Hello!

Whether you're celebrating Easter, observing Passover, or simply savouring the joys of spring (or autumn in the southern hemisphere), this time of year is all about fresh beginnings and gathering with friends and loved ones.

There’s nothing quite like a good catch-up over a relaxed weekend brunch. If you’re planning one anytime soon, I’ve got some deliciously simple ideas and recipes to help you make it extra special.

Tips For Hosting a Relaxed Brunch

Keep things as simple and stress-free as possible. Brunch should be a treat for the hosts as well as the guests.
Ask your guests to bring something for a relaxed, pot-luck style brunch. Whether it's a favourite dish, a fruit plate, some cheese and crackers or drinks, almost everyone likes to feel like they are contributing.
Choose a stand-out dish for your centrepiece like my Easy Vegetarian Quiche, Brie, Tomato and Basil Strata or even Blueberry French Toast Casserole for a sweeter option. Then build everything else around your centrepiece dish.
Choose one or two easy salad recipes for your side dishes. Add a fruit or cheese platter or some crudités and dip and you are nearly there! If you do go with the Blueberry French Toast Casserole, consider leaning into the sweeter theme with a fruit and cheese platter as your side dish or even an Easter "charcuterie" tray.
Make some muffins. The perfect quick and easy make-ahead option, a basket or two of gently warmed muffins on the table is always a welcome sight.
Consider a stand-out dessert to round everything out. Try my Pear and Ginger Cake (there's a gluten-free option too) or go all out with my Coffee and Almond Layer Cake.
Put some coffee on and set the mood with gentle background music. Scatter round a few floral arrangements (which can be as simple as a few stems in small vases dotted here and there) and dress the table with your favourite plates, glasses and cutlery. Mis-matched china and glass work really well in a brunch setting.

Deliciously Easy Easter Brunch Recipes

Crunchy French Bread Egg Pie

Perfect centrepiece dish with an almost crouton-like crust and fresh veggies in a creamy egg filling.

Get the recipe

Waldorf Salad

Crisp apples, crunchy walnuts and a delicious lemon spiked dressing make this classic salad a favourite

Get the easy recipe

Simnel Cake

Simnel Cake is a light and flavourful, easy to make fruit cake, a traditional Easter Cake the UK.

Recipe here

Chocolate Cupcakes

Cupcakes are never a bad idea! Customise this easy recipe by decorating with Easter eggs and jelly beans.

Get the easy recipe

Whatever you’re celebrating this weekend - or simply enjoying a slower morning or two —I hope these Easter brunch ideas and recipes inspire you.

Not feeling an Easter brunch? Try an Easter Afternoon Tea instead - perfect if you prefer to celebrate with a traditional roast Easter lunch.

Easter Afternoon Tea

Scrumptious cheese scones and lots of lovely cakes make up this yummy seasonal afternoon tea.

Get all the recipes

This week I'm...

Catching up on my writing and attempting some spring cleaning!

Links marked with an asterix (*) are affiliate links - If you purchase using these links I make a small commission. Your purchase price is unaffected.

Reading - a pre-publication copy of Dear Miss Lake*, the last in the Emmy Lake Chronicles, which I am thoroughly enjoying. Review coming soon! I'm also re-reading Little Women* by Louisa May Alcott. (affiliate links)

Watching - Property Brothers Celebrity IOU. I especially liked the episode with Goldie Hawn. Isn't she amazing?

Listening to - Manifest by Roxie Nafousi* - I'm a bit late to the party with this one, but so many of my friends have recommended it I just had to give it a listen. (affiliate link)

Wearing - I have always thought of blue as my signature colour, but more and more red is creeping into my wardrobe! How about you - do you have a signature colour? Please hit reply and let me know!

Whether you are celebrating Passover, marking Holy Week and celebrating Easter, or simply enjoying the start of a new season, I wish you a week full of blessings!

Thank you so much again for being a subscriber. Remember you can reply to this email with any questions, comments, suggestions or just to say hi. I love to hear from you.

Warmly,

April x