Tips to Plan a Last-Minute Easter Dinner

When Easter dinner plans fall through at the last minute, preparing a meal for the family can become stressful - especially when it falls onto the shoulders of one person. This is why it is important for everyone to help out, even if each person takes a small portion of the responsibility. It is possible to plan a last-minute Easter dinner when everyone comes together to help, whether you are planning for the small, immediate family or a large, extended family get-together.

Planning the menu

Keep the dinner menu as simple as possible. Plan it out and ask family members to each make one of your planned dishes, to avoid having a dinner menu made up of desserts. Of course, you will want to buy some type of meat (unless everyone is vegetarian) that doesn't require a lot of preparation; turkey and ham are safe choices. Just make sure it is thawed, unless you have several days to allow for thawing. If you do not have a lot of time to peel and mash potatoes, consider buying the instant potato mix and a box of stuffing mix. And frozen veggies, like corn and green beans, take only minutes to cook.

Preparing the night ahead

Some types of meat such as brisket can be prepared - marinated and even cooked - the day before Easter. Prepare as many of the dishes that can be prepared ahead of time. Desserts, like cake and pie, are always a good idea to make ahead, unless they need to be served fresh. And even these things can often be re-heated in the oven. Deviled eggs are simple to make, and they can be made the day ahead to save on time. Veggie trays, fruit salads: Throw them together, cover and refrigerate for the next day. Save the lettuce salads and other dishes that do not keep well for Easter day.

Decorating the table

Nobody should expect fancy table decor, especially when you are planning Easter dinner at the last minute. Focus on the food this year - that is the point of having family over for dinner, anyway. Keep it simple, with a pretty, colored table cloth or a vase of fresh flowers. Besides, the rest of the table will be covered with food. Here are some easy ideas to decorate your table for Easter dinner, from floral arrangements to fruit centerpieces. In just minutes, they will add a little color to help set the mood for spring.

Related Content
Tips to Plan a Low-Budget Easter Dinner
Make Your Own Easter Baskets from Recycled Materials
Easter Greeting Card Messages