomato Salad Family favorite!
Desserts
- Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting
- Lemon Curd Cupcakes
- Easter Bunny Cupcakes (These are easy Easter Bunny Funfetti Cupcakes)
Or these Bunny Butt Cupcakes + Baking Tips - Easy Jelly Bean Cupcakes or Jelly Bean Cake (easy) Small Jelly Bean Cake/Pinata Cake
- Chocolate Fudge: Easter Chocolate Fudge Recipe
- Strawberry Fudge
- Strawberry Desserts
- Find more desserts, icebox cake recipes, cookies, cakes, and treats here Baking Index
Beverages
- Sparkling wine or Champagne – 10 Pretty Prosecco Party Drinks
- Iced tea with lemon and mint
- Lemonade – Peach Strawberry Lemonade and Pineapple Lemonade are two of our favorites!
- Coffee and tea 18 Iced Coffee Recipes
- Drink Recipes
Quick Tips For Planning an Easter Gathering
Hosting Easter doesn’t have to be stressful. A little planning ahead can make the day feel relaxed, so you can enjoy time with family and friends.
Tip 1
Plan a Simple Menu
Pick recipes that are easy to make and some that can be made ahead of time. If possible, ask family to bring their favorite dish (brunch dish, side dish, or dessert).
Tip 2
Prep Ahead of Time
Plan and prep what can be done the day before. From setting the table to making casseroles, recipes, or desserts ahead of time.
Tip 3
Keep Kids Entertained
If children or grandkids are attending your Easter celebration, plan a few simple activities. Printable scavenger hunts, Easter games, coloring, or craft activities can help keep kids busy while the adults enjoy visiting.
Tip 4
Write Your Plan Down
Using a simple Easter planning template can help you organize the menu, shopping list, guest plans, and activities all in one place, so nothing gets forgotten.
Easter Planning Template to Help You Organize Your Celebration

If you enjoy hosting holidays, having a simple planning sheet can make everything easier. I created this Easter planning template to help organize your menu ideas, shopping list, guest plans, and other party details all in one place. It’s a helpful printable for anyone hosting Easter brunch, dinner, or a family gathering.
Get the Party Plan Template
Buy it now: Instant download after purchase, and ready to print the files.
I hope these ideas for Easter will help you plan a delicious and memorable Easter menu! Enjoy using the printable party planning checklist!
Fun Easter Activities for Kids
If you’re hosting Easter for kids or grandkids, adding a few simple activities can make the day even more fun. Printable games like an Easter scavenger hunt, Easter cootie catcher, or spring activity sheets are easy ways to keep kids entertained while the adults visit or finish preparing the meal. These types of activities can also become fun family traditions for Easter gatherings.
Optionally, we have a Spring Easter Printable Bundle that includes all these and more.
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Need something more detailed?
- Get this Party Planning Template (for Excel).
- Or this 5-Page Party Planner Printable – event planner.
You might like these ideas too!
- Spring Bucket List Printable
- Easter Crafts
- Looking for more entertaining ideas? InStyle Parties covers easy, elegant entertaining year-round. Preview the book.
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Helpful Pinterest Boards To Help You Plan Your Easter
- Easter Desserts
- Spring/Easter Crafts
- DIY Centerpieces and Tablescapes
- Breakfast and Brunch Ideas
- Dinner Recipes