Easter decor - get cracking with thes egg-citing buys

East Anglian Daily Times: Let rabbits rule in rooms Felt Hanging Egg Bunny Rabbit, �2.50, John Lewis. Picture: John Lewis/PALet rabbits rule in rooms Felt Hanging Egg Bunny Rabbit, �2.50, John Lewis. Picture: John Lewis/PA

Easter’s a time for celebrations, from egg hunts to gatherings of family and friends for a slap-up feast - and it makes the occasion even more special if you set the scene with some ‘spring-spired’ decor touches.

There are three key looks to choose from. Get down with the kids and opt for pretty pastels, with a generous helping of fluffy bunnies (rabbits rule this year) and chicks, or be inspired by nature (this season’s all about the outdoors bursting into life and colour). Alternatively, go grown-up with a sophisticated setting and simple, subtle touches, that just pay a nod to the festival.

With Easter celebrations almost as big a deal as Christmas now, there’s a brilliant selection of homeware and accessories to fill your nest with. Here are some of our favourites...

Let rabbits rule in rooms

East Anglian Daily Times: Easter Egg Hanging Decorations in wood, set of six, �18; Glitter Rabbits Decorations, Assorted, pack of two, �4; Foam Bird Easter Decorations, Assorted, �5 each, Felt Hanging Bunny Rabbit, �2.50; Easter Hanging Egg Decoration, Gold Stripe, �3.50; John Lewis. Picture: John Lewis/PAEaster Egg Hanging Decorations in wood, set of six, �18; Glitter Rabbits Decorations, Assorted, pack of two, �4; Foam Bird Easter Decorations, Assorted, �5 each, Felt Hanging Bunny Rabbit, �2.50; Easter Hanging Egg Decoration, Gold Stripe, �3.50; John Lewis. Picture: John Lewis/PA

Hop to it and make the Easter Bunny the star of the show. Add to the fun with a wall display of family photos and embellish each face with cut out paper rabbit ears, and a nose and whiskers. Let children create their own rabbit ‘burrow’ using a tent, or rig up a sheet draped over chairs for a den, where they can retreat and enjoy their egg-hunt hauls.

Follow the Scandinavian tradition and decorate tree branches, either gathered from the garden and sprayed white, or buy a ready-made Easter tree. Hobbycraft has Decorative White Twig Trees from £18 each that would be ideal for the task. Hang with tiny ornaments, from bunnies and birds, to eggs and chicks. Garlands and bunting will add to the atmosphere.

Conjure a blooming natural setting

Spring is all about waking up from winter’s dark days and welcoming new growth and life. Bringing nature-inspired elements into decor represents the season and Easter perfectly.

East Anglian Daily Times: Create a blooming natural setting Floral Easter Nest Decoration, Multi, �10, John Lewis. Picture John Lewis/PA PhotoCreate a blooming natural setting Floral Easter Nest Decoration, Multi, �10, John Lewis. Picture John Lewis/PA Photo

If the weather’s not co-operating and your garden’s bare, it’s still easy to conjure a fresh setting of blooms and foliage. Feature small hand-tied bunches of fresh flowers in vases or clear glass jars, or create a display with faux blooms hanging above a table as a focal point. Lay an artificial grass table runner down the centre as a finishing touch. Faux effects are so realistic now, it’s sometimes barely possible to distinguish them from the real thing.

Add to the theme with a table centre piece - either a pretty Easter wreath or faux birds’ nest, and a scattering of animal ornaments. Chickens & Carnations Placemats (£35 for set of four) and matching Chicken Coasters (£15 for set of four), from Thornback & Peel, would make a lovely addition.

Lay an egg-cellently elegant table

For a sophisticated setting, move away from pastels and cuteness and focus instead on a collection of beautiful eggs framed in a garland of seasonal flowers. Enhance the effect by tying a hanging egg decoration to the back of each chair with a name label attached, and add a couple of other tiny eggs beside the placemats, or in a bowl, for each guest.

East Anglian Daily Times: Lay an egg-cellently elegant table Swirly Bling Bunny Plate, edged in 22 carat gold, from �36 to �66, Rory Dobner. Picture: Rory Dobner/PA PhotoLay an egg-cellently elegant table Swirly Bling Bunny Plate, edged in 22 carat gold, from �36 to �66, Rory Dobner. Picture: Rory Dobner/PA Photo