The last time we were decorating trees it was Christmas. This, however, is an entirely different kind of tree – light, fresh and spring-like. And it’s very welcome after the dark days of January and February. For me, Easter is all about stepping into the light again – a gateway into warmer and more optimistic days. Oh, and maybe a chocolate egg or two.
I like to make an egg tree every Easter, using whatever comes to hand in my garden. Ideally, you want some twiggy bits, strong enough to hold heavier decorations, and some lighter green stems with a few buds or blossoms on them.
Easter is early this year, so my garden is still a little bare. I gathered some stems of flowering Kerria, a few bare twigs and some dried pussy willow I’d saved from last year. If you don’t have anything suitable in your garden try gathering some branches and twigs on a walk – or look at a market or a florist for some pussy willow.
I put everything in water in a large vintage pot with a narrow neck – which hold the sticks upright nicely. If you’re using a jug or bucket with a wider neck, try using some Oasis to keep your twigs and stems upright.
Once you’re happy with your twigs, decorate them with lots of hanging Easter decorations. Don’t overload it – I think it’s prettier when it’s quite simple and sparse (the very opposite to my approach to Christmas decorations). It should last at least a week, maybe even two. If you’ve chosen stems with buds, watch them unfurl as the time passes.
An Easter display is also the perfect time to get out one of my favourite vintage Ladybird books, What to Look for in Spring. And how perfect is this little spring posy, freshly picked from my garden? Grape Hyacinths are one of my favourites and I was thrilled to find a few hiding away in my flower bed.
Selected decorations are available in my new online shop:
Leaping rabbit (£2.50) / Rabbit egg (£1.50) / Vintage glass bottle (£2)
Styling the Seasons is a monthly styling series by Katy of Apartment Apothecary and Charlotte from Lotts and Lots. If you would like to join in with Styling the Seasons, then you can find more lovely images by searching for the hashtag #stylingtheseasons on Instagram and Twitter.
That’s so pretty. Just one foolish-sounding question: did you add water? xxxx
These are in water Ruth x
This is so pretty!! Someone a little down our road has one of these in their window at the moment and I have to say I’m quite jealous!! The kids have been asking for one too!! xxx
You should definitely have a go Kerry-Anne – any old twigs will do! xx
I’ve never bothered doing anything to celebrate Easter before, but this is so lovely it makes me want to! I love grape hyacinth, they’re so pretty. It’s odd – loads of other things in my garden are early but the grape hyacinth have been really late this year! I’ve got loads still to come through properly.
Congratulations on your shop launch too – just had a peek, I love those sugar mice! We had actual sugar mice as our wedding favours, I’m thinking those would be a lovely (more permanent) momento.
#HomeEtc
Thanks Katy! I’m so glad you like the little mice – I like to have mine on a shelf in my bedroom, reminding me of childhood sweetshops! x
Your display is so pretty. I don’t know why but pussy willow reminds me of my childhood, you don’t seem to see it around so much now. We decorate an Easter tree too but cheat and use a hobbycraft tree (our garden is still in hibernation atm). The leaping bunny is brilliant. Congratulations on opening your new shop. I hope it goes really well for you x
I know what you mean about pussy willow – I remember it used to be in people’s gardens a lot more. Perhaps it’s less popular now? Luckily they often have it on the flower stall at our local market x
We made one of these for the first time last year and it made me so happy! Yours is so cheery to look at and I love all the colours…and HUGE congrats on the launch of your online shop! xx
Thank you Esther! xx
Absolutely gorgeous, you’re so creative I’m in awe. This is so pretty and such a lovely way to celebrate Easter Xx
Thanks so much Lins! Making my egg tree is always one of my favourite things about Easter xx
Oh, this is gorgeous! I’m in love with your Easter tree and now wishing that I had made one. We’re not at home for easter so I have not put much effort in but isn’t it wonderful when you do? xx
Thanks Katy! x
I’ve been wanting to create something like this for the last 5 years and never manage to get round to it. This looks so simple and pretty! Gorgeous.
Thanks Suzanne! You’ll have to try it – all it takes is a few twigs! x
This is a gorgeous idea, Lizzie. I’m seeing so many lovely Easter projects and feeling totally inadequate at having zero decor in my house for the occasion. I think I might just little my bedroom in eater egg wrappers instead 😉 x
Thanks Rachel! Ha, my living room is actually covered in egg wrappers at the moment as I cracked open the mini Kinder eggs last night!
Oh this tree is just so stunning. As you say, so light and bright in contrast to our Christmas trees back in December. I have been meaning to put together one of these trees – though now I’m thinking maybe two of these instead. I want to have one where I let the kids go to town and decorate it up to their hearts desires, but then I would love one to look as smart one gorgeous as yours too! That little leaping rabbit is just too cute! Steph xxx #HomeEtc
Thanks so much Steph! I like the idea of two trees…I didn’t let my boys loose on my one, but I’m sure they’d love to have one of their own!
Love this, amazing idea and so pretty! And nice to celebrate Easter rather than in just eggs. Lovely 🙂 Thanks for linking up. Jess xx
#HomeEtc
Thanks Jess! x
Aaah it looks so lovely! We have an Easter tree too — but it;s a white twiggy one, covered in salt-dough decorations that the boys and I made last year. So nice to have an excuse to decorate the house again isn’t it? 😉 Hope to see you tomorrow from 6am on #HomeEtc
That sounds just perfect Caro! x