Last Minute Easter Prep

Last Minute Easter Prep – Episode 341

Last minute Easter Prep made easy! If you are hosting an Easter celebration or joining one here are some things to remember to make your time memorable and fun. And, the best part it can be hassle-free and will save money and time.

Easter is a time when we rejoice and celebrate and commemorate the Lord’s death and Resurrection. Eggs symbolize new birth and for us, as Christian’s, it is a time of renewal of our faith and rebirth in a sense as well.

SO, how do we translate our faith into a celebration that the children will understand and remember for more than just the candy? We have a celebration!

I’ve hosted many of these and now my younger kids are grown up and sadly can’t join us as they are away in other states in college. While I’m sad for us, I’m happy they can spend it together. However, my “help” has dwindled down and that is why I am big on doing things way ahead. There are always last minute things to do. If you are a guest ask if you can arrive early to help. And be sure to volunteer to help clean up (without being asked!) Unless you know your host really does not want your help.

My secret has been keeping it simple. And, in reusing things from past celebrations and adding on as money or time permitted for crafts. For example, I use cloth napkins that are over ten years old and napkin rings. I also use paper napkins and have those out for use with appetizers, etc.t

Clothing:

Fancy clothes are nice and special but we rarely wear them more than one time and they tend to be more expensive.

Sewing is an option for those talented.
Dress up a simpler dress with jewelry or a pretty sweater.
Order online and return what you don’t like. Saves time and money, often online sources are cheaper than shopping in the stores.
Go to second-hand stores – great bargains for those with patience!
Outlet or discount stores

Decorations:

Create nice posters that commemorate the Lord’s resurrection – the March 2019 planner contains some you can print out that I’ve provided.
Have the children make a paper chain with strips of colored paper in pastels you can hand.
Use wildflowers and create a spring bouquet for the tables.
Colorful tablecloths and napkins

Delegate:

Everyone has a job – be sure they know what it is.
Guests want to help – the ones that don’t you’ll either know or they may surprise you!
Have a floater *typically spouse who can go where needed – on call.

Food – Keep it simple:

Casserole or roast – prepare ahead or in a slow cooker (or instant pot!)
Ready-made sides – or prepare and freeze
Allow others to bring something
Cake or cheesecake, brownies

Cleaning:

Start way ahead
Assign jobs – take out the trash, pick up items from the floor, etc.
Keep trash bags and cleaning cloths handy for spills
Set up tables or count number of chairs
Cups with lids for kids (use disposable insulated coffee cups with lids -insert straws)

Games for Kids – Basket of stuff for little ones –

Coloring books and my favorites are nonmessy – coloring markers that don’t make a mess “magic”
balloons (helium is a favorite) with weighted toys. – caution – ceiling fans!
Paper crafts – airplanes
Plain paper and coloring pencils
Plastic eggs with pennies or cheap toys
Kathleen’s store – trade in eggs for stuff

Older Kids:

Playoffs –

Checker game boards
Chess boards
Card games
Outside activates if weather permits

Food – Taken inventory

Make a list – what needs to be done this week?
1. Food shopping
2. Make ahead foods
3. Buy ahead foods and date – when (bread, etc.)
4. Cleaning
5. Table settings/ plastic plates?
6. Kid-friendly activities
What did you plan to make or take that you didn’t do yet?
1. Do you have time? If not buy prepared.
2. If so – make it and freeze it ahead.
3. If you are making it the day of – plan a schedule
Plan your menu with times to cook –what does in when? (Talk about lasagna – cold)
Appetizers – will you have any? If so are they easy to prepare ahead of time?

Worship

Church – the most important event is going to worship the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. Some churches have a late evening service the night before that goes on for hours – ours does with readings from Genesis through the birth and resurrection of our Lord – basically the salvation history. Others have a sunrise service or services during the morning.

Remember to begin the day with praise and prayer! He is Risen!!

This is a wonderful response ~

Ha!Ha! Thank you for this! I have already purchased our whole Easter meal this past weekend – two slices of ham steak (just need to be heated) and microwave everything – potatoes – sweet and regular – mac and cheese, and two frozen already made desserts! We will make deviled eggs out of our colored eggs and probably resurrection rolls out of canned crescent rolls 😉 Decided my family will enjoy this just as much because we never have this kind of food. We will be having a big breakfast at church – which my daughter and I are making homemade dishes for -that morning. A long time ago, I would have said: “Oh no – I can’t cook homemade for other people and then not do it for my family”. But I realize there will be lots more time for homemade for my family during the year when it isn’t a holiday and they will enjoy a happy mama more than the food 🙂 Thanks again! It really is about Jesus and not food!

Mistie