At Our (Easter) Table

One of my favorite things about holidays is having an excuse to go a little over the top with table settings. For Easter this year I wanted to create a simple brunch, with the special touches a holiday table deserves.

I've been waiting for the right occasion to feature the vintage enamelware dishes (similar here and here) I found at the Long Beach flea market a few months ago and the simple palette of this table setting was the perfect opportunity. Combined with vintage mismatched silverware, Fog Linen Work napkins, vintage milk glass mugs (similar here), and juice glasses from Anthropologie, the overall feel is fresh and not too feminine but still pretty.

These little eggshell planters were simple to create, and make a lovely gift for guests to take home. Once the weather is warm enough, they can be transplanted to the garden- eggshell and all. To stand an egg on end, without a visible holder, a large jump ring (used for jewelry and available at craft stores) placed under the center of the egg keeps it upright.

What would brunch be without cocktails? Taking advantage of all the citrus in season here in California, I dreamed up a breakfast version of my favorite drink- the Old Fashioned. Check back tomorrow for the recipe, as well as the full brunch menu.

To complement the rope wrapped vases I shared yesterday, a few lengths of cotton rope turned garland with a few knots, became a simple and affordable detail for both the table, and the dining room entry.

What are you planning for the holiday? I'd love to see how your table turns out- tag me on Instagram or Twitter, or post a photo to the G&H Facebook page.

{All photos, styling, and design by Danae Horst/Gather and Hunt}

DIY:Simple Spring Vases

Confession- Easter totally snuck up on me. For some reason I had been thinking it was in April, only to discover a little more than a week ago that it was in fact at the end of March. After a minor panic attack, I went into planning mode, knowing that whatever I choose for Easter posts, simplicity was key- for folks like me who didn't have much time to work on elaborate crafts and recipes.

I'll be sharing our Easter table tomorrow, and the menu and some easy recipes on Friday, but I thought I should start with the DIY- so you'll have enough time to make it for your Easter table if you want.

I've been really enjoying keeping things simple lately. With the arrival of spring, a clean and simple palette keeps things fresh for me, so I let that freshness inspire our table setting, and this easy rope wrapped vase (or candle holder).

For this project you'll need:

Empty glass vase or jar
Heavy duty cotton twine
Scissors
Safety pin
Hot glue gun

Begin by braiding three strands of twine together. The length of the strands will depend on how big your vase is, but you'll need about two times the circumference of the vase multiplied by the number of times you want to wrap it (sorry for the math-speak). I find it easiest to use a safety pin to anchor the braid to something sturdy. Braid as carefully as you can in order to keep the cord flat, rather than twisted.

Once you have a braided cord of the length you need, tie a knot at both ends.

Attach the cord to the vase with a small amount of hot glue and let cool. Don't worry if glue seeps out around the cord, you can either remove it when it's still warm, or cut it away with an Exacto knife later.

Begin wrapping the vase, pulling the cord as tightly as you can without dislodging the glued end. Wrap until you've reached the end of the cord. Secure the end with more hot glue. 

If you prefer to hide the ends, rather than have the knot showing, cut the knot off, apply the glue and tuck the end behind the cord above it to secure. 

There are a number of variations you could try with this projects as well: wrapping it with unbraided twine or a piece of cotton rope; covering the rope with sections of colored thread; using colored twine instead of natural; etc. If you try any of these, I'd love to see!

Once your vase is complete, use it however you fancy. I planted herbs and flowers in mine, which will serve as the centerpiece of our Easter table, then be transplanted outside in a few weeks.

As always, if you make this project, share your photos with me- tag me on Instagram (@gatherandhunt) or Twitter (@gather_and_hunt), or post it to the G&H Facebook page!